South Korea Student Visa For Indian Passport Holders

South Korea student visas are intended for international students who wish to pursue academic programs in the country. These visas are generally valid for the duration of the chosen course, along with a short grace period before and after the program. Depending on the visa type and the issuing embassy's discretion, the visa may be granted as a single, double, or multiple entry permit.

D-2 Visa

• For: Regular academic courses (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., Language Courses)
  
  
• Duration: Up to the study period (with possible extensions)
  
  
• Entry: Usually Multiple Entry
  
  

D-4 Visa

• For: Non-academic, non-degree courses (Language Training, Cultural/Artistic Training)
  
  
• Duration: Varies by course length (generally shorter than D-2)
  
  
• Entry: Can be Single or Multiple Entry, depending on the course duration

Mandatory Documents:

• Admission Letter:
  
  

• Issued by the South Korean university
• Must include student details, course information, and admission confirmation
  
  

• Valid Passport:
  
  

• At least 6 months' validity from the planned departure date from South Korea
• Ensure you have at least two blank pages
  
  

• Visa Application Form:
  
  

• Download from the Korean Embassy/Consulate website or obtain in person
• Fill out accurately, preferably in English or Korean
  
  

• Recent Passport-Sized Photos:
  
  

• Typically 1 or 2, depending on the embassy's requirements
• White background, no accessories, and clear facial view
  
  

• Transcripts and Diplomas:
  
  

• Original and apostilled/copies of all previous academic records (School, College, University)
• Translation into English or Korean if not already in one of these languages
  
  

• Proof of Language Proficiency:
  
  

• TOPIK (Korean Language Proficiency Test) for courses taught in Korean
• TOEFL, IELTS, or TEPS for courses taught in English (if required by the university)
  
  

• Proof of Financial Support:
  
  

• Bank Statement: Showing at least KRW 18,000,000 (approximately INR 1,200,000 or USD 17,000) for the first year
• Scholarship Award Letter (if applicable)
  
  

• Health Insurance:
  
  

• Proof of health insurance valid in South Korea for the entire stay
• Check with your university for recommendations or requirements
  
  

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):
  
  

• Apostilled, in some cases may be required upon request
• Ensure it's recent (issued within the last 6 months)
  
  

Additional Requirements (May Vary):

• Additional Academic Credentials: Depending on the course or university
  
  
• Interview: In some cases, an interview may be conducted by the embassy/consulate

Similar to D-2 Visa requirements with the following adjustments:

• Admission Letter: Specifically for non-degree, non-academic programs
  
  
• Proof of Language Proficiency: May not be required for all non-academic programs; check with the institution
  
  
• Financial Support: The amount may vary depending on the course duration and type

Step 1: Apply for Admission

• Through Official University Website:

• Research: Look for universities in South Korea that offer your desired course.

• Eligibility: Check the university's eligibility criteria for international students.

• Application Portal: Submit your application through the university's online portal.

• Required Documents for University Admission:

• Academic Transcripts

• Diplomas

• Language Proficiency Tests (TOPIK, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

• Personal Statement/Essay

• Letters of Recommendation

• Application Fee: Pay the fee as specified by the university (if applicable).
  
  

• Through a Registered Education Agent:

• Find an Agent: Look for agents registered with the Korean Embassy/Consulate or the university.

• Agent’s Role: They can guide you through the application process, document preparation, and sometimes offer additional services like accommodation assistance.

• Fees: Be aware of any additional fees charged by the agent.
  
  

Timeline for University Admission:

• Deadline: Varies by university and semester (typically 2-6 months before the semester starts).

• Response Time: Universities usually respond within 1-3 months after receiving the application.
  
  

Outcome:

• Admission Letter: If accepted, you'll receive an admission letter from the university, which is crucial for your visa application.

• Rejection: If rejected, you can apply to other universities or appeal the decision (if the university allows it).
  
  

Step 2: Prepare Documents

• Gather Required Documents (as detailed in the initial guide):

• Admission Letter

• Valid Passport

• Visa Application Form

• Recent Passport-Sized Photos

• Transcripts and Diplomas

• Proof of Language Proficiency

• Proof of Financial Support

• Health Insurance

• Police Clearance Certificate (if required)
  
  

• Translation and Apostille:

• Translation: If documents are not in English or Korean, translate them.

• Apostille: For documents that require authentication, obtain an apostille from the relevant Indian authority.
  
  

• Make Copies: Keep original documents safe and make copies for submission.
  
  

Tips for Document Preparation:

• Double-Check: Ensure all documents meet the embassy/consulate’s requirements.

• Organize: Keep documents in order for easy submission and review.
  
  

Step 3: Submit Visa Application

In Person:

• Choose the Correct Office:

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi: For residents of certain areas; check the embassy's website.

• Consulate General in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata: Depending on your residence.
  
  

• Visit the Office:

• Hours of Operation: Check the office hours to plan your visit.

• Required Documents: Bring all prepared documents.

• Submission Process: Submit your application to the designated officer.
  
  

• Receive a Receipt:

• Acknowledgement: Get a receipt or a reference number for your application.
  
  

Through a Registered Travel Agency:

• Find an Authorized Agency:

• Check with the Embassy/Consulate: Ensure the agency is authorized to submit visa applications.
  
  

• Submit Through the Agency:

• Service Fee: Pay the agency’s service fee in addition to the visa application fee.

• Document Review: The agency will review your documents before submission.
  
  

• Tracking:

• Application Status: The agency may provide updates on your application status.

Submission Timeline:

• Recommended: Submit your application at least 4-6 weeks before your intended departure to South Korea.

• Peak Seasons: Allow more time during peak application seasons (usually before semesters begin).
  
  

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

• Fee Amount:

• Currently, KRW 30,000 to KRW 90,000 (approximately INR 2,000 to INR 6,000).

• Dependent on Visa Type and Duration.
  
  

• Payment Methods:

• Cash: At the embassy/consulate (if accepted).

• Credit/Debit Card: If the embassy/consulate or agency accepts card payments.

• Bank Transfer: In some cases, payment can be made through a bank transfer; check for specific details.
  
  

• Receipt:

• Proof of Payment: Ensure you receive a receipt for the visa application fee.
  
  

Step 5: Wait for the Visa Decision

• Processing Time:

• Typical: 2-4 weeks.

• Variable: Can be longer depending on the application's complexity or during peak seasons.
  
  

• Additional Requirements:

• Interview: You might be called for an interview at the embassy/consulate.

• Further Documentation: Be prepared to submit additional documents if requested.
  
  

• Communication:

• Email/Phone Updates: The embassy/consulate or agency might contact you for updates or requirements.

• Tracking: If available, use online tracking services to monitor your application status.
  
  

Step 6: Collect Your Visa

• Notification:

• Email/Phone: You'll be notified once your visa is ready.

• Collection Time: Check the specified time for collection.
  
  

• Visa Collection:

• In Person: Typically, you or an authorized person must collect the visa.

• Required Documents for Collection:

• The receipt or reference number given during submission.

• Your passport.

• Verify Your Visa: Before leaving the embassy/consulate, ensure all visa details are correct.
  
  

Step 7: Enter South Korea

• Validity Period:

• Entry Before Expiration: Ensure you enter South Korea before your visa's entry permit expires.
  
  

• Travel Documents:

• Valid Passport: With the visa.

• Admission Letter: Sometimes requested by immigration.

• Proof of Onward/Return Ticket: May be required.
  
  

• Immigration Process:

• Proceed to Immigration: After arriving at the airport.

• Present Documents: Show your passport with the visa and other requested documents.

• Biometric Data: May be collected.
  
  

• Post-Arrival:

• Register with the University: Complete any necessary university registration processes.

• Alien Registration Card: Apply for this within 90 days of arrival, as guided by your university.

• Alien Registration Card:
  

• Apply for this within 90 days of arrival.
• Your university may assist with this process.
  
  

• Health Check:
  

• Might be required after arrival, depending on the university's policy or if not done before.
  
  

• University Orientation:
  

• Attend the orientation to understand university rules, course structures, and more.
  
  

• Open a Korean Bank Account:
  

• For receiving scholarships or part-time job payments

• Check the Latest Requirements: With the Korean Embassy or Consulate, as requirements can change.
  
• Apply Early: To account for any unexpected delays.
  
  
• Ensure All Documents Are Apostilled: If required, to avoid rejection.
  
  
• Seek Assistance from Your University: Many universities in South Korea have international offices that can guide you through the visa process.
  
  
• Learn Basic Korean: To enhance your experience in South Korea.

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi

• Address: 9, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91-11-4200-7000
• Email: ind@mofa.go.kr
  
  

• Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai

• Address: Maker Chamber V, 8th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021
• Phone: +91-22-2282-8800
• Email: mumbai@mofa.go.kr
  
  

• Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chennai

• Address: No. 536, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai - 600018
• Phone: +91-44-4350-5700
• Email: chn@mofa.go.kr
  
  

• Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Kolkata

• Address: 9th Floor, TDI Centre, 7-Chanditala, Uttarpara, Kolkata - 700067
• Phone: +91-33-4010-3700
• Email: cal@mofa.go.kr