Study Master in South Korea 2025
Study in South Korea
Change currency
Basic monthly living cost
Rent in a shared flat
476Share of utilities
52Internet subscription
20Local transportation
42
Sample lifestyle cost
Fast food combo
6Cinema ticket
10Pint of local beer
3
About South Korea
South Korea occupies the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula, which extends some 680 mi (1,100 km) from the Asian mainland. This mountainous peninsula is flanked by the Yellow Sea to the west, and Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east. Its southern tip lies on the Korea Strait and the East China Sea.
Korea is located on a peninsula in the middle of Northeast Asia; the Yellow Sea is to the west and the East Sea is to the east. Although Korea has a tradition and culture that date back thousands of years, in the past few decades Korea has transformed from an agricultural economy to one of the world’s most industrialized countries. Significant industries in Korea include automobiles, shipbuilding, chemicals, and information technology. The Korean population is highly educated and has one of the highest internet usage rates in the world.
Climate
Korea experiences all four seasons, including a wet summer and a cold winter. In Seoul, the capital, the average low temperature during January is about -2 degrees C, and the average high temperature during August is about 25 degrees C. Humidity is relatively high year-round, typically ranging from about 70 to 80 percent.
Culture
Korea has a long tradition in the arts, in particular singing, dancing, fine arts, and pottery. Many museums and art galleries exist within the country. In addition, Korea’s central location in Northeast Asia makes it easy for visitors to explore other Asian countries such as Japan and China. Korean cuisine focuses on rice and side dishes, and many traditional foods use fermented sauces. Side dishes include meats, fish, pickled dishes, soups, and vegetables.
Cost of Living
The cost to live in Korea is moderate, about $1,200 (US) per month, with most of that going for housing and food. International students attending master’s degree programs are eligible to work up to 20 hours each week while studying in Korea. No additional work permit is required as long as the student has a valid visa.
Visa Requirements
- D-2: Visa for Regular Educational Programme. This visa is for any student enrolling in a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph. D program at a junior college, university, or graduate school.
- D-4: Visa for General Training. This visa is for any person attending a university-run language school, a qualified educational institute, or any other institute other than an academic research institute.
What type of Visa do you need?
Visa name
D-2; D-4
Price and currency
EUR 50
Both of the visa applications charge a fee of around 30-50 EUR. A multiple entry visa is more expensive than a single entry visa. The visa fees vary according to your country of residence and are subject to change. The citizens of some countries (for example, Germany) may not need to pay the visa application fee.
Who can apply for the visa?
All international students will need to apply for a student visa to study in South Korea.
Where can you make the application?
embassy or consulate of the Republic of Korea
All international students residing outside Korea will need to apply for a student visa at the embassy or consulate of the Republic of Korea. You must apply for the visa in person at your home country’s Korean embassy.
How to make the application?
To study abroad in Korea, you will need to acquire a visa before entering the country. The process is not difficult, but it is important to have all the necessary documentation. Your university may assist you in the visa process, so ask your international office what your next steps are in acquiring a visa after you have been admitted. You will usually need to provide the following:
- An application form
- Passport
- Photocopy of passport
- A color photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
- A copy of the Business Registration Certificate of Korean university
- Acceptance letter from the Korean university
- Proof of finances that cover the living costs for your semester in Korea
- A recommendation letter from your home university
- A document proving you have completed one or more semesters at your home university (i.e. transcript of records)
- Chinese students may need to provide an overview of their family history
You will also apply for an Alien Residence Card once in Korea. The card will enable you to make trips abroad during your semester in Korea. The host university will help you get the Card after you’ve arrived.
Please note that according to the official guidance of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, you have to leave Korea within 1 week of the semester’s ending date, otherwise you’ll be heavily fined by the Korean Immigration.
When should you apply?
Apply for your student visa immediately after receiving your official acceptance letter from Korea.
The student visa to Korea can be valid for up to two years.
Processing time
Work opportunities
D-2 and D-4 visa holder students can engage in a part-time job as long as it is allowed by the educational institution. However, in most cases, you need to stay for 6 months in Korea before you are allowed to work. After 6 months you must ask your university for a letter giving you permission to work part-time. For legal purposes, the student must get a license from an immigration office to be legally considered as a part-timer.
Hours per week
0
Why do you need this type of visa?
Your visa application may be rejected if you are not able to show proof of the required funds, or if you provide incorrect or incomplete documents.
Institutions
- University Of Seoul
- SDU Seoul Digital University
- Korea University and Business School
- Korea Polytechnic University
- Seoul Institute Of The Arts
- Sangji University
- Dong-eui University
- Daejin University
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Kyung Hee Cyber University - Online