Study in Korea Guide: Visa, Tuition, Part-time Work Rules for International Students

Study in Korea: What You Need to Know

Study in Korea has become increasingly popular. Those who study in Korea enjoy quality education and cultural immersion. Korea has become a top destination for international students, offering quality education. Many choose to study in Korea for affordable tuition, affordable tuition compared to Western universities, and immersion in a dynamic culture. This guide covers everything from visa requirements. Also check our banking guide for student accounts to part-time work rules and daily student life.

Study in Korea: Student Visa Types

D-2 Visa (Academic Studies)

For: Degree-seeking students at Korean universities

• D-2-1: Associate degree programs
• D-2-2: Bachelor’s degree programs
• D-2-3: Master’s degree programs
• D-2-4: Doctoral programs
• D-2-5: Research programs
• D-2-6: Exchange students

Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable
Requirements:

• University acceptance letter
• Proof of financial ability (varies by country, typically $10,000-20,000)
• Academic transcripts
• Language proficiency (TOPIK or English test depending on program)

D-4 Visa (Language Training)

For: Korean language program students
Duration: 6 months to 2 years
Requirements:

• Language school acceptance
• Financial proof ($5,000-10,000 typically)
• High school diploma

Work restrictions: Limited part-time work after 6 months with permission

Study in Korea: Choosing a University

Top Universities for International Students

University	Location	Strengths	Tuition/Year (Approx.)
Seoul National University (SNU)	Seoul	Research, prestige	₩3-6 million
Korea University	Seoul	Business, law	₩7-10 million
Yonsei University	Seoul	Medicine, global programs	₩7-10 million
KAIST	Daejeon	Science, engineering	₩3-5 million
Ewha Womans University	Seoul	Liberal arts, women’s education	₩6-9 million
Sogang University	Seoul	Humanities, Korean language	₩7-9 million
Hanyang University	Seoul	Engineering	₩6-9 million

Note: Korean national universities are significantly cheaper than private universities.

What to Consider

• English-taught programs: Not all programs available in English
• Location: Seoul is expensive; regional universities offer lower costs
• Scholarships: Many universities offer foreigner-specific aid
• International student support: Check for dedicated offices and services
• Dormitory availability: On-campus housing is limited and competitive

Study in Korea: Scholarships Available

Government Scholarships

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP/GKS):

• Full coverage: tuition, airfare, living allowance, insurance
• Living allowance: ₩900,000/month (undergraduate), ₩1,000,000 (graduate)
• Includes 1 year Korean language training
• Highly competitive
• Apply through Korean embassy in your country
• Deadline: Usually February-March

University Scholarships

Most universities offer:

• Admission scholarships: Based on application credentials
• Academic scholarships: For maintaining high GPA (usually 3.5+)
• Full-ride opportunities: Top students, especially for graduate programs

Tip: Contact university international office directly—many scholarships go unclaimed.

Other Funding Sources

• NIIED scholarships: For specific countries
• Foundation scholarships: Samsung, Hyundai, LG foundations
• Home country programs: Check your government’s study abroad funding

Study in Korea: Application Process

Timeline

Intake	Application Period	Results	Semester Starts
Spring	September-November	December	March
Fall	March-May	June	September

Required Documents

Typical requirements:

• Application form
• Personal statement / study plan
• Letters of recommendation (2-3)
• Transcripts (apostilled or notarized)
• Diploma/degree certificate
• Language proficiency (TOPIK or IELTS/TOEFL)
• Passport copy
• Financial documents
• Portfolio (for arts programs)

Apostille note: Many countries require apostille certification. Start this process early—it can take weeks.

Study in Korea: Language Requirements

For Korean-taught Programs

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean):

• Level 3: Minimum for most undergraduate programs
• Level 4: Required for many programs
• Level 5-6: Required for competitive programs

Test dates: 6 times per year worldwide
Registration: topik.go.kr
Fee: ₩40,000 in Korea (varies abroad)

For English-taught Programs

• IELTS: 5.5-6.5 minimum (varies by program)
• TOEFL iBT: 80-100 minimum
• Some universities: Accept Duolingo English Test

Study in Korea: Part-Time Work Rules

D-2 Visa Holders

Eligibility:

• After completing first semester (6 months)
• Must apply for part-time work permission at Immigration
• Maintain minimum GPA (usually 2.0)

Hourly limits:

• During semester: 20 hours/week
• During vacation: Unlimited (with permission)
• Graduate students: 30 hours/week

D-4 Visa Holders

Eligibility:

• After 6 months of language study
• Minimum 90% attendance
• Part-time work permission required

Hourly limits:

• During semester: 20 hours/week
• During vacation: More flexible, but permission needed

Finding Part-Time Jobs

Common options:

• Teaching English: ₩15,000-30,000/hour (conversation tutoring)
• Cafe/restaurant: ₩9,860+/hour (2024 minimum wage)
• Convenience store: ₩9,860-11,000/hour
• Translation: Varies by project
• Campus jobs: Library, cafeteria, international office

Where to find jobs:

• University job boards
• Albamon.com (알바몬) – general part-time job site
• Alba.co.kr (알바) – another job site
• Facebook expat groups
• Word of mouth from other students

Warning: Working without permission or exceeding hours can result in visa cancellation.

Study in Korea: Student Housing

University Dormitories

Pros:

• Affordable: ₩200,000-500,000/month
• On campus
• Utilities included
• Social environment

Cons:

• Limited availability (apply immediately upon acceptance)
• Curfews at some dorms
• Shared rooms (usually 2-4 people)
• Rules about visitors, cooking

Application: Through university housing office, usually first-come-first-served for foreigners.

Off-Campus Options

Type	Monthly Cost	Deposit	Best For
Goshiwon	₩300,000-500,000	None or minimal	Budget, short-term
One-room (원룸)	₩400,000-700,000	₩3-10 million	Privacy, independence
Share house	₩500,000-800,000	₩500,000-1 million	Community, furnished
Officetel	₩600,000-1,000,000	₩5-20 million	Comfort, convenience

Study in Korea: Living Costs

Monthly Budget Guide (Seoul)

Expense	Budget Level	Comfortable Level
Housing	₩300,000-400,000	₩500,000-700,000
Food	₩300,000-400,000	₩500,000-600,000
Transportation	₩50,000-80,000	₩80,000-100,000
Phone	₩30,000-50,000	₩50,000-70,000
Entertainment	₩100,000	₩200,000-300,000
Miscellaneous	₩100,000	₩200,000
Total	₩880,000-1,130,000	₩1,530,000-1,970,000

Saving Money as a Student

• University cafeteria: ₩3,000-5,000 per meal
• Cook at home: Buy groceries at traditional markets
• Student discounts: Show student ID at museums, movies, transportation
• Second-hand items: Join university buy/sell groups
• Free activities: Hiking, palaces (free with student ID), free concerts

Health Insurance

Mandatory NHIS Enrollment

Since 2021: International students must enroll in National Health Insurance

• Monthly premium: ₩70,000-80,000 (2024)
• Coverage: Same as Korean citizens
• Enrollment: Through university or visit NHIS office

What’s covered:

• 70% of medical costs at hospitals and clinics
• Prescription medication subsidy
• Emergency care

What to bring to hospital:

• Residence Card (formerly ARC)
• Health insurance card (issued after enrollment)

Alien Registration

Getting Your ARC

Within 90 days of arrival:

1. Gather documents: passport, visa, passport photos, university enrollment certificate
2. Visit local Immigration Office
3. Pay fee: ₩30,000
4. Receive ARC by mail (2-3 weeks) or pick up

ARC is required for:

• Opening bank account
• Getting phone contract
• Part-time work
• Health insurance
• Re-entering Korea

University Life

Academic Culture

• Attendance: Usually mandatory, affects grades
• Grading: Often curved, competitive
• Group projects: Very common
• Professor relationships: More formal than Western universities
• Academic honesty: Plagiarism taken very seriously

Clubs and Activities

Join clubs (동아리):

• Best way to make Korean friends
• Many types: sports, music, volunteering, academic, hobby
• International student clubs at most universities

MT (Membership Training):

• Overnight group trips for clubs/classes
• Heavy drinking often involved
• Important bonding experience

Making Friends

• Language exchange: Practice Korean while helping with English
• Study groups: Form with classmates
• International student events: University-organized activities
• Apps: HelloTalk, Tandem for language partners

After Graduation

Job Search Visa (D-10)

For recent graduates seeking employment:

• Duration: Up to 2 years
• Allows job searching in Korea
• Can work part-time while searching
• Apply at Immigration before D-2 expires

Work Visa Transition

Common paths:

• E-7: Professional employment visa
• E-2: English teaching (if eligible)
• D-10 → E-7: Most common route

Points System

Korea has a points-based immigration system favoring:

• Korean university graduates
• TOPIK high scorers
• In-demand skills (STEM, etc.)

Studying in Korea offers more than a degree—it’s a chance to develop language skills, build an international network, and experience a culture that’s influencing the world. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, your student years in Korea can launch a rewarding personal and professional journey.

For official visa information, visit Education in South Korea on Wikipedia.

Related Guides

• Korea Banking Guide
• Korea Housing Guide
• Korea Public Transportation
• Making Friends in Korea
• How to Order Food in Korea

• Korea Housing Guide for Foreigners
• Korea Banking Guide for Foreigners
• Making Friends in Korea
• Korean Café Culture Guide
• Essential Korea Apps