This comprehensive guide provides essential information for 162,000 international students studying in Korea to ensure successful settlement. From D-2 study visa extensions to work visa conversion processes, we systematically guide you through residence support policies and practical know-how. Essential information for all international students who want to successfully find employment in Korea after graduation.
Table of Contents
International Student Situation and Residence Support System
As of 2025, approximately 162,000 international students are residing in Korea, with the majority enrolled in degree programs (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees). The number of international students has been steadily increasing over the past five years, with major nationalities including China, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan. The Korean government operates various support systems to ensure their successful settlement and capacity development.
- Korea Immigration Service
- National Institute for International Education (NIIED)
- University International Affairs Offices
- Seoul Global Center
- Visa extension support
- Scholarship and living allowance
- Health insurance enrollment
- Employment and entrepreneurship support
- Bachelor's degree programs
- Master's degree programs
- Doctoral degree programs
- Research programs
💡 Did you know? Starting in 2025, the government introduced a one-stop service for international students that allows processing of visa extensions, health insurance enrollment, and scholarship applications all at once.
1 D-2 Study Visa Basic Information
D-2 Study Visa Characteristics
The D-2 visa is issued to foreigners who wish to complete regular educational programs at Korean universities. It is subdivided by degree level, with different characteristics and requirements for each.
- D-2-1 (Associate Degree): Community college programs
- D-2-2 (Bachelor's): 4-year university programs
- D-2-3 (Master's): Graduate master's programs
- D-2-4 (Doctoral): Graduate doctoral programs
- D-2-5 (Other): Other educational programs
International Student Support Programs
Various support programs for international students are operated by the government, local governments, and private companies.
- National Scholarships: GKS (Global Korea Scholarship), etc.
- University Scholarships: University-specific scholarships for international students
- Living Support: Dormitories, health insurance, living allowances
- Academic Support: Research funding, publication support
Support for international students goes beyond simple financial assistance to provide comprehensive services for academic success and adaptation to Korean society. In particular, language support, cultural adaptation programs, and mentoring systems help students successfully complete their studies.
Visa Extension and Management
International students with D-2 visas can extend their stay during their study period. Extension applications are processed by submitting required documents such as academic certificates, transcripts, and financial proof to the Korea Immigration Service. The important point is that academic performance and attendance rates below certain standards (usually 70-80% or higher) may result in extension denial.
1 Visa Extension Requirements
Academic Achievement Standards
To extend your visa, you must demonstrate a serious attitude and results in your studies. Academic performance and attendance rates are essential basic requirements.
- Academic Performance: Must maintain an average of 70% or higher
- Attendance Rate: 80% or higher required
- Failing Grades: Failed courses (F grades) must be less than 30% of total courses taken
- Academic Status: No issues such as expulsion or leave of absence
Financial Capacity and Other Conditions
In addition to academic achievement, you must meet basic conditions for staying in Korea.
- Financial Capacity: Proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses
- Health Insurance: National health insurance enrollment certificate
- Residence: Secure stable housing
- TOPIK: TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level required depending on program
| Degree Program | Minimum GPA Requirement | Attendance Requirement | TOPIK Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | C Grade (2.0) or higher | 80% or higher | Level 3+ recommended |
| Master's | B Grade (3.0) or higher | 85% or higher | Level 4+ recommended |
| Doctoral | B Grade (3.0) or higher | 90% or higher | Level 5+ recommended |
2 Extension Application Process and Required Documents
Apply 2 months to 1 month before visa expiration
Prepare enrollment certificate, transcript, financial proof, etc.
Visit immigration office or apply online through Hi Korea
Results notified in approximately 1-2 weeks
Visa Extension Application Documents
Here is the list of required documents for visa extension applications. All documents must be issued within the last 3 months.
- Basic Documents: Visa extension application form, processing fee
- Academic Documents: Enrollment certificate, transcript
- Financial Documents: Proof of financial capacity (bank balance certificate, etc.)
- Other: Original passport, Alien Registration Card
Important Notes for Extension Denials
If your visa extension is denied, pay attention to the following:
- Poor grades or low attendance rate make re-extension highly unlikely
- Check appeal procedures for the rejection decision
- Consider voluntary departure or changing to another visa type
- Secure sufficient preparation time for re-entry
Work Visa Conversion Guide
International students wishing to work in Korea after graduation can convert from D-2 (study) visa to various work visas such as E-7 (Specific Activities), E-2 (Language Instruction), E-1~E-6 (Professional positions), etc. The key to visa conversion is proving the connection between academic major and job duties. Additionally, if you don't have a job immediately after graduation, you can pursue job-seeking activities for up to 2 years with a D-10 visa.
1 Types and Characteristics of Work Visas
| Visa Type | Target Group | Conversion Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-7 (Specific Activities) | Major-related professionals | Bachelor's+, major connection, employment contract | IT, engineering, research |
| E-2 (Language Instruction) | Native language instructors | Bachelor's+ from native language country | English, Chinese language instruction |
| E-1~E-6 | Professors, researchers, technical instructors | Requirements vary by field | Master's/PhD, experience required |
2 Visa Conversion Process
Secure employment before graduation or during D-10 visa period
Visit immigration office or apply online through Hi Korea
Graduation certificate, employment contract, major relevance proof, etc.
Review process takes approximately 2-4 weeks
Visa Conversion Success Strategies
Strategic preparation is necessary to increase the success rate of visa conversion.
- Strengthen Major-Job Connection: Emphasize the relationship between your major and target job through thesis, internships, projects
- Language Skills and Certifications: TOPIK Level 4+, TOEFL/IELTS for English speakers
- Choose Experienced Employers: Target companies and startups with experience hiring foreigners
- Perfect Document Preparation: Submit both originals and notarized copies, translated documents when needed
- Utilize D-10 Job Search Visa: Use D-10 visa for job seeking if no immediate employment after graduation
3 Job Search Support Programs
How to Use D-10 Job Search Visa
The D-10 visa is a special residence status that allows you to stay for up to 2 years after graduation for job searching, internships, and startup preparation.
- Eligible Applicants: Graduates of Korean universities seeking employment
- Duration: Initial 1 year, extendable once for maximum 2 years
- Permitted Activities: Job searching, internships, startup preparation
- Application Method: Immigration office or Hi Korea online
Employment Support Programs
Various support programs are available for the successful employment of international students.
- Employment Centers: Job applications, resume consulting, interview coaching
- Worknet: Online job applications, job information search
- Seoul Global Center: Recruitment information, networking
- University Career Centers: Resume writing support, interview preparation
💡 Note: Starting in 2025, mentoring programs for foreign job seekers have been expanded. You can increase your employment success rate through 1:1 mentoring with seniors in the same major or industry experts.
Key Takeaway
For successful employment in Korea for international students, early job preparation is essential. Start building practical experience through internships and projects during your studies, and prepare to specifically demonstrate the connection between your major and desired job.
Particularly, obtaining TOPIK certification, acquiring relevant qualifications, and improving Korean language skills directly help not only with visa conversion but also employment success. Thorough preparation and systematic approach in all processes from visa extension to work visa conversion are the keys to success.
💡 For additional inquiries, please contact Korea Immigration Service (1345) or National Institute for International Education (02-3668-1385).
