What is the difference between a D-2 and a D-4 visa?

The D-2 is for degree programs at accredited universities (associate, bachelor's, master's, PhD). The D-4 is for non-degree study, mainly university-affiliated language institutes. If you're enrolling in a full degree, you need the D-2.

How much money do I need to show for a Korea student visa?

You must prove you can cover tuition and living costs, usually with a bank balance certificate. The required amount is set by immigration and is adjusted periodically, so confirm the current figure with your university or on HiKorea before you apply.

Can I work on a D-2 student visa?

Yes, but only after you obtain a part-time work permit from immigration, and within the weekly hour limits tied to your study level and grades. Working without that permit can jeopardize your status.

How long does a D-2 visa take to process?

Consular processing is commonly a few weeks after you submit a complete application, but timelines vary by embassy and season. Apply early — well before your program start date — to avoid delays.

Can I switch from a D-2 to a work visa after I graduate?

Yes. Many graduates change to a job-seeking visa (D-10) or a work visa such as the E-7 once they have an offer. Planning the switch before you graduate makes the transition smoother.

Do I need to get an Alien Registration Card?

Yes. If you stay longer than 90 days you must register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at your local immigration office after you arrive, typically within 90 days of entry.

Korea Student Visa (D-2): The Complete 2026 Guide

If you're planning to earn a degree in South Korea, the student visa (Korea D-2) is the status you'll need. It lets international students live in Korea and study full-time at an accredited university for the length of their program. This guide walks through who qualifies, the documents you'll prepare, how the application works, what it costs, and what to do after you arrive.

For a quick overview of every study option and to ask a specific question, see our study visa consulting page.

What is the D-2 student visa?

The D-2 is a long-stay visa for people enrolled in a degree program at a Korean university — associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral. It covers stays longer than 90 days and ties your legal status to your enrollment: as long as you remain a registered student in good standing, you can renew it until you graduate.

It's different from the D-4, which is for non-degree study such as university language institutes (한국어학당). A simple rule of thumb:

Enrolling in a full degree? → D-2
Studying Korean or another short course first? → D-4 (you can often change to D-2 later)

Who qualifies (eligibility)

To be approved for a D-2, you generally need to:

Hold an admission offer from a Korean university recognized by the Ministry of Education.
Show you can fund your studies — tuition plus living expenses — usually via a bank balance certificate or a scholarship award letter.
Meet the program's language or academic requirements (for example, a TOPIK level or English-program proof, depending on the course).
Have a valid passport and a clean immigration record.

Requirements can vary by university and by the Korean embassy handling your case, so always cross-check your school's international office instructions.

Required documents

Exact checklists differ slightly by consulate, but almost every D-2 application includes:

Document	Notes
Visa application form + photo	Standard passport-style photo
Passport	Valid well beyond your program start
Certificate of Admission	Issued by your Korean university
Standard Admission Letter / 표준입학허가서	University applies for this on your behalf
Proof of finances	Bank balance certificate or scholarship letter
Academic records	Diplomas/transcripts, sometimes apostilled
Certificate of enrollment or business registration of the school	Provided by the university

Some embassies also ask for a tuberculosis (TB) test, a study plan, or family/relationship documents. Get the definitive list from your embassy's website.

Step-by-step: how to apply

Get admitted and ask your university's international office for the Standard Admission Letter and document checklist.
Prepare your documents, including a bank balance certificate that meets the current threshold.
Book and submit your application at the Korean embassy or consulate for your region (some locations use an application center or online portal).
Pay the visa fee and keep your receipt.
Wait for processing, then collect your visa or e-visa.
Enter Korea before the visa's validity expires and start your program.

Cost, processing time, and validity

Fees are modest and depend on your nationality and whether the visa is single- or multiple-entry; your consulate lists the current amount. Processing usually takes a few weeks, but it can be longer around semester start, so apply early.

A D-2 is typically issued in line with your program and renewed each year (or each semester) at your local immigration office as long as you stay enrolled and maintain adequate attendance and grades.

After you arrive: ARC, extensions, and working

Alien Registration Card (ARC): If you'll stay over 90 days, register for an ARC at your local immigration office after arrival. It's your official ID in Korea and you'll need it for a phone plan, bank account, and more.
Extensions: Apply to extend your stay before your current period ends — don't wait until the last day. Book your immigration appointment on HiKorea in advance.
Working part-time: D-2 students can work part-time only after receiving a work permit from immigration, within the hours allowed for your level. Keep your grades up — permits and hour limits are tied to academic performance.

Planning ahead: from student to work visa

A lot of students want to stay in Korea after graduation. The common paths are the job-seeking visa (D-10) while you look for work, or a work visa like the E-7 once you have an offer. If long-term residence is your goal, it's worth mapping the route early — see our residence and PR guide.

How Langle can help

Visa paperwork is where good applications go wrong — a missing certificate or an out-of-date financial figure can cost you weeks. Langle's visa consultants can:

review your documents before you submit,
confirm the current financial and eligibility requirements for your case, and
help you plan the D-2 → work-visa transition for after graduation.

Start with a free consultation on our visa consulting page.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Korean immigration rules and figures change; verify the current requirements on HiKorea or with a qualified consultant before you apply.