Korea Exchange Student Program Guide
Not ready to commit to a full degree abroad? An exchange program lets you study at a partner Korean university for a semester or two while staying enrolled at home, with credits transferring back. It's shorter, often cheaper, and a great way to test life in Korea. Here's how exchange works, the visa you'll need, and the GKS exchange scholarship.
How an exchange program works
- You stay enrolled at home. You remain a student of your home university and transfer the credits you earn in Korea back.
- You apply through your home university. Its study-abroad office nominates you to a partner Korean university — you don't apply directly to the Korean school.
- It's short. Usually one or two semesters, not a multi-year degree.
- Partner agreements matter. You can only go to a Korean university your home university has an agreement with.
- Often tuition stays at home. Under many agreements you pay tuition to your home university, not the Korean host — but confirm.
Degree study vs exchange — the difference
| Exchange | Full degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1–2 semesters | Whole program (years) |
| Apply via | Your home university | Directly to the Korean university |
| Credits | Transfer back home | Earn the Korean degree |
| Tuition | Often paid to home university | Paid to the Korean university |
If you want the full degree route instead, see the university application guide.
The exchange student visa
Exchange students usually enter Korea on a student visa — often the D-2 category, sometimes specifically noted as D-2-6 (exchange). The exact status can depend on the program length and your nationality. Your Korean host university issues the acceptance and supporting documents; you then apply at the Korean embassy or consulate. Confirm the precise visa type with both the host and the embassy.
The GKS exchange scholarship
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Exchange Students, run by NIIED, supports students accepted into an official exchange at a partner Korean university. It can cover items such as a monthly living allowance and round-trip airfare under NIIED guidelines. You're typically nominated by your host university rather than applying alone, and language requirements and benefits vary by round. See our full GKS guide and confirm details on the official NIIED pages.
How to apply, step by step
- Visit your home university's study-abroad / international office and check Korea partner options.
- Note the internal nomination deadline (often a semester or more ahead).
- Submit your home application; if selected, you're nominated to the Korean host.
- Receive the Korean host's acceptance and the documents for your visa.
- Apply for the student/exchange visa at the Korean embassy or consulate.
- Arrange housing, insurance, and budget for living costs.
A semester in Korea is smoother with some Korean. You can book a 1-on-1 tutor before you go on italki.
Prep for your exchange with a tutor on italkiFrequently asked questions
What is an exchange program?
You study at a partner Korean university for one or two semesters while staying enrolled at your home university, with credits transferred back. You apply through your home institution, not the Korean school directly.
How do I apply?
Through your home university's study-abroad office, which nominates you to a partner Korean university. The host then issues acceptance and visa documents. You generally can't apply directly — start with your home university's deadlines.
What visa do I need?
Usually a student visa, often the D-2 category (sometimes D-2-6 for exchange). Short programs may use other statuses depending on length and nationality. Confirm the exact type with the host and the embassy.
Is there a scholarship?
Yes — the GKS for Exchange Students (NIIED) supports students accepted into an official exchange and can cover living allowance and airfare. You're usually nominated by your host university. Confirm eligibility on official NIIED pages.
Do I pay tuition?
Often you pay tuition to your home university rather than the Korean host, under the exchange agreement — but you still cover living costs, housing, insurance, and travel. Confirm exactly what you pay and to whom with both universities.
Last reviewed June 2026.