South Korea

Student Visa Requirements for South Korea: 

To obtain a South Korean student visa from India, you must meet certain eligibility criteria:

1. Reason for Travel: You must provide your university offer letter as evidence of your intention to study in South Korea.
2. Financial Capability: You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses and any dependents during your stay.
3. Strong Ties to Home Country: You must demonstrate strong ties to your home country to ensure your return after completing your studies.
4. Good Character: A clean criminal record, verified by a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), is required.
5. Good Health: You must meet the basic health requirements set by the authorities.

Documents Required for a South Korean Student Visa:

To apply for a student visa (D-2 visa) for South Korea, ensure you have the following documents:

1. Completed Application Form: Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and signed.
2. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in South Korea.
3. Passport-Sized Photos: Provide two recent color photographs meeting the specified size requirements.
4. Certificate of Admission: Include an acceptance letter from the South Korean educational institution you’ll be attending.
5. Academic Transcripts: Submit academic records from any previously attended schools or universities.
6. Financial Proof: Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses, such as bank statements or affidavits of support.
7. Health Insurance: Some consulates may require proof of health insurance coverage.
8. Statement of Purpose: Provide a detailed explanation of your study plan, goals, and reasons for choosing South Korea.
9. Language Proficiency: If applicable, include proof of proficiency in Korean or English (e.g., TOPIK, TOEFL, IELTS), depending on your course and institution requirements.
10. Fees: Pay the visa application fee as required.
11. Criminal Background Check: Some consulates may request a police clearance certificate.
12. Medical Examination Report: Certain cases may necessitate a health examination report.

Additionally, for smoother entry into Korea, pre-register with the Q-code system at least three days before your arrival and ensure you have your flight and landing card ready.

Please note that specific requirements may vary depending on your location and the level of school you’re attending (e.g., college or higher education).

Process to Obtain a D-2 Visa for Indian Students:

Here’s the stepwise process to obtain a student visa (D-2) for South Korea from India:

1. Submit a completed application form to the Korean Universities Admission Centre (KUAC), along with required documents.
2. KUAC will review your documents and conduct an interview to assess your eligibility.
3. Upon successful evaluation, you will receive an offer letter and fee invoice from KUAC.
4. Prepare additional documentation, including a statement of purpose, financial affidavits, and medical reports.
5. Submit all required documents and pay the application fee to KUAC.
6. After receiving the final admission letter from the university, apply for a student visa at the South Korean embassy or consulate in India.

Steps to Apply for a South Korean Student Visa:

Follow these steps to apply for a student visa for South Korea:

1. Research visa requirements and wait for the admission letter.
2. Gather necessary documents for the application.
3. Schedule an application appointment with the South Korean embassy or consulate.
4. Submit the application and required documents on the scheduled date.
5. Pay the visa application fee.
6. Attend an interview, if required.
7. Await approval of your student visa and collect it from the consulate.

In South Korea, various types of student visas are available

South Korea provides various student visas tailored to the level and focus of international students’ studies. These are the main types of student visas available in South Korea:

D-2 Visa (General Student Visa)

• D-2-1: For undergraduate students enrolled in universities or colleges.
• D-2-2: For individuals pursuing master’s degrees.
• D-2-3: Designed for doctoral degree candidates.
• D-2-4: Intended for students engaged in post-doctorate research programs.
• D-2-5: For those attending other educational institutions like technical schools.
• D-2-6: Specifically for students undertaking Korean language courses at university language institutes.
• D-2-7: Reserved for exchange or visiting students.

D-4 Visa (Trainee Visa)

• D-4-1: Granted to students attending general educational institutions.
• D-4-2: Allocated for students enrolled in specialized or vocational training institutions.
• D-4-3: Reserved for those learning the Korean language at private institutes.
• D-4-4: Assigned to participants in government-invited training programs.
• D-4-5: Designed for students attending research institutes.
• D-4-6: Applicable for students enrolled in other types of educational institutions not covered above.
• D-4-7: Issued to students attending specialized training institutes.

Selecting the right student visa is akin to finding the correct key for a particular lock. Depending on your academic pursuit and institution of choice, you’ll need to identify the visa category that aligns with your study goals and educational pathway in South Korea.

The study visa fees for South Korea are as follows:

1. Single-entry visa valid for 91 days or longer: USD 60, approximately ₹
2. Double-entry visa, usable up to 2 times: USD 70, approximately ₹
3. Multiple-entry visa: USD 90, approximately ₹

Please note that the ₹ prices are based on the current exchange rate.

Is it possible to extend my South Korea study visa?

Absolutely, if you require additional time to complete your studies, you have the option to extend your South Korea study visa. Extensions are typically granted for one semester or up to a year, contingent upon your academic performance and adherence to visa regulations.