Question 1

What student visa do I need to study in South Korea?

Accepted Answer

Most international students studying a full-time degree program in South Korea require a D-2 (Student) visa. To apply, you will need a Certificate of Admission from a Korean university recognised by the Ministry of Education, proof of sufficient financial means (typically KRW 9,000,000 or equivalent in a bank account), a valid passport, completed visa application form, and passport-size photographs. Some short-term language or exchange programs may use a D-4 (General Training) visa instead. Future Link Consultants prepares your complete visa document pack and submits it to the Korean consulate or embassy in your home country, minimising delays and refusal risk.

Question 2

What is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and how do I apply?

Accepted Answer

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as KGSP, is the Korean government's flagship scholarship program for international undergraduate and postgraduate students. It covers full tuition at a participating Korean university, a monthly living allowance (KRW 900,000 for postgraduates, KRW 800,000 for undergraduates), a one-time settlement allowance, return economy airfare, health insurance, and one year of Korean language training before your academic program begins. Applications are submitted either through the Korean Embassy in your home country (Embassy Track) or directly through a designated Korean university (University Track). Deadlines typically fall between February and April each year. Future Link Consultants helps you identify which track suits your profile, prepares your personal statement and research proposal, and manages your entire GKS application from start to submission.

Question 3

Can I work while studying in South Korea on a student visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students holding a D-2 visa are legally permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester without needing a separate work permit. During official vacation periods (summer and winter breaks), there is no hourly restriction. Students must work in permitted job categories — most on-campus jobs, tutoring, restaurant and retail work, and internships with registered companies all qualify. Off-campus work in entertainment or adult industries is prohibited. Working within these boundaries is a great way to build Korean language skills, local professional experience, and supplement your living costs.

Question 4

What are the English language requirements for Korean universities?

Accepted Answer

Requirements vary by institution and program. For English-taught programs, most universities require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90 for undergraduate admission, and IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90–100 for postgraduate programs. Seoul National University's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) and Yonsei's Underwood International College set some of the highest bars. Some universities also accept Duolingo English Test scores. If your program is taught in Korean, you will typically need TOPIK Level 3 (undergraduate) or Level 4 (postgraduate). Future Link Consultants will map your current scores to specific programs and universities where your profile is competitive.

Question 5

What happens after I graduate — can I stay in South Korea to find work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. South Korea offers the D-10 Overseas Job-Seeker visa, which allows recent graduates from Korean universities to remain in the country for up to six months (extendable up to one year) while actively searching for employment. To be eligible you must have completed a degree at a Korean university, hold a valid D-2 status at the time of application, and demonstrate you are genuinely seeking employment. Once you secure a job offer from a Korean employer, you can transition to an E-7 (Specially Designated Activities) or relevant work visa. South Korea's chaebol conglomerates — Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Group, LG, SK, and Lotte — alongside fast-growing tech companies like Kakao and NAVER, recruit actively from Korean university campuses, making the post-graduation employment pathway very tangible for motivated international graduates.