How to Apply for the D-2 Student Visa for Korea
Got your university acceptance? The next hurdle is the D-2 student visa — the degree-study visa for Korea. The process is manageable if you start early and get the documents right: a Certificate of Admission, academic records, and financial proof. This guide walks through what you need, rough timelines, and the steps after you land. Requirements vary by embassy, so always confirm with yours.
D-2 vs D-4 — which visa?
- D-2 (degree): for students enrolled in a degree program (associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, or research) at an accredited university.
- D-4 (language): for students in a university language institute (어학당), not a degree program.
- Exchange: exchange students often use the D-2 category, sometimes noted as D-2-6 — see the exchange guide.
Documents commonly required
- Visa application form with a passport-style color photo.
- Passport valid for at least about 6 months (plus a copy).
- Certificate of Admission (CoA) issued by your Korean university.
- Academic records — latest diploma and transcripts, often apostilled or consular-legalized.
- Financial proof — bank statements (see below).
- Other items the embassy may ask for, such as a study plan, tuberculosis test, or fee. Lists vary by office and nationality.
Financial proof (commonly cited)
A frequently cited threshold is bank statements showing around 20,000,000 KRW (roughly 15,000–20,000 USD), and some embassies require the funds to have been held for a set period (a holding period of several weeks is sometimes cited) before you apply. The exact amount and rules depend on your nationality and embassy. See the cost of studying in Korea for the bigger budget picture, and confirm the figure with the office handling your case.
Rough timeline
| Stage | Commonly cited |
|---|---|
| Get Certificate of Admission | After acceptance, from your university |
| Prepare & legalize documents | Allow several weeks (apostille can be slow) |
| Visa processing at embassy | ~2–4 weeks after a complete submission |
Timelines vary by embassy, season, and nationality — apply well before your start date.
Step by step
- Receive your university acceptance and Certificate of Admission.
- Gather and legalize (apostille / consular) your academic documents.
- Prepare financial proof meeting your embassy's threshold and holding period.
- Complete the visa application form with a photo.
- Submit to the Korean embassy or consulate that serves your area (some allow online steps).
- After approval, travel to Korea before your program start date.
- On arrival, register with immigration for your Alien Registration Card (ARC) within the required period and enroll in National Health Insurance.
Visa done? Hit the ground running with some Korean. You can book a 1-on-1 tutor on italki.
Prep your Korean with a tutor on italkiFrequently asked questions
What is the D-2 visa?
The student visa for foreigners enrolled in a degree program (associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, or research) at an accredited Korean university. Language-institute students use the D-4 visa. You generally apply after receiving a Certificate of Admission.
What documents do I need?
Commonly: a completed application with photo, a passport valid for about 6+ months, your Certificate of Admission, academic records (often apostilled or legalized), and financial proof. The exact list varies by embassy and nationality — check your local Korean embassy page.
How much money do I need?
A commonly cited threshold is around 20,000,000 KRW (roughly 15,000–20,000 USD) in bank statements, sometimes held for a set period before applying. The exact amount and holding period depend on your nationality and embassy.
How long does processing take?
Commonly cited around 2–4 weeks after a complete submission, but it varies by embassy, season, and nationality. Apply early and confirm current timelines with your embassy or consulate.
What do I do after arriving?
Degree students generally must register with immigration and get an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within the required period and enroll in National Health Insurance. Your international office guides the steps. Confirm with Korea Immigration (Hi Korea).
Last reviewed June 2026.