Study in South Korea — D-2 Student Visa Guide for Indian Students
From university admission to ARC registration, Future Link Consultants walks you through every step of securing your Korean student visa — including GKS scholarship applications and post-study D-10 pathways.
D-2 Visa — Key Facts at a Glance
Everything Indian students need to know before applying for a South Korea student visa.
Visa Type
D-2 General Training visa for full-time degree students at Korean universities (bachelor's, master's, doctoral & exchange).
Issuing Authority
Embassy of Korea, New Delhi (also Consulates in Chennai & Mumbai). Applications submitted in person or via authorised agent.
University Acceptance
A letter of acceptance from a Korean institution recognised by the Ministry of Education is the primary eligibility document.
Proof of Funds
Minimum ₩2,000,000 (~€1,400 / ~₹1.6 lakh) in a bank account. GKS/scholarship holders may substitute the official award letter.
ARC Registration
Register your Alien Registration Card (ARC) at the nearest Immigration Office within 90 days of arrival — mandatory for all long-stay students.
Post-Study: D-10 Visa
After graduation, switch to the D-10 Job-Seeker visa (up to 2 years) to find employment in Korea before transitioning to a work visa.
Document Checklist
Prepare these documents before visiting the Korean Embassy. Missing even one can delay or reject your application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow this roadmap to apply for your South Korea D-2 student visa from India — from choosing a university to landing in Seoul.
Choose Your Programme & University
Research Korean universities listed on the Study in Korea portal (studyinkorea.go.kr). Choose a programme taught in English or Korean. Apply through the university's international admissions portal — most deadlines fall in September (spring intake) or March (autumn intake).
Apply for GKS Scholarship (Optional but Recommended)
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) opens applications each February. Submit your academic transcripts, a study plan, and two recommendation letters to NIIED via your chosen university or the Korean Embassy. GKS covers tuition, living allowance, and language training — significantly reducing your cost of study.
Receive Your Admission Letter
Upon acceptance, the university issues a Certificate of Admission. For GKS awardees, NIIED sends a separate scholarship confirmation. Both documents are mandatory for your visa application.
Prepare Your Document Package
Gather all required documents — passport, bank statements, academic certificates (apostilled from the Ministry of External Affairs), admission letter, and completed visa application form. Future Link Consultants will review your package before submission to avoid errors.
Submit Application at Korean Embassy
Visit the Embassy of Korea in New Delhi (or the nearest consulate) in person or via an authorised agent. Pay the visa fee and submit your documents. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days but may extend during peak seasons.
Collect Visa & Pre-Departure Checklist
Collect your passport with the D-2 visa stamp. Before departure, arrange accommodation (most universities offer dormitories), purchase travel insurance, and carry certified copies of all documents for ARC registration on arrival.
Arrive & Register Your ARC
Within 90 days of arrival, visit the nearest Immigration Office with your passport, visa, admission letter, and two photos to receive your Alien Registration Card (ARC). The ARC is required to open a bank account, get a SIM card, and apply for part-time work permissions.
Costs & Timeline
Plan your budget and timeline well in advance — Korean university deadlines are strict and scholarship cycles are annual.
Estimated Costs
- ~₹5,000–₹7,000
D-2 Visa Fee
Single entry; multi-entry varies
- ₩2,000,000 (~₹1.6 lakh)
Proof of Funds Required
Min. bank balance at time of application
- ₩3–6 million (~₹2.4–4.8 lakh)
University Tuition (Annual)
Varies by university & programme
- ₩600,000–₩900,000
Living Costs (Monthly)
Accommodation, food & transport
- ₩30,000 (~₹1,900)
ARC Registration
Paid at the Immigration Office
- Full tuition + ₩900K–₩1M/month
GKS Scholarship (if awarded)
Living allowance + Korean language course
Application Timeline
12 months before intake
Research universities, appear for TOPIK or English proficiency tests, shortlist programmes.
9–10 months before intake
Apply to GKS scholarship (Feb window). Prepare SOP, transcripts & recommendation letters.
6–8 months before intake
Submit university application. Receive admission letter (processing: 4–8 weeks).
3–4 months before intake
Compile visa document package with Future Link. Submit D-2 visa application at Embassy.
5–10 business days
Embassy processes D-2 visa. Collect passport with visa stamp.
Within 90 days of arrival
Register ARC at Korean Immigration Office. Start classes.
Why Choose Future Link Consultants?
We have helped hundreds of Indian students successfully secure Korean D-2 visas and GKS scholarships. Here's what sets us apart.
Dedicated Korea Expertise
Our counsellors have in-depth knowledge of Korean university admissions, NIIED GKS scholarship cycles, TOPIK requirements, and Embassy New Delhi procedures — so you never navigate alone.
End-to-End Documentation
From apostilling transcripts at the MEA to drafting your statement of purpose and financial declarations, we prepare a complete, embassy-ready document package tailored to your profile.
High Visa Success Rate
Our thorough pre-submission review significantly reduces the risk of rejection. In the rare event of a refusal, we assist with the appeal process and guide you on strengthening your reapplication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions Indian students ask about the South Korea D-2 student visa process.
Ready to Begin Your Korean Journey?
Get expert guidance on your South Korea D-2 student visa and GKS scholarship application. Our counsellors are ready to help you take the next step.