South Korea Student Visa: D-2 and D-4 Guide

A South Korea student visa must match the program shown in the admission documents. Degree students generally use a D-2 category, while many non-degree training routes use D-4.

The university or language institute provides admission evidence, but the Korean embassy, consulate, or immigration authority decides the visa. Requirements can vary by mission and nationality.

Choose the correct visa category

Study in Korea lists D-2 subcategories for degree, research, and exchange study. D-4 covers forms of general training such as Korean language study.

• D-2-1 for associate degree study.
• D-2-2 for bachelor’s degree study.
• D-2-3 for master’s degree study.
• D-2-4 for doctoral degree study.
• D-2-5 for research.
• D-2-6 for exchange students.
• D-4-1 for Korean language training.

Student status must correspond to the admitted program. D-2 and D-4 cover different forms of study, so speed or price is not a valid reason to choose the wrong category.

Common application documents

• Valid passport and visa application form.
• Recent photograph.
• Certificate of admission.
• Proof of the institution’s registration when requested.
• Academic records and highest degree evidence.
• Financial evidence.
• TB or medical documents where the mission requires them.

The Korean mission may request more than the university admission package. Financial proof, academic records, translations, legalization, and medical documents can vary by nationality and application post.

Application process

1. Accept an official admission offer.
2. Confirm the exact visa code with the institution.
3. Check the responsible Korean mission’s document list.
4. Prepare translated or legalized records when required.
5. Submit the application and wait for a decision before travel.

Do not rely on a universal checklist copied from another country. The responsible mission can require additional documents.

Residence registration and part-time work

Students planning to stay longer than 90 days generally need foreign resident registration within 90 days of entry. Ask your university about the appointment and required documents.

Part-time work is not automatic. Eligible D-2 and D-4 students need immigration permission before starting. Allowed jobs and hours depend on their status and conditions. Check with the international office and Hi Korea first.

Language-track applicants can preview beginner study through the “Yonsei Korean language course”.

Graduates considering employment after study can compare “Korea work visa options”.

Family members visiting a student can start with the “South Korea tourist visa overview”.

Campus and living-cost decisions are easier with the “best student cities in South Korea”.

Fees and processing times

Check the current fee with the mission or authorized visa center. The amount can vary by nationality, visa type and entry option. A service charge may be separate.

There is no single processing time for every application. Allow time for appointments and extra document requests. Avoid non-refundable travel while the decision is pending.

Important checks before submission

Before submission, check your passport and the mission handling your application. Confirm the appointment, fee and processing estimate. Do not make inflexible travel plans while the student visa is undecided.

Save the admission certificate, academic records, financial proof, visa application, and result. Bring the documents requested by the university for residence registration after arrival.

Financial evidence and accommodation

Student financial evidence should cover tuition and living expenses for the relevant route. A sponsor may need identity, relationship, support, and bank documents in the form required by the mission.

Use the dormitory confirmation, lease, or temporary address that matches the arrival plan. Report a later address change within the immigration deadline that applies to the student.

How to avoid common visa problems

• Use the same spelling and order of names on every form.
• Choose the category that matches the real purpose of entry.
• Submit complete translations when the mission requires them.
• Explain any study, work, or travel gap honestly.
• Check whether the visa grant notice must be printed.

Education agents may assist with paperwork, but they cannot guarantee a D-2 or D-4 decision. Verify disputed instructions with the university, Korean mission, or Hi Korea.