South Korea Student Visa 2026: D-2 and D-4 Requirements
South Korea issues two visas for study. The D-2 is for degree programmes and the D-4 is for non-degree training, including Korean language courses at a university institute. Both are applied for at a Korean diplomatic mission, with an admission letter from the school. This guide sets out the visa types, how long each lasts, the documents, the fees and the first steps after arrival, from Study in Korea, the government's portal for international students, and from the Korea Visa Portal and Hi Korea, as read on 14 October 2026.
Quick answer
The D-2 visa is for degree programmes at associate level or higher and allows a stay of up to 2 years per issuance. The D-4 covers non-degree training such as Korean language study. You submit the application form with the school's Standard Admission Letter, proof of your highest education level and proof of financial ability. The visa fee is approximately $60 USD for a single-entry visa of 91 days or more. After arrival you must complete alien registration within 90 days. Study in Korea estimates average living expenses at 750,000–1,000,000 KRW a month.
The two student visas
| Study (D-2) | General Training (D-4) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Those pursuing regular courses at institutions offering associate degrees or higher, or engaging in specific research | Those taking part in training or research at institutions other than those qualified under D-2 |
| Sub-types | D-2-1 associate degree, D-2-2 bachelor's, D-2-3 master's, D-2-4 doctoral, D-2-5 research, D-2-6 exchange students, D-2-7 work-learning linked study | D-4-1 Korean language training, D-4-2 foreign language training |
Hi Korea describes D-4 as covering those studying Korean at a university-operated language institute. Study in Korea adds a limit: if a trainee receives compensation exceeding living expenses from the training institution, another visa type has to be obtained.
How long you can stay
The D-2 visa allows a stay of up to 2 years per issuance, with extensions that depend on the programme.
| Programme | Maximum after admission |
|---|---|
| Associate degree | Up to 3 years, or up to 4 years for 3-year programmes |
| Bachelor's degree | Up to 6 years, or up to 7 years for 5-year programmes |
| Master's degree | Up to 5 years, or up to 6 years for 3-year programmes |
| Doctoral degree | Up to 8 years |
An extension of stay is applied for between 4 months before the expiry date and the expiry date itself, at the immigration office with jurisdiction over your residence.
Documents
| Study (D-2) | General Training (D-4) |
|---|---|
| Copy of passport | Copy of passport |
| One passport-size photo, taken within the last 6 months | One passport-size photo, taken within the last 6 months |
| Copy of the educational institution's Business Registration Certificate | Copy of the educational institution's Business Registration Certificate |
| Standard Admission Letter, issued by the university president or dean | Standard Admission Letter |
| Proof of highest education level | Certificate of enrolment or proof of highest education level |
| Proof of financial ability | Proof of financial ability |
| Tuberculosis test result, if applicable | Training plan |
| Documents proving family relationship, only if parents' bank statements are submitted |
Study in Korea notes that additional documents may be required depending on the programme and your country, and tells applicants to check with the Korean diplomatic mission in their country before applying.
How to apply
- Get admitted and receive the Standard Admission Letter from the school.
- Submit the visa application form and documents to the head of a Korean diplomatic mission abroad: an embassy, consulate general or representative office.
- Or use the confirmation route. The Korea Visa Portal lists Student (D-2) and Korean Language Trainee (D-4-1) among the statuses for which an inviter in Korea can apply online for a Confirmation of Visa Issuance. It is valid for 3 months, and you then apply at the embassy with its number.
- Pay the fee and wait for the review.
- Enter Korea and register.
The review checks that you hold a valid passport, are not subject to an entry ban, are eligible for the visa type, have a valid purpose of entry consistent with it, and show intent to return home within the permitted stay.
Fees
| Visa | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-entry, stays of 90 days or less | Approximately $40 USD |
| Single-entry, stays of 91 days or more | Approximately $60 USD |
| Valid for up to 2 entries | Approximately $70 USD |
| Multiple-entry with no entry restrictions | Approximately $90 USD |
The Korea Visa Portal gives the same four figures and adds that fees may be applied differently under reciprocity or agreements, and are not refundable if the application is denied.
After you arrive
- Alien registration: foreign nationals planning to stay for more than 90 days must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry. The fee is 30,000 won.
- Reporting changes: Hi Korea lists a change in the organisation a D-2 or D-4 student belongs to among the changes that must be reported to the immigration office within 15 days.
- Health insurance: the National Health Insurance Service says any foreigner who has stayed in Korea for over six months is subject to mandatory subscription to health insurance, and lists D-2 and D-4 among the applicable visa types.
Part-time work
Part-time work needs permission. Hi Korea states that foreigners seeking to carry out activities beyond the limits of their current status must receive permission before engaging in the activity, and gives a D-2 student seeking a part-time job as its example. The application is made to the local immigration office before you start.
What student life costs
Study in Korea publishes these monthly estimates for international students.
| Item | Estimated cost, one month |
|---|---|
| Housing | 500,000–700,000 KRW |
| Food | 200,000–300,000 KRW |
| Transportation | 50,000~100,000 KRW |
| Other, including mobile phone, internet and health insurance | 100,000~200,000 KRW |
| Average living expenses, total | Approx. 750,000–1,000,000 KRW |
The portal notes that dormitory fees vary with the number of occupants and whether meals are included, and gives 5,000–15,000 KRW for one meal at a university cafeteria.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a D-2 and a D-4 visa?
D-2 is for international students enrolling in degree programmes at associate level or higher. D-4 is for non-degree programmes and training, including Korean language training (D-4-1).
What documents do I need for a Korean student visa?
For D-2: a copy of your passport, one photo, a copy of the school's Business Registration Certificate, the Standard Admission Letter, proof of your highest education level and proof of financial ability, plus a tuberculosis test result if applicable.
How much is a South Korea student visa?
Approximately $60 USD for a single-entry visa for stays of 91 days or more, and approximately $90 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
How long can I stay on a D-2 visa?
Up to 2 years per issuance. With extensions, the limit is up to 6 years after admission for a bachelor's degree and up to 5 years for a master's degree.
Can international students work part-time in Korea?
Only with permission. A D-2 student seeking a part-time job must obtain permission from the immigration office before starting.
Do students have to register in Korea?
Yes. Foreign nationals planning to stay for more than 90 days must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry.
How much does it cost to live in Korea as a student?
Study in Korea estimates average living expenses at approximately 750,000–1,000,000 KRW a month, of which housing is 500,000–700,000 KRW.
Official sources
- Study in Korea, National Institute for International Education — Student visa and stay status
- Study in Korea — Living costs and expenses
- Hi Korea, Korea Immigration Service — Study, more than 91 days
- Hi Korea — Activities not covered by the current status of stay
- Hi Korea — Extension of stay
- Hi Korea — Obligations to report
- Korea Visa Portal — e-Visa and Confirmation of Visa Issuance
- Korea Visa Portal — Visa application fees
- Korea Visa Portal — Entry procedure and alien registration
- National Health Insurance Service — Guidance for foreigners
All figures verified against the official pages above on 14 October 2026. Living cost figures are Study in Korea's estimates. Document requirements vary by country and programme, so confirm them with the Korean diplomatic mission where you apply. Tuition fees are not covered here. Information, not legal advice.