Part-Time Work Rules for International Students in Korea
Many international students want to work part-time to offset costs — and you usually can, but only by the rules. You need part-time work permission from immigration first, and how many hours you can work depends on your visa and your Korean level. The exact limits have been changing, so this guide explains the structure and points you to the official source for current numbers.
Planning to study in Korea? Even a little Korean makes admissions, daily life, and part-time work far smoother. You can book a 1-on-1 Korean trial lesson on italki before you commit — many tutors offer a low-cost first lesson, and italki has a money-back guarantee on unsatisfactory lessons.
Book a 1-on-1 Korean trial lesson on italkiThe core rule: get permission first
Working part-time on a student visa requires part-time work permission (시간제취업 허가) from Korea Immigration before you start. Working without it can put your visa status at risk. Eligibility generally depends on your visa type, how long you've been enrolled, your attendance, and your Korean ability. Your university's international office can help you apply.
Weekly hour limits by visa and TOPIK level (2025–2026)
How many hours you can work depends on your degree level and your TOPIK level, and the caps count weekday hours only — weekends and official holidays are generally not counted toward the weekly cap once you meet the language threshold. The current structure used by Korea Immigration is tiered as follows:
| Status | Weekday hour cap (term time) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (D-2), TOPIK 3 or above | Up to 25 hrs/week |
| Undergraduate (D-2), below TOPIK 3 | Up to 10 hrs/week |
| Graduate / master's & doctoral (D-2), TOPIK 4 or above | Up to 35 hrs/week |
| Graduate (D-2), below TOPIK 4 | Up to 15 hrs/week |
| Weekends & official holidays | Not counted toward the weekday cap (if you meet the language threshold) |
| Official vacation (breaks) | No weekly limit if you hold TOPIK 4+ or have completed KIIP Level 4+ |
These are the current 2025–2026 caps, but immigration adjusts them and your exact allowance depends on your enrollment and case — confirm with Hi Korea (1345) before relying on them. Language-institute (D-4) students face separate, generally lower caps and a minimum in-country period before becoming eligible.
Key conditions to keep in mind
- Korean level matters. Higher TOPIK levels generally unlock more weekly hours; little or no Korean means a lower cap.
- Enrollment and attendance. You usually need to be properly enrolled with adequate attendance and grades.
- Time after entry. D-4 language students often must have been in Korea for a minimum period before becoming eligible.
- Restricted jobs. Some fields (for example certain adult-entertainment venues and some other work) are limited or prohibited for student visas.
- No full-time professional work. A student visa does not allow full-time professional employment.
How to apply, step by step
- Check eligibility with your university's international office.
- Gather documents: passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), proof of enrollment, grades/attendance, and an employer confirmation.
- Apply for part-time work permission through immigration (often via the Hi Korea portal).
- Wait for approval before starting work.
- Stay within your approved hours and renew or update permission as needed.
A higher TOPIK level can mean more allowed work hours. You can prepare with a 1-on-1 tutor on italki.
Raise your Korean level with a tutor on italkiFrequently asked questions
Can international students work part-time?
Yes, but only after getting part-time work permission from immigration. Working without it can violate your visa status. Eligibility depends on visa type, time enrolled, attendance, and Korean ability. Confirm current rules with immigration (Hi Korea / 1345).
How many hours can I work per week?
Caps count weekday hours and depend on degree level and TOPIK. Undergraduates (D-2) can work up to 25 hrs/week with TOPIK 3+ (10 hrs below that); graduate students up to 35 hrs/week with TOPIK 4+ (15 hrs below that). Weekends and holidays are generally not counted toward the cap, and there is no weekly limit during official vacation if you hold TOPIK 4+ or completed KIIP Level 4+. Verify the current limit with immigration.
Do I need TOPIK to work?
Not always to get permission, but your Korean level affects how many hours you can work. Higher TOPIK generally unlocks more hours; little Korean means a lower cap. Confirm current thresholds with immigration.
How do I get the permit?
Apply through immigration (often via Hi Korea) with your passport, ARC, proof of enrollment and grades/attendance, and employer confirmation. Your international office can guide you. Apply before you start working.
What jobs are off-limits?
Some jobs are restricted for student visas — for example certain adult-entertainment venues and some other fields — and full-time professional work isn't allowed. Check the current restricted-job list with immigration first.
Last reviewed July 2026.