Study in Korea Guide

Korea Student Visa Guide: D-2 vs D-4

Passports and travel documents prepared for a Korea student visa

According to the official Study in Korea — Visa and Stay page, international students typically need a D-2 visa for degree programs or a D-4 visa for non-degree training such as Korean language study. This guide summarizes the categories, documents, and how a Korea student visa agency partner like HezoKorea prepares embassy-ready files.

Updated 2026-07-18 12 min read

D-2 Study visa (degree programs)

D-2 covers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, research, exchange, and work-learning linked study. Official guidance notes a stay of up to 2 years per issuance, with longer extension ceilings depending on the program (for example, up to 6 years after admission for many bachelor’s tracks).

Common D-2 documents listed by Study in Korea include:

  • Passport copy and passport-size photo (within 6 months)
  • Educational institution business registration certificate copy
  • Standard Admission Letter
  • Tuberculosis test (if applicable)
  • Family relationship proof (if using parents’ finances)
  • Proof of highest education
  • Proof of financial ability

D-4 General Training visa (language school)

D-4-1 is for Korean language training; D-4-2 covers foreign language training. Required documents similarly include passport, photo, school registration certificate, Standard Admission Letter, enrollment or education proof, financial ability, and a training plan.

Additional documents may be required by nationality — always confirm with the Korean embassy or consulate in your country before booking an appointment.

Fees, screening, and ARC after arrival

Study in Korea lists approximate visa application fees (for example, around USD 40–90 depending on single vs multiple entry and stay length). Screening checks passport validity, purpose of entry, eligibility, and intent to return. After entering Korea for a stay over 90 days, complete alien registration (ARC).

HezoKorea does not issue visas and cannot guarantee approval. We prepare checklists, review scans, arrange translations, and package documents so your embassy submission is complete.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change from D-4 to D-2 inside Korea?
Sometimes, if you gain university admission and meet immigration rules for status change. Requirements change — confirm on HiKorea and with your school’s international office.
How does HezoKorea help as a student visa agency?
We prepare document checklists, review files, coordinate certified translation/apostille, and organize embassy-ready packages for D-2 and D-4 applications.

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Email info@hezokorea.com or submit a request on our homepage — we reply by email within 24 hours.

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