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D-2

유학 (D-2)

Student (D-2)

Student visa for regular programs at Korean universities and graduate schools.

Study
Validity

A maximum of 2 years per instance (for the research program D-2-5, the maximum duration per instance is 1 year, and the total duration cannot exceed 2 years).

Processing Time

Varies (typically 5-10 business days)

Application Fee

Varies (please consult with the embassy or consulate)

Subcategories

D-2-1

전문학사과정

전문대학 전문학사 과정 유학생

D-2-2

학사과정

대학교 학사 과정 유학생

D-2-3

석사과정

대학원 석사 과정 유학생

D-2-4

박사과정

대학원 박사 과정 유학생

D-2-5

연구과정

학위과정 외 특정 연구 수행

D-2-6

교환학생

학위가 부여되지 않는 교환학생

D-2-7

일-학습연계 유학

전문분야 연계 인턴 포함 유학과정

D-2-8

방문학생

방문학생 과정

Eligibility Requirements

  • Foreigners who wish to pursue regular courses of education or research at universities or affiliated language institutes that meet the requirements set by the Minister of Justice.
  • Activities of receiving formal education or conducting specific research at educational institutions or academic research institutions established under the Higher Education Act and special laws, at the level of a junior college or higher.

Required Documents

  • 1Application form
  • 2Passport and copies
  • 3Standard Size Photo
  • 4Commission
  • 5Standard Admission Permit
  • 6Copy of the business registration certificate of the educational institution
  • 7Documents proving educational requirements
  • 8Proof of Financial Capability
  • 9Proof of Residence Documents
  • 10Transcript of Previous Course (Attendance) Certificate
  • 11A copy of the academic certificate issued by the National Institute for International Education or the university (notarization not required)
  • 12Documents proving family relationship
  • 13Transcript or Attendance Certificate
  • 14Proof of Korean/English Language Proficiency
  • 15Part-time Employment Verification Certificate
  • 16Copy of Business Registration Certificate
  • 17Copy of Employer's ID
  • 18Standard Employment Contract
  • 19Certificate of Enrollment (Withdrawal) or Certificate of Disenrollment
  • 20Transcript
  • 21Standard Admission Permit for Transfer School
  • 22Korean Language Proficiency Documentation

Extension & Renewal

Considering the academic schedule, the approval is based on the end of March or the end of September, with a maximum stay limit in place (3 to 4 years for an associate degree, 6 to 7 years for a bachelor's degree, 5 to 6 years for a master's degree, and 7 to 8 years for a doctoral degree).

Living Guide: Important Information

Benefits & Exemptions

  • +
    Students enrolled in excellent accredited universities and accredited universities, with an average grade of C or higher
    Financial proof documents can be omitted, with a maximum stay period of 2 years granted per entry.
  • +
    Re-entry
    Exemption from re-entry permit when re-entering within one year after departure

Restrictions

  • !
    Exempted educational institutions (distance universities, lifelong education institutions, vocational training courses at technical colleges, some night universities and graduate schools)
  • !
    Restrictions on changing the status to study (D-2) for non-professional employment (E-9), seafarer employment (E-10), and refugee applicants (G-1-5)
  • !
    Restrictions on regular academic programs and allowable scope by country for tourism employment (H-1) (Australia, Taiwan, Ireland, Denmark, Canada, Hong Kong)
  • !
    Restricted fields for part-time employment (E-1 to E-7 professional fields, manufacturing, construction, maritime employment sectors, etc.)
  • !
    Restrictions on the activities of special types of workers (delivery drivers, riders for delivery service companies, etc.)
  • !
    Restrictions on employment through dispatch, subcontracting, and brokerage
  • !
    Remote Work Restrictions
  • !
    Criteria for Punishment of Violators of Part-time Employment Permit (Unauthorized Employment, Violation of Permit Conditions)
  • !
    Restrictions on Changing Residence Status (Some G-1, Principle Restriction for Short-Term Residents)
  • !
    Restrictions on changing the status of short-term stay (B, C series) by country and visa type
  • !
    Restrictions on residence permits for participants in evening and weekend classes
  • !
    Reasons for restrictions on changing schools (violators of immigration laws, overstayers, insufficient Korean language proficiency, expelled students, those moving to lower-level courses, etc.)
  • !
    Restriction on extension of stay for students at universities with strengthened visa review who do not meet the academic performance criteria

Exceptions & Special Conditions

  • Non-professional Employment (E-9), Seafarer Employment (E-10), Asylum Seeker (G-1-5)
    You may engage in study activities without separate permission; however, it is not possible to change your status to D-2 within the country after the expiration of your stay (a visa issuance is required after departure).
  • Research Study Abroad (D-2-5)
    The total duration of stay must not exceed 2 years.
  • Leave of Absence (Personal Reasons, Insufficient Credits)
    Restrictions on Extension of Stay Period

Procedures

Extension

Considering the academic schedule, permits are granted based on the end of March or the end of September, with a maximum stay limit in place (3 to 4 years for an associate degree, 6 to 7 years for a bachelor's degree, 5 to 6 years for a master's degree, and 7 to 8 years for a doctoral degree).

Status Change

Long-term residents may change their status within the country, while short-term residents are generally restricted from doing so (with some exceptions).

Workplace Change

Prior approval is required when changing workplaces for part-time employment.

Accompanying Family

Spouses (F-3) are allowed to engage in activities outside of their residence status according to separate guidelines.

Source: Official Immigration Guidelines

Ready to Apply?

Visit the official Korean immigration website to submit your application.

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Important Notice

This information is for reference only. Visa requirements and procedures may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. Always verify with official sources before applying.

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