D-2 — Student Visa (D-2)

The D-2 Student Visa is designed for international students who intend to pursue formal academic degrees at Korean universities, colleges, or research institutions. This visa category covers a range of academic levels, from associate degrees (D-2-1) and bachelor's degrees (D-2-2) to master's (D-2-3) and doctoral (D-2-4) programs. It is intended for individuals who have been formally accepted into a full-time program and can prove they have the academic background and financial resources to support their studies in Korea. Holders of this visa are generally permitted to engage in part-time employment after a certain period of residency, provided they obtain the necessary authorization.

To apply, students must secure a Certificate of Admission from their host institution, which serves as the primary proof of their enrollment. The visa process emphasizes financial stability, requiring applicants to demonstrate that they can cover their tuition and living costs without relying on unauthorized work. Because the D-2 visa is tied to specific academic programs, students must maintain their enrollment status to remain eligible. It is a long-term visa that allows for multiple entries and can be extended as long as the student continues to make satisfactory academic progress toward their degree.