South Korea with its Hallyu (Korean Wave) has taken place all over the world, making this country’s all aspects of culture come to be a global phenomenon from K-pop music, to films, to dramas, and to delectable cuisine, etc. But do you know that South Korea is also one of the best choices for students when it comes to studying abroad? In this article, let us guide you through what South Korea offers and how to embark on your educational dream!

1. Why choose South Korea?

Opting to study in Korea is not only an academic choice but also a practical one. 

Firstly, the cost of living is more economical compared to some developed nations, and tuition fees are reasonable and within reach. Secondly, South Korea is considered safe and secure, boasting efficient travel connections to neighboring nations with its economic and political stability. Thirdly, South Korea is renowned for its top-notch education and excellent healthcare standards. Last but not least, international students can work part-time while studying in South Korea as living costs in Korea are much cheaper than the average salary here. 

2. What are the latest requirements for studying abroad in South Korea?

2.1. Requirements for Associate Degree (D-2-1):

Study program in Korea for 2 ~ 3 years for an Associate degree in the field of choice.

Korean universities only allow international students to work part-time after 6 months, up to 20 hours/week, and 2 vacations then they can work full-time.

• GPA score of 6.5 or higher.
• Have graduated from high school or have an intermediate diploma (ages 18-23 years old), have a university degree (ages 18-30 years old).

Note: These degrees have to be issued in less than 3 years.

• Have a TOPIK 1 - Level 3 certificate or higher (you can owe TOPIK and take the exam after 1 year of study).

Note: For international students who do not have a TOPIK 3, they will have to take a Korean language course for at least 6 months and take the TOPIK exam to be able to study for a major.

• Proof of Financial Status
  • Capital region: Balance of at least 20 million won deposited for at least 3 months.
  • Local: Balance of at least 16 million won deposited for at least 3 months.
  • In case of studying at the consulting school, students must submit a minimum of 6 months.

• The sponsor has an income of 30-70 million VND/month.
• Have participated in a Korean language learning program for at least 6 months at school (depending on the school)
• Satisfy criminal record and health conditions, have a Certificate of TB (tuberculosis) issued by the designated hospital.

2.2. Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree (D-2-2):

The program is for university students or those who already have Korean/English proficiency and are accepted to study a major at the university level.

• The recommended age to register is 18 - 35 years old.
• Graduated from high school or higher, with a degree issued in less than 3 years.
• High school GPA score of 6.5 or higher.
• Have TOPIK 3 or higher (some schools require TOPIK 4) or equivalent IELTS 5.5 or higher (6.0 is best)
• Proof of Financial Status
  • Capital region: Balance of at least 20 million won deposited for at least 3 months.
  • Local: Balance of at least 16 million won deposited for at least 3 months.
  • In case of studying at the consulting school, students must submit a minimum of 6 months.
• The sponsor has an income of 30-70 million VND/month.
• Satisfy criminal record and health conditions, have a Certificate of TB (tuberculosis) issued by the designated hospital.
• Have good academic achievements or competition awards is a plus. Particularly for arts and talent majors, they need to take the test according to each school's requirements.

2.3. Requirements for Master’s Degree (D-2-3):

The training program is for international students who have graduated from university and wish to study for a master's degree in Korea. Study period is 2 years, and no restrictions on part-time work.

• The recommended age to register is 22 - 35 years old.
• Graduated from university less than 5 years.
• University GPA of 6.5 or higher (depending on the school)
• Have a certificate of TOPIK 4 or higher or equivalent IELTS 6.0.
• Proof of Financial Status
  • Capital region: Balance of at least 20 million won deposited for at least 3 months.
  • Local: Balance of at least 16 million won deposited for at least 3 months.
  • In case of studying at the consulting school, students must submit a minimum of 6 months.
• The sponsor has an income of 30-70 million VND/month.
• Satisfy criminal record and health conditions, have a Certificate of TB (tuberculosis) issued by the designated hospital.

2.4. Requirements for Doctoral Degree (D-2-4):

The study program in Korea is for international students who have graduated from university and wish to study for a PhD in Korea. Study period is 3 years, and students can work 30-35 hours/week.

• The recommended age to register is 25 - 35 years old.
• Graduated from university less than 5 years.
• University GPA of 6.5 or higher (depending on the school)
• Have a certificate of TOPIK 4 or higher or equivalent IELTS 6.0.
• Proof of Financial Status
  • Capital region: Balance of at least 20 million won deposited for at least 3 months.
  • Local: Balance of at least 16 million won deposited for at least 3 months.
  • In case of studying at the consulting school, students must submit a minimum of 6 months.
• The sponsor has an income of 30-70 million VND/month.
• Satisfy criminal record and health conditions, have a Certificate of TB (tuberculosis) issued by the designated hospital.

2.5. Requirements for Research Study (D-2-5):

Foreign students planning to participate in a specific study at a college or university in South Korea may apply for a Korean Research Study Program (D-2-5). Study period is over 3 years.

• The recommended age to register is 25 - 35 years old.
• Graduated from university less than 5 years.
• University GPA of 6.5 or higher (depending on the school)
• Have a certificate of TOPIK 4 or higher or equivalent IELTS 6.0.
• Have a Master's degree or higher.
• Applicants must be accepted as a PhD student by a university in Korea.
• Proof of Financial Status
  • Capital region: Balance of at least 20 million won deposited.
  • Local: Balance of at least 16 million won deposited.
• The sponsor has an income of 30-70 million VND/month.
• Satisfy criminal record and health conditions, have a Certificate of TB (tuberculosis) issued by the designated hospital.

2.6. Requirements for Language Trainee (D-4):

Program for international students who want to study Korean or another foreign language at a language institution affiliated with a foreign educational institution or a Korean university education center.

• The recommended age to register is 18 - 27 years old.
• Graduated from high school in less than 2 years, with a GPA of at least 6.5.
• No TOPIK certificate required (for Korean Language Trainee).
• Proof of Financial Status
  • Capital region: Balance of at least 10 million won deposited for at least 6 months.
  • Local: Balance of at least 8 million won deposited for at least 6 months.
• Satisfy criminal record and health conditions, have a Certificate of TB (tuberculosis) issued by the designated hospital.

3. How to get a visa to South Korea as a foreign student?

South Korea’s educational system is categorized into three types of schools: Top 1% Straight Visa Schools or Top Universities in South Korea, Top 2 Schools in South Korea, and Top 3 Schools in South Korea or Consulting Schools. 

International students first need to know which school to apply for, and the visa policy will depend on the merits of each school. For example, a straight visa for Top 1% Universities in South Korea excludes interviews at the South Korea Embassy/Consulate, and reduces documents required to prepare. Instead, these universities will apply for visa codes for international students. 

Foreign students must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days from the date of arrival in South Korea if the stay is more than 90 days. Length of stay is listed on the back of the ARC.

Note: One of the responsibilities of all international students is to keep their ARC current, as termination of the ARC also means the end of one's student visa D-2 term.