South Korea

• Many universities offer English-track programmes as well as Korean-taught ones.
• At accredited universities, students with good Korean (TOPIK) can work up to 30–35 hours on weekdays, with no limit at weekends and in vacations.
• There are two intakes a year, in March and September.
• Science and technology master's and PhD graduates may apply for residence through the K-STAR track, even without a job offer.

Teaching language

Korean; many universities offer English-track courses and programmes. Korean-taught programmes usually ask for TOPIK, and English tracks ask for TOEFL or IELTS.

Intakes

Spring semester starts in March and fall semester in September. Applications usually close about 5 months ahead; for example, Yonsei's international graduate applications for March 2027 ran from 7 to 14 October 2026.

Bachelor's

Usually 4 years

Master's

Usually 2 years (at least 4 semesters)

PhD

At least 2 years (4 semesters) of coursework after a master's, plus a dissertation; integrated master's–PhD programmes take at least 3 years (6 semesters)

Apply directly to each university's international admissions office, usually about 5 months before the semester. You usually need diplomas and transcripts, proof of Korean (TOPIK) or English, and a financial statement. Once you are admitted and pay tuition, the university issues the Certificate of Admission you need for the visa.

The Certificate of Admission (standard admission letter) is an official document approved by the Ministry of Justice and issued by your Korean university, usually with its business registration certificate, which you take to a Korean embassy or consulate to apply for a D-2 student visa.

1. 1

   Step 1: Apply to a Korean university

   Apply through the university's international admissions office, following its own deadlines and document list.

2. 2

   Step 2: Pay tuition and get your certificate

   After you are admitted and have paid your tuition, the university issues your Certificate of Admission and a copy of its business registration certificate. Some universities issue the certificate only during a set period before the semester, so watch for their instructions.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
3. 3

   Step 3: Prepare your visa documents

   You typically need your passport, the visa application form, a photo, the Certificate of Admission, the university's business registration certificate, your latest diploma or certificate of education, and proof that you can pay a year of tuition and living costs. Nationals of certain countries also need a TB test report, and the embassy may ask for more documents.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
4. 4

   Step 4: Apply for your D-2 visa

   Apply at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country before you enter Korea, leaving enough time to get your visa before the semester starts. When you receive it, check the visa category and expiry date, and ask the embassy to correct any mistake.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
5. 5

   Step 5: Register for your residence card

   Within 90 days of arriving, apply in person for a residence card (alien registration) at the immigration office for your area, booking a visit through HiKorea. Bring your application form, passport, photo, proof of residence and a certificate of enrolment; your fingerprints are taken and late registration may lead to a fine.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
6. 6

   Step 6: Report any change of address

   If you move within Korea, report your new address within 15 days at an immigration office, your district office or online through HiKorea.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)

Visa

D-2 student visa

Apply at a Korean embassy or consulate with your passport, application form, photo, the Certificate of Admission and your university's business registration certificate, your diploma and a bank statement covering a year of tuition and living costs (the amount depends on your university; for example, Seoul National University asks for KRW 20,000,000 in 2026). Nationals of 35 countries, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, also need a TB test report. After arrival you must register for a residence card within 90 days.

While you study

You need permission from immigration before you start work. At accredited universities (rules revised on 1 September 2025), bachelor's students may work 10 hours a week, or up to 30 hours on weekdays with no limit at weekends and in vacations if they meet the Korean level (TOPIK 3 in years 1–2, TOPIK 4 in years 3–4). Graduate students may work 15 hours a week, or 35 hours on weekdays with no weekend or vacation limit with TOPIK 4, and you need a GPA of at least C (2.0) in the previous semester.

After you graduate

K-STAR visa track: science and technology master's and PhD graduates of Korean universities can apply for resident (F-2-7S) status on their university president's recommendation, even without a job. Your D-2 status ends 30 days after graduation, and you need the right visa before starting a job; check HiKorea for other options, such as the job-seeker (D-10) visa.