1. Eligible Applicants and Scope of Activities

Educational Institutions

Universities or affiliated language institutes that meet the criteria prescribed by the Minister of Justice, established as junior colleges or higher educational or academic research institutions under the Higher Education Act and special acts.

Exclusions:

• Universities of broadcasting and telecommunications, correspondence universities, universities of broadcasting and telecommunications, and cyber universities (distance learning universities) as defined in Article 2, Item 5 of the Higher Education Act.
• Lifelong education institutions as defined in Article 2, Item 2 of the Lifelong Education Act.
• 'Vocational training courses' among functional universities as defined in Article 2, Item 5 of the Lifelong Vocational Skills Development Act for the People.
• Evening graduate schools without daytime courses, and evening graduate schools and universities, excluding those whose evening degree programs have undergone prior review by the competent immigration office.

International Students

Foreign nationals who wish to receive education in a regular program or conduct specific research at the aforementioned educational institutions.

Specific Codes by Applicable Category

Degree Program (D-2)

• D-2-1: Associate Degree Program
• D-2-2: Bachelor's Degree Program
• D-2-3: Master's Degree Program
• D-2-4: Doctoral Degree Program
• D-2-5: Research Program
• D-2-6: Exchange Student
• D-2-7: Study and Work Linked Study Abroad
• D-2-8: Visiting Student

Language Study Abroad (D-4)

• D-4-1: Korean Language Study Abroad
• D-4-7: Foreign Language Study Abroad

Stay Status Permitting Study Activities Without Separate Authorization

Holders of Diplomat (A-1) to Agreement (A-3), Culture and Arts (D-1), General Training (D-4-2), Press and Reporting (D-5) to Trade Management (D-9), Professor (E-1) to Specified Activity (E-7), Non-professional Employment (E-9), Maritime Labor (E-10), Visiting Cohabitation (F-1) to Marriage Immigrant (F-6), Refugee Applicant (G-1-5), Humanitarian Stay Permit Holder (G-1-6), or Working Visit (H-2) status, and individuals with other statuses who have received permission for study activities (D-2).

Study activities are permitted without a separate authorization process, as long as they do not interfere with the original purpose of stay.

The permitted stay status for language study abroad is regardless of the legality of the current stay.

For Non-professional Employment (E-9), Maritime Labor (E-10), and Refugee Applicants (G-1-5), study activities are permitted without separate authorization. However, changing to a study abroad (D-2) status based on study activities after the expiration of the current stay period is not allowed; one must depart and re-enter after obtaining a visa (visa issuance confirmation).

Holders of the Working Holiday (H-1) status can engage in study activities without separate authorization if they are from countries with no restrictions under agreements. For nationals of Australia, Taiwan, Ireland, Denmark, Canada, and Hong Kong, study is permitted without separate authorization only within the scope allowed by agreements; if exceeding the scope of the agreement, authorization is required.

• Australia: Regular educational programs other than Korean language are not permitted.
• Taiwan: Regular educational programs are not permitted, except for language study and seminars for understanding regional culture.
• Ireland: Training or academic programs are not permitted. However, Korean language courses can be registered for up to 6 months.
• Denmark: Training or educational programs can be pursued for up to 6 months.
• Canada: Korean language education is permitted within a 3-month period.
• Hong Kong: Short-term study in one program is permitted for up to 6 months.

2. Maximum Stay Period Granted at One Time

2 years

3. Activities Outside the Scope of Stay Status

Special Provisions for Activities as Student Researchers in Science and Technology Fields

Eligible Applicants: Individuals currently enrolled in or who have completed a Master's or Doctoral program, and who intend to work as a 'student researcher' under an employment contract at a government-funded research institution other than their affiliated university.

Scope of Government-Funded Research Institutions:

• Research institutions designated under Article 8 of the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Government-Funded Research Institutions in the Science and Technology Field.
• Specific research institutions designated under Article 3 of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of Specific Research Institutions.
• Researchers designated under Article 14 of the Special Act on the Creation and Support of the International Science Business Belt.

Students of the University of Science and Technology (UST) and KAIST are not required to obtain separate authorization if they receive stipends for participating in research projects of their affiliated university for credit acquisition, etc.

Required Documents: Employment contract, copy of the researcher's business registration certificate, fees.

Precautions:

• International students are prohibited from engaging in activities outside their status as researchers.
• Activities as researchers in general companies (including university industry-academia cooperation units) or organizations by students (D-2) are prohibited and employment is only possible through a change of status.
• Dispatching to external research institutes other than the affiliated university is strictly prohibited.

Part-time Employment (Arbeit) for International Students

Basic Principle: Limited to part-time employment activities typically undertaken by students (e.g., simple labor).

If you intend to engage in employment activities falling under Annex Table 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, apply the individual guidelines for each respective status. (Examples: Presidential English Fellowship Program, Conversation Instructor, Professional Interpretation and Translation, etc.)

4. Change or Addition of Workplace

Not applicable

5. Granting of Stay Status

Not applicable

6. Permission to Change Stay Status

Permission to Change to Study Abroad (D-2) Status

Basic Principle: Permission for change of status is granted to long-term foreign residents legally staying in Korea after registration. However, change of status is generally restricted for short-term residents (B, C series statuses). Exceptions apply in the following cases:

• Registered foreigners with other (G-1) statuses, excluding those with Technical Training (D-3), Seasonal Worker Employment (E-8), Non-professional Employment (E-9), Maritime Labor (E-10), and Humanitarian Stay Permit (G-1-6), are restricted from changing their status.
• Short-term legal residents are exceptionally permitted if the start date of the intended educational program falls within their current period of stay, and they meet one of the following conditions:

Granting Authority: Head of the immigration office (branch office, liaison office) having jurisdiction over the place of residence or the university's location.

Required Documents:

Special Provisions for Korean or English Proficiency Requirements for Lower-Tier Universities

Eligible Applicants: Entrants to lower-tier universities (D-2-1 to D-2-8), applicable to nationals from 21 designated countries and 5 priority management countries by the Minister of Justice.

Korean Language Proficiency:

• Junior Colleges: ① TOPIK Level 3 ② Completion of Level 3 or higher of the Social Integration Program or a pre-assessment score of 61 or higher ③ Completion of Intermediate 1 or higher of the Korean language course at Sejong Institute.
• Universities and Graduate Schools: ① TOPIK Level 4, ② Completion of Level 4 or higher of the Social Integration Program or a pre-assessment score of 81 or higher ③ Completion of Intermediate 2 or higher of the Korean language course at Sejong Institute.
• Exchange Students: Regardless of the degree program level, ① TOPIK Level 2, ② Completion of Level 2 or higher of the Social Integration Program or a pre-assessment score of 41 or higher ③ Completion of Beginner 2 or higher of the Korean language course at Sejong Institute.

Application of Relaxed Standards:

• International students advancing to a higher-level program at the same university.
• International students in 'Root Industry Cultivation Departments' of associate degree programs.
• International students in arts and physical education departments of bachelor's degree or higher programs.

Online Sejong Institute completion certificates are excluded. Sejong Institute completion certificates are limited to those issued for basic education courses by local Sejong Institutes.

English Language Proficiency:

• TOEFL 530 (CBT 197, iBT 71), IELTS 5.5, TEPS 601 (NEW TEPS 327) or higher.

English-Taught Programs (English Track): Programs that set separate recruitment units and verify 'English Proficiency' upon admission, meaning academic units where over 50% of the credits required for graduation are conducted in English.

Students who are nationals of countries where English is the native language or an official legal language can be admitted without meeting the English proficiency test criteria if they provide proof of secondary or higher education (e.g., graduation certificate). (However, for nationals of countries where English is a common language, it is recognized only if the completed education program was in English.)

7. Permission to Extend Stay

Basic Principle

• Stay period granted considering the academic schedule.
• Study Abroad Status (D-2-1 to D-2-4, D-2-7):
  Alien Registration: Issued after adjustment to the end of March or September of the following year.
  For changes or extensions: Granted within 2 years until the end of March or September.
• Research Study Abroad Status (D-2-5):
  Research students cannot stay for more than 2 years (Maximum stay period granted at one time: 1 year).
• Exchange Student (D-2-6) and Visiting Student (D-2-8) Status:
  Alien registration and changes/extensions: Granted by adjusting to the end of January or July, within 1 month from the end date of the respective program.
• Leave of absence for reasons such as domestic issues or delayed graduation is not recognized.
• Extension of stay is restricted for those who suspend their studies (take a leave of absence) due to personal reasons or insufficient credits.
• However, in cases of unavoidable circumstances such as illness or accidents, exceptions may be made for changes to the current stay status.

Special Provisions for Allowing Change of University and Progression to Lower-Level Programs (for degree program students only)

(Change of University) Change of university within the same degree program level is generally permitted, but prohibited for those who fall under any of the following categories:

• Those who have received a notification disposition for violation of Article 18 of the Immigration Act.
• Those whose combined period of study at the previous university and the intended study period at the new university exceeds the maximum stay period for their respective degree program.
• Those who do not possess the required Korean language proficiency (TOPIK Level 3 or higher, or completion of Level 3 or higher of the Social Integration Program or a pre-assessment score of 61 or higher). (Exclusions apply to those changing to accredited universities or when a change of university is unavoidable due to university closure or merger.)
• Those who are subject to departure in principle due to voluntary withdrawal or expulsion (Exclusions apply when voluntary withdrawal or expulsion is a mandatory prerequisite according to university regulations for changing universities).

(Progression to Lower-Level Degree Programs) Individuals who meet the Korean language proficiency requirements for a university change, have graduated or are expected to graduate from their current university, or can complete their studies without exceeding the total maximum stay period for their current status even after moving to a lower-level degree program (including movement to the same level), are permitted to progress to lower-level degree programs (including movement to the same level) in the following fields:

※ Visa-restricted universities and students in language study programs are not subject to the above special provisions.

Maximum Extension of Stay for Unmet Graduation Requirements

• Associate Degree: Maximum 3 years after admission (Maximum 4 years for 3-year programs).
• Bachelor's Degree: Maximum 6 years after admission (Maximum 7 years for 5-year programs).
• Master's Degree: Maximum 5 years after admission (Maximum 6 years for 3-year programs).
• Doctoral Degree: Maximum 8 years after admission (Maximum 7 years for 2-year programs).

Required Documents

• Application form, passport, alien registration card, fees.
• Certificate of completion, confirmation letter from supervisor and study abroad coordinator.
• Documents proving continuous academic progress (e.g., academic transcript, attendance certificate).
• Financial support documents.
• Documents proving place of residence (lease agreement, dormitory confirmation, notice of impending stay expiration, utility bills, dormitory fee receipts, etc.).

8. Re-entry Permit

Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption System (Amended Enforcement Rules effective December 1, 2010)

• Exemption from re-entry permit for registered international students re-entering within one year from the date of departure.
• Exemption from re-entry permit within the remaining period of stay if less than one year is left on the period of stay.
• However, international students who require a re-entry permit due to reasons such as entry restrictions must obtain a re-entry permit from the competent immigration office (branch office, liaison office) of their place of residence.
• Registered international students (D-2) wishing to re-enter within two years but after one year from departure will be granted a multiple re-entry permit upon application, and a fee will be collected for the re-entry permit.
• The permit period granted is 2 years. If the expiration date of the period of stay is less than 2 years, it will be granted within the remaining period of stay.

9. Alien Registration

Required Documents

• Application form, passport, one photo (taken within 6 months, half-body portrait), certificate of enrollment (or research student certificate) issued after the date of entry, fees.
• Tuberculosis test certificate (for applicable individuals).
• This applies only to those who were issued visas before July 1, 2016, and did not submit tuberculosis test certificates to overseas missions, in accordance with the grace period provisions of the previous study abroad guidelines.
• Documents proving place of residence.

Notification of Change of Registration Details

Items to Report: When any of the following items change:

• Name, gender, date of birth, and nationality.
• Passport number, issue date, and expiration date.
• Change of university (including name change).

Reporting Period: Within 15 days from the date of change.

Reporting Location: Competent immigration office (branch office, liaison office), online application.

Required Documents:

• Application form, passport, alien registration card.
• (For changes in personal information such as name) Documents proving the change (if applicable).
• (For changes in passport information) Documents proving the change (if applicable).
• (For change of university) Certificate of enrollment at the new university and certificate of withdrawal from the previous university (if applicable), documents proving the necessity or unavoidability of the university change (if applicable).
• (For change of university name) Documents confirming the change of university name, such as the unique number certificate (if applicable).

10. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: What are the eligible educational institutions for studying on a D-2 visa?

A1: You can study at universities or affiliated language institutes established as junior colleges or higher educational or academic research institutions under the Higher Education Act and special acts. However, universities of broadcasting and telecommunications, correspondence universities, cyber universities, lifelong education institutions, vocational training courses at functional universities, and most evening universities and graduate schools are excluded.

Q2: What are the Korean or English proficiency requirements for obtaining a D-2 visa? Are the requirements different for lower-tier universities?

A2: Yes, language proficiency requirements apply to designated lower-tier universities. For Korean proficiency, junior colleges require TOPIK Level 3, universities and graduate schools require TOPIK Level 4, and exchange students require TOPIK Level 2 or equivalent proof of completing the Social Integration Program or the Sejong Institute course. For English proficiency, standards such as TOEFL iBT 71 or IELTS 5.5 or higher must be met. However, relaxed standards may apply under certain conditions (e.g., advancing to a higher program at the same university, arts and physical education departments).

Q3: Can I work part-time (for a limited number of hours) on a study abroad (D-2) visa? If so, what are the conditions?

A3: Yes, part-time employment activities typically undertaken by students, such as simple labor, are permitted. However, this does not require separate authorization and is allowed within the scope that does not interfere with the student's primary purpose of study. For professional employment activities (e.g., conversation instruction, professional interpretation and translation), you must follow the individual guidelines for each specific status.

Q4: Can I work as a 'student researcher' at a government-funded research institution while pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree?

A4: Yes, it is possible. If you are enrolled in or have completed a Master's or Doctoral program and intend to work as a 'student researcher' under an employment contract at a government-funded research institution (e.g., government-funded research institutions in science and technology, specific research institutions) other than your affiliated university, it is permitted under the 'Special Provisions for Activities as Student Researchers in Science and Technology Fields'. In this case, you must submit documents such as the employment contract and a copy of the researcher's business registration certificate.

Q5: Is it possible to change universities or change from a bachelor's program to an associate degree program while enrolled?

A5: Yes, it is possible under certain conditions. Changing universities within the same degree program level is generally permitted, but restrictions may apply if you have violated immigration laws, if the combined study period exceeds the maximum stay period, or if you lack a certain level of Korean proficiency. Furthermore, progression from a higher degree program to a lower degree program is exceptionally allowed for specific majors (e.g., science and engineering, industries with labor shortages).

Q6: If I take a leave of absence due to personal reasons such as illness or accident, is it impossible to extend my period of stay?

A6: In principle, taking a leave of absence due to personal reasons or insufficient credits restricts the extension of your period of stay. However, in cases of unavoidable circumstances such as illness or accidents, exceptions may be made, potentially allowing for changes to your current stay status.

Q7: If my graduation is delayed because I haven't met the graduation requirements, how much longer can I extend my period of stay?

A7: There are set maximum extensions allowed for unmet graduation requirements. For example, an associate degree can be extended for a maximum of 3 years after admission (4 years for a 3-year program), a bachelor's degree for a maximum of 6 years (7 years for a 5-year program), a master's degree for a maximum of 5 years (6 years for a 3-year program), and a doctoral degree for a maximum of 8 years (7 years for a 2-year program).

Q8: What are the obligations of a university in managing international students?

A8: Universities must designate an official responsible for international student management and notify the relevant immigration office. Additionally, universities are obligated to report any changes in student status, such as non-registration, leave of absence, expulsion, or disappearance of an international student, within 15 days. Regular counseling and management of academic information are also among the university's obligations.

Q9: Can I engage in study activities even if I have a visa other than the D-2 visa?

A9: Yes, holders of certain stay statuses can engage in study activities without a separate authorization process, as long as it does not interfere with their original purpose of stay. These statuses include Diplomat (A-1 to A-3), Culture and Arts (D-1), Trade Management (D-9), and Professor (E-1), among others. However, for some statuses, such as Non-professional Employment (E-9) or Maritime Labor (E-10), while activities are permitted, subsequent changes to a study abroad (D-2) status may be restricted.

Q10: What is the maximum period of stay for those on a research program (D-2-5)?

A10: Research students (D-2-5) are granted a maximum stay period of one year at a time, and the total period of stay cannot exceed two years.