South Korea’s student visa: D-2, finances and working after graduation
South Korea constantly changes its visa rules, but overall the system is becoming clearer. The main visa for international students is the D-2, which suits everything: from a Bachelor’s degree to a doctorate. In recent years the financial threshold for some fields has been lowered, the permitted working hours have been tied to knowledge of the Korean language, and the path from a student visa to a residence permit has been made more transparent.
What types of visa there are
The D-2 is issued for study at Korean universities. Within it there are subtypes: D-2-1 for a Bachelor’s degree, D-2-2 for a Master’s, D-2-3 for a doctorate. Once you receive the D-2, you will be issued an Alien Registration Card (ARC) — a plastic card that becomes your main form of identification in Korea. Without it you cannot open a bank account, buy a local SIM card, or work legally.
There is also the D-4 visa for long-term language courses (from six months). For short programmes of up to 90 days, the visa-free regime is enough for citizens of Kyrgyzstan — it is valid for up to 60 days. But if you are going on language courses for longer than three months, take the D-4. It just has stricter rules on work and more bureaucracy.
The visa-free regime is not suitable for study
Yes, citizens of Kyrgyzstan may stay in Korea without a visa for up to 60 days. But this is only for tourism and short-term business trips. Arriving without a visa, enrolling at a university and switching to a D-2 inside the country will not work. The universities simply will not enrol you. Only a D-2 or D-4 obtained before the trip.
How much money you need to show
The amount depends on where the university is located. In the capital region (Seoul and its surroundings) you need a minimum of 20 million won — roughly 14,000 dollars. This requirement applies to all Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Greater Seoul. In other regions 16 million won (about 11,200 dollars) is enough — life there is cheaper, and the government takes this into account.
From 2026 a pilot programme was launched for 16 fields, mainly technical: automotive engineering, electrical engineering, robotics. If you enrol in one of them and have TOPIK 3 or higher, you are not required to confirm a bank balance at all. The programme runs until the end of 2027.
What is accepted as proof? A bank statement in your name, issued no earlier than 30 days before submission, showing an amount in won or dollars. A scholarship document will also do, for example the government GKS scholarship. If you are using your parents’ money, attach their statements, a birth certificate with a translation and a written commitment to fund your studies.
The money must sit in the account for at least three months — a sudden appearance of a large sum on the eve of submission will raise questions. All banking documents issued by a non-Korean bank should be translated into Korean or English and the translation notarised. Sometimes an apostille is also needed. So always check the requirements with the specific university and the Korean embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
How to submit your documents
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bishkek is located on Abdykadyrov Street, 81. An appointment is mandatory, and slots fill up quickly in peak season (May–August). Submit 2–3 months before departure.
The procedure is as follows. First you receive from the Korean university a standard certificate of admission and a copy of the institution’s registration certificate. Without them the visa will not be granted. Then you confirm your finances, buy insurance and undergo a medical examination (including a tuberculosis test). You fill in the visa application on the embassy portal, pay the fee (about 50 dollars) and attend an interview. A decision usually comes in 2–4 weeks.
You will need: an international passport (valid for at least 6 months), a completed application form, a photo 35×45 mm on a white background, a letter of admission and a copy of the university’s business registration certificate, a bank statement, a school-leaving certificate or diploma with a transcript of grades, a certificate of no criminal record (often for Master’s and PhD students), a medical certificate with tests for drugs and mental illness, and a motivation letter.
After arrival: ARC and insurance
Having entered on a D-2, you are required to register at the local immigration office and obtain an ARC within 90 days. Usually your university’s international office takes care of this. And within six months you need to register with the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). The monthly contribution is around 40,000 won (28 dollars).
Working during your studies
You can legally work part-time, but only with permission — the so-called time-part work permit. Without it any work is considered illegal. The process is simple: you find a vacancy, the employer fills in a form, you submit it together with your ARC and a certificate of academic standing to the immigration office, receive the permit and start working.
The hourly limits depend on your status and your knowledge of Korean. Bachelor’s students can work up to 20 hours a week, Master’s and doctoral students up to 30 hours on weekdays. On weekends and holidays there are no restrictions. D-4 holders may work up to 20 hours a week after six months of study and obtaining TOPIK 2. D-2 students need to confirm their level: TOPIK 3 for years 1–2 of a Bachelor’s degree, TOPIK 4 for years 3–4 and for Master’s/doctoral students. The basic limit for Bachelor’s students may be 10 hours a week, but it rises to 25 hours with TOPIK 3+ for junior years or TOPIK 4+ for senior years.
The minimum hourly rate in 2026 is around 10,000 won (7 dollars). Student part-time jobs often pay more, especially if you are a translator or a teaching assistant.
What is categorically forbidden: working without a permit, exceeding your hours, evading taxes, or engaging in activity that does not match your visa (for example, in the entertainment industry). Fines run from 5 to 15 million won, plus visa cancellation and deportation.
After graduation: the D-10 job-seeker visa
Graduates of Korean universities can obtain a D-10 visa to look for work. The term is up to two years (under certain conditions up to three), though most find work in the first year.
Conditions: submit the application before your student visa expires (after graduation the D-2 is valid for only 30 days). Class attendance must be 90% or higher. On the first switch to a D-10 the points system does not apply — you simply gather the standard package of documents. On subsequent extensions, points are awarded for age, education, language proficiency and work experience. Documents for the switch: an application, passport, ARC, diploma, transcript of grades, a job-search plan, proof of finances, a TOPIK certificate. Important: on the D-10 you may not work by default — a separate permit is needed.
How not to lose your status
Always carry your ARC and present it on request. If you change address, inform the immigration service within 14 days. Renew your visa no later than two months before it expires. Your insurance must be valid.
You must not interrupt your studies without approval, breach the conditions of part-time work or work without a permit, or overstay even by a single day — a fine and possible deportation await. If your D-2 is single-entry, leaving the country cancels your status.
For applicants from Kyrgyzstan
The embassy in Bishkek works by appointment. Plan your submission 2–3 months before departure. All document translations into Korean or English must be notarised. The tuberculosis test and medical examination must be done only at accredited clinics. Check the list on the embassy website.
In conclusion
The D-2 visa is strict but logical. Finances of 16 to 20 million won, a package of documents, mandatory ARC registration and strict compliance with the work rules — that is the foundation. After graduation you are given up to two years to look for work and a real chance to stay in Korea for the long term.
If you need help with choosing a university, finances or arranging an ARC, get in touch with our specialists. We will help you go through all the stages without unnecessary headaches.