The D-2 visa is the standard student visa for foreign students pursuing a full degree at a Korean university — associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral. (Students on a language course use the separate D-4 visa.)
Financial proof
You must show a bank balance in your own name, typically held for at least 28 days before applying. The benchmark is around ₩20,000,000 (roughly US$15,000–20,000), though the exact figure varies by university — institutions in the provinces may accept about ₩16,000,000, while top Seoul universities can ask for more. If the source of funds is unclear or the money is borrowed, expect closer scrutiny.
Working part-time
Part-time work is allowed with permission, and the limits depend on your level and Korean ability:
- Undergraduates: up to 20 hours per week during the semester;
- Master's and PhD students: up to 30 hours per week (after the first six months and with TOPIK Level 3);
- Full-time work is permitted during official vacation periods.
Off-campus work generally requires TOPIK Level 3; stronger Korean (TOPIK 4+) removes the hourly cap during vacations.
After you graduate
Graduates who want to stay on to job-hunt or work can move to a D-10 job-seeking visa or an E-series work visa. Building Korean language skills during your D-2 makes both the part-time rules and the post-study options far easier.
D-2 rules are set by the Korea Immigration Service (Ministry of Justice) and vary by university — confirm current requirements with your school and the nearest Korean mission before applying.