Korea D-2 Student Visa — Eligible Institutions, Exclusions and Sub-codes

Overview

D-2 (Study Abroad) covers foreign nationals pursuing a regular degree programme or specific research at junior colleges or higher, or academic research institutions, established under the Higher Education Act or special statutes and meeting the requirements set by the Minister of Justice — including affiliated language institutes.

The most common pitfall is the excluded institutions: distance-learning universities, lifelong education institutions, vocational training courses at polytechnics, and evening colleges or graduate schools that have not passed prior screening.

At a Glance

Scope of Activity

• Completing a regular programme at a qualifying university or its affiliated language institute
• Conducting specific research at the eligible educational or research institution

Who Qualifies

• Degree programmes (D-2): D-2-1 associate, D-2-2 bachelor, D-2-3 master, D-2-4 doctorate, D-2-5 research, D-2-6 exchange student, D-2-7 work-study linked, D-2-8 visiting student
• Language training (D-4): D-4-1 Korean language, D-4-7 foreign language
• Foreign nationals pursuing a regular programme or specific research at the above institutions

Required Documents

• Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34), passport and ARC, fee
• Standard admission letter or certificate of enrolment
• Transcript / attendance certificate for the previous programme (for status change)
• Evidence of ability to pay tuition and living costs
• Proof of residence

Application Process

1. Check eligibility — confirm your current status, career, degree and contract type match the requirements.
2. Prepare documents — foreign public documents need a translator's certification plus an apostille (or consular confirmation for non-member states).
3. Book a visit — reserve a slot at your Immigration Office via HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr), or file online where e-Application is available.
4. File and pay — submit the Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34) and pay the screening fee.
5. Review — respond to any request for supplementary documents within the deadline.
6. Result — on approval, the period of stay and status are granted; reissue your ARC if required.

Key Points

• Holders of A-1–A-3, D-1, D-4-2, D-5–D-9, E-1–E-7, E-9, E-10, F-1–F-6, H-2 and similar statuses may study without a separate permit so long as it does not undermine their original purpose of stay.
• Language training is open to any lawfully staying foreign national regardless of status.
• E-9, E-10 and asylum applicants (G-1-5) may study without a permit but cannot change status to D-2 after their stay ends.
• H-1 holders may attend academies and language courses, but regular degree programmes constituting D-2 activity are restricted; nationals of Australia, Taiwan, Ireland, Denmark, Canada and Hong Kong may train without a separate permit within the scope of their agreements.
• Documents issued in Korea must normally be dated within 3 months unless another validity period applies.
• Documents already on file in your alien registration record need not be resubmitted.
• Health certificates, drug test results and pre-employment medical reports must be submitted sealed by the issuing hospital (do not open).
• You must be in Korea when applying; leaving the country after filing may result in refusal.
• Screening fees are non-refundable once the application is accepted.
• The head of the Immigration Office may add or waive documents where necessary for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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