Student Visa

Student
Visa

Korea Advantage
To study in South Korea, Indian students need a D-2 student visa. The student visa can be obtained from the South Korean Embassy in New Delhi or Consulates of the South Korean Republic located in Mumbai and Chennai, whichever is accessible for the candidate.

If you're planning to enroll in full-time academic programs at institutions that grant associate degrees or higher, or if you're participating in designated research projects, you will need a D-2 visa.

D-2-1

Associate Degree Programs

D-2-2

Bachelor's Degree Programs

D-2-3

Master's Degree Programs

D-2-4

Doctoral Degree Programs

D-2-5

Research Programs

D-2-6

Exchange Students

D-2-7

Work-Learning Linked Study

The D-2 visa is designed for international students pursuing higher education in Korea, granting an initial stay of up to two years per issuance. Extensions are available based on the level and duration of the academic program:

Associate Degree

Permits a stay of up to 3 years (or 4 years for programs lasting 3 years)

Bachelor’s Degree

Allows up to 6 years of stay (or 7 years for 5-year programs)

Master’s Degree

Stay permitted up to 5 years (or 6 years for 3-year programs)

Doctoral Degree

Enables a stay of up to 8 years (or 7 years for 5-year programs)

With over 13,000 Indian students studying in South Korea by 2023, the D-2 visa process requires submitting essential documents.

  • Filled out visa application form
  • Passport (original and a copy of the ID page)
  • Recent passport-sized photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm with a white background; should have been taken in the last 6 months)
  • Certificate of Admission (issued by the university office)
  • Application fee (INR 5,000–INR 7,500 or $60–$90)
  • Personal ID (from the country of residence)
  • Language proficiency certificates (Korean or English, as applicable according to your studies)
  • Academic certificates of the last attended school(copy of the marksheet and passing certificate)
  • Tuberculosis test certificate
  • Letter of personal reference of Financial affidavit
  • Financial proof with a minimum balance of INR 17 lakh ($20,000 USD)
  • Tuition fee payment receipt
  • Additional documents showcasing research activity for research scholars.
Since processing times can vary, it’s recommended to apply well in advance to ensure timely visa approval of your awaited student visa.

Visa Application Fees

Applicants must pay a processing fee when submitting the visa application form.

Visa Fees Overview

Single-entry Visa

  • For stays up to 90 days: Around $40 USD
  • For stays over 90 days: Around $60 USD

Multiple-entry Visa

  • Valid for up to two entries: Around $70 USD
  • With no entry limitations: Around $90 USD

Visa Screening and Approval Process

After submitting a visa application, the decision to issue the visa lies with the head of the overseas diplomatic mission or the Minister of Justice. Before approval, the applicant’s eligibility is carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Key criteria include:

  • Holding a valid passport
  • Not falling under the categories of entry restriction as outlined in Article 11 of the Immigration Act
  • Meeting the qualifications for the specific visa category as defined in the Immigration Act Enforcement Decree
  • Clearly stating a valid reason for entry aligned with the visa type
  • Showing proof of intent to leave Korea within the authorized stay period
  • Satisfying any additional conditions specified by the Minister of Justice for the relevant visa

A submitted visa may be subject to cancellation following a review of specific circumstances, including:

  • Withdrawal or unavailability of the guarantor
  • Discovery of false or misleading information used to obtain the visa
  • Breach of conditions tied to the approved visa
  • Emergence of serious factors preventing the continuation of visa status
  • Violations of the Immigration Act, other applicable laws, or failure to follow lawful directives from immigration authorities