South Korea, a vibrant Asian city known for its K-pop entertainment scene, is one of the best places to get an international degree. Not only is it known for entertainment and dynamic food, but it's also known for its academic prowess. If studying in South Korea crosses your mind or you're looking for a suitable study destination, then you might be making the right decision with a South Korea study visa.
The South Korean Student Visa
Also known as the D-2 visa, the South Korean student visa allows international students to access the country for study purposes in any South Korean educational institution. The D-2 visa is issued when you've been accepted by a recognized university, and you are issued a special number to make your application. The South Korea study visa is also a pathway to other Korean immigration visa types after graduation.
Benefits of Studying in South Korea
South Korea offers many perks that attract not just tourists but also international students year in and year out. The following reasons will help you see the importance of studying in South Korea.
1. High-Quality Education
If we were to list countries that place a high value on education, South Korea would easily be on the list. South Korea is home to prestigious universities like Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, etc. If you're interested in studying a program related to science and technology, South Korea's emphasis on these fields will help you in your career.
2. Affordable Tuition Fees and Scholarships
South Korea offers a fair tuition price compared to Western countries. Students can also benefit from many universities and government programs that offer amazing scholarships to international students. An example of this scholarship is the Global Korea Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship that covers almost everything. This includes tuition, flight tickets, living expenses, and more.
3. Technological and Innovative Environment
As we mentioned earlier, South Korea is science and technology-oriented and one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. It offers a modern learning environment with smart campuses where students can explore tech-based opportunities in careers and research.
4. Cultural Experience
From K-pop and K-dramas to traditional Korean cuisine and festivals, you can enjoy a rich cultural experience as a student. To experience the full cultural exposure, you can learn the language during your stay there.
5. Global Career Opportunities
Talk of global career opportunities, studying in South Korea offers you the privilege to work or intern in top tech companies like LG, Hyundai, and Samsung. If you don't know, all these big brands are from South Korea, now you know. International students in IT, engineering, and business programs can easily get hands-on experience during an internship.
How to Apply for a South Korea Study Visa
Each university in South Korea has its admission system, and it's advisable that you check out the website of your preferred school to learn the requirements for a student visa. However, here's an overview of what the application process is like:
1. Get Admission into a Korean University
Applying for a study visa is not the first step in studying in South Korea; instead, you must get accepted into a recognized Korean institution. Your school will send you the necessary documents for the actual D-2 visa application, including an admission letter and a certificate of Visa Issuance (CVI).
2. Prepare the Required Documents
Once you're sure that your admission application is approved, you can start preparing for your visa application. To do this, you must have all your documents ready for a smooth sailing.
You will need the following original documents for your visa application:
- A valid passport
- A complete Visa application form
- Passport photo
- Certificate of admission
- Your high school diploma or bachelor's degree depends on the level of the program you're applying to.
- A transcript or previous academic record
- Proof of finance, such as bank statements and evidence of scholarship.
- Application fee receipt
- Medical Health certificate, including a tuberculosis test certificate.
- Additional documents that vary and depend on your country of origin.
3. Submit Your Application
Get your student visa application form online or from the Korean consulate or embassy in your home country and fill in the details correctly. Once completed, pay your visa fees and submit them alongside other required documents. You might also want to prepare ahead for embassy interviews.
4. Wait for Visa Processing
Typically, the visa processing time takes 5 to 15 working days. The duration is also subject to other factors such as your country of origin, the volume of applications, and how well you made your application.
5. Receive Your Visa and Prepare for Travel
Once your visa is approved, you'll get a D-2 visa sticker in your passport, after which you can book your flight and prepare your accommodation. Also, when travelling, don't forget to bring your documents, as you will need them in South Korea.
6. Apply for Alien Registration Card (ARC) Upon Arrival
Your application journey is not complete without an ARC. Even though you have a valid D-2 visa, you will be breaking immigration rules if you don't apply for ARC within the early stages of your arrival or before the beginning of the semester.
How Much is the Processing Fee?
The D-2 visa costs just 60 USD, which is about 85,000 KRW, depending on the exchange rate at the time of application. You also need to be sure that your country's embassy does not charge a consular processing fee. If they do, confirm the price and pay for it.
Is Working as a Foreign Student Allowed in South Korea?
Yes, working as an international student is possible in South Korea. However, you need to be aware of certain rules and limitations.
Aside from being a D-2 visa holder, you must complete at least 6 months of your academic program to be eligible to work. In addition to that, your academic performance and attendance must meet the university's standards to be considered. This ensures that you can balance work and school without affecting your grade.
When it comes to the job role you can take up as an international student in South Korea, there are limitations to the type of jobs allowed. You can work at a Restaurant, a cafe, a convenience store, and on-campus jobs.
You should know that when the semester is ongoing, you can only work up to 10 hours per week. However, during vacation, you have unlimited hours to work, and no work is allowed during class hours. Lastly, you need permission from the immigration office.
Working without permission can result in fines, visa issues, and even deportation. To avoid violating immigration laws, get a student work permit and always renew it per semester or when your job changes.
Here's how you go about getting permission to work and study:
- Get a recommendation from your university after meeting the prescribed requirements.
- Apply for part-time work permission at the local immigration office near you or online.
- Submit the necessary documents and wait for approval.
Is There an Option to Stay Back After Study?
Yes, there's an option for international students to stay back after graduation, but you will have to get a proper visa. This depends on your plans and what you decide to do after school. If you want to study more, you can apply for a graduate program, meaning you must renew your D-2 visa.
However, if you don't want to stay through that route, you can try the job-seeking (D-10) visa. This is the most common route for international students who wish to work in South Korea after graduation. The initial duration for this visa is 6 months, which you can extend up to a year. When applying for a D-10 visa, ensure you do so when your student visa is still valid; it will save you lots of stress.
The D-10 visa allows you to search for jobs, do internships, and attend interviews. It's also your ticket to applying for a work visa once you land a job relevant to your degree. Once you land a job relevant to your degree, you can apply for the Skilled Worker (E-7) Visa and get a work visa sponsorship. Ensure you know the South Korea work visa requirements and follow through with them.
If you lean more toward entrepreneurship, you can apply for the Start-Up (D-8-4) visa after graduation. All you need to present for your application is your business idea and a minimum investment of about KRW 30 million.
Tips on Qualifying for a University in South Korea
What qualifies you for a study visa is your admission into a recognised South Korean university. The following are ways to prepare for your South Korean university application:
1. Choose the Right University and Program
Since South Korea has a wide range of universities, picking the right university that complements the program of your choice will help you a lot. First of all, you need to be sure of what you want to study, and if you're a postgraduate student, be sure of your area of specialisation.
Another thing you should consider is whether you want English-based classes or are open to learning in Korea. Your location of choice is also important in picking a nice university. Do you prefer a bustling city or a city with laid-back vibes?
2. Meet the Academic Requirements
To get admission to any South Korean university, you must meet the school's requirements and try to exceed them. Make yourself a candidate they can't resist. Most universities require a high school diploma with decent grades for undergraduates. Postgraduate candidates, on the other hand, are expected to have a minimum CGPA of 2.5 – 3.0 out of 4.0. However, know that the higher the CGPA, the better.
Note: If you're applying for competitive programs like medicine, engineering, or business, you must bring your A game, as your grades, recommendation letters, and personal statement will be considered.
3. Get Your Language Skills Right
As we mentioned earlier, you can choose between an English-taught program and a Korean-taught program. Whichever language you prefer, you need to be good at it.
For English-taught programs, you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 and above or a TOEFL score of 80 and above. However, if your education was in English, you might get a waiver on the English language proficiency test.
On the other hand, the Korean-taught program requires that you pass the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Depending on your school, you might also take prep courses that can help you brush up on your skills.
4. Be Smart About Deadlines
Deadlines aren't something you should be nonchalant about if you want to study in South Korea. Universities in the county only admit students twice a year, during spring and fall. The application is usually open about 4 to 6 months before the start of the semester. Ensure that you're making your application correctly and early to avoid any form of delay.
5. Apply for Scholarships
Scholarships are one way to ease financial burdens as an international student, and money shouldn't hold you back from achieving your academic dreams. South Korea has lots of scholarships. Find the right one for you and apply early.
You can check out the following scholarship options:
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): This often covers most of your academic expenses, including your flight fee.
- University-based scholarships: Some schools offer partial or full scholarships based on academic excellence, needs, or both.
- Private foundation scholarships.
- Academic excellence scholarships for international Master's students.
Conclusion
Qualifying for a South Korea university admission letter is your ticket to getting a study visa, and it requires preparation and persistence. For a seamless process, ensure you get all the required documents and start your application early. Also, consider applying for a scholarship from your host university or a private foundation. You can also get an immigration adviser to help you through the visa process. Best of luck!
