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South Korea

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At a glance

Living index rating
Moderate
Monthly rent
₩350,000 – ₩700,000 in a dorm; one-room studio ₩500,000 – ₩800,000 plus a deposit (Seoul)
Monthly food
₩300,000 – ₩450,000
Other monthly expenses
₩150,000 – ₩300,000 (transport, phone, national health insurance, personal)
Visa processing time
About 2 – 4 weeks at the embassy after admission
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • D-2 student visa, with a Certificate of Admission from a Korean university
  • Proof of funds: usually about ₩20,000,000 or US$20,000 in a bank account (varies by university and country)
  • Academic certificates (apostilled or consular-certified) and, for some countries, a TB test
  • National Health Insurance after arrival and an Alien Registration Card within 90 days
  • Part-time work with permission: undergraduates up to 25 hours a week with TOPIK level 3 – 4 (10 without), graduate students up to 30 hours with TOPIK 4 (15 without); unlimited in vacations

Work permit after studies

  • D-10 job-seeker visa: graduates of Korean universities can switch within 3 years of graduating, and the first 1-year D-10 is granted without the points test
  • It can be extended, with points, while you look for a job
  • Then switch to an E-7 skilled work visa, or later the points-based F-2-7 residence visa

Citizenship route

  • F-5 permanent residence after 5 years of legal residence on qualifying visas (including D-2 and E-7), with income and Korean language/integration requirements
  • General naturalisation requires 5 years of residence and holding permanent residence, plus a Korean language and knowledge test
  • Dual nationality is very restricted

Family details

  • Spouse and children under 20 can come on the F-3 dependent visa
  • You must show household income or funds (about ₩25,200,000 a year for 2 people in 2026)
  • F-3 holders can't work in principle; limited part-time work needs special permission

Universities in South Korea

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (273), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.