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D-2Last updated: 2026-04-20

D-2 Student Visa

For degree, research, exchange, and visiting programs at Korean higher-education institutions

The D-2 visa is a residence status for international students enrolled in degree, research, exchange, or visiting programs at junior colleges or higher institutions established under Korea's Higher Education Act or special legislation, including academic research institutes. Only institutions registered in the Ministry of Justice's Foreign Student Information & Management System (FIMS) are eligible. The maximum stay granted per issuance is 2 years.

Check before you use this

  • Official sources: Hi Korea and related government guidance
  • MyanMate summarizes complex information so it is easier to understand.
  • This is not administrative, legal, or certified translation agency work. Confirm with official offices before applying.

Visa Categories

D-2-1
Associate Degree
Associate degree programs at junior colleges
D-2-2
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree programs at 4-year universities
D-2-3
Master's Degree
Graduate master's degree programs
D-2-4
Doctoral Degree
Doctoral / PhD programs
D-2-5
Research Program
Research program (requires a master's degree or higher)
D-2-6
Exchange Student
Exchange program under an inter-university agreement
D-2-7
Work-Study Program
Combined work-and-study study-abroad program
D-2-8
Visiting Student
Students enrolled at a home-country university studying for at least one semester in Korea

Eligibility

  • Valid passport
  • Standard Admission Letter from a FIMS-registered institution (junior college or above)
  • Financial proof equivalent to one year of tuition plus living expenses
  • Proof of final academic record with apostille or consular verification (for China: CHSI for high-school records, CHSI or CDGDC for associate degree and above)
  • Tuberculosis certificate if you are a national of a designated high-risk country

Required Documents

Visa Application Form

Required

Application form + one semi-passport (half-ID) photo taken within the last 6 months

Passport Copy

Required

Copy of your passport

Institution Business Registration

Required

Copy of the institution's business registration certificate (or unique number certificate)

Usually prepared by the university

Standard Admission Letter

Required

Issued by the university president or dean (scholarship students invited by the National Institute for International Education or the Ministry of National Defense may submit an invitation letter instead)

Proof of Final Academic Record

Required

Diploma/transcript with apostille or consular verification (originals required)

China: CHSI for high-school records, CHSI or CDGDC for associate degree and above; secondary vocational school graduates follow a separate consular verification process

Financial Proof

Required

Bank balance certificate (or equivalent) covering one year of tuition plus living expenses

Vietnamese nationals must submit a deferred-payment-type study-abroad balance certificate

Tuberculosis Certificate

Optional

For nationals of designated high-risk countries

Only if applicable

Family Relationship Proof

Optional

Required when using a parent's bank balance certificate

Needed when financial proof is in a parent's name

Procedures

  1. 1

    Admission & FIMS Registration

    Apply to a Korean university → receive the Standard Admission Letter → university staff registers you in FIMS

    Duration: —
  2. 2

    Visa Application

    Apply at a Korean embassy/consulate or via the visa portal (visa.go.kr) based on your route: consul's discretion, Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance, or e-visa

    Duration: —
  3. 3

    Entry to Korea

    Travel to Korea after visa issuance

    Duration: —
  4. 4

    Alien Registration

    Register at the local Immigration Office within 90 days of arrival

    Duration: Within 90 days of arrival

Important Notes

  • !Maximum stay per grant: 2 years (extendable)
  • !Extensions are issued to match the academic schedule. At visa-review-strengthened universities, a D grade (1.0) or below triggers a one-time 6-month extension with a written explanation; further D-grade semesters result in restricted extension
  • !Part-time work (during term / weekends & breaks): if Korean-proficiency threshold is met — 25/30 hrs for undergrads, 30/35 hrs for master's/PhD; if not met — 10 hrs for undergrads, 15 hrs for master's/PhD during term, with unlimited hours on weekends & breaks
  • !Re-entry within 1 year requires no permit; for 1–2 years you must obtain a multiple re-entry permit before leaving
  • !Changes to name, sex, date of birth, nationality, passport, or school must be reported within 15 days
  • !Total stay cap by program length: associate 3–4 yrs, bachelor's 6–7 yrs, master's 5–6 yrs, doctoral 7–8 yrs (from enrollment)
  • !This is a summary — verify current rules with the 1345 Immigration Contact Center or your local Immigration Office before acting
FAQ
See common questions about the D-2 visa