Korean universities admit foreigners through a separate international student track (외국인 특별전형), outside the Korean entrance exam. You apply directly to each university, usually in the autumn for March entry or in the spring for September entry. Most Korean-taught programs ask for TOPIK level 3 or 4.
Key facts
| Who | Applicants whose parents are both non-Korean, or who did all 12 years of schooling outside Korea |
| Intakes | March (spring) and September (fall) |
| When to apply | Spring entry: roughly August to November of the year before. Fall entry: roughly February to May |
| Language | Korean-taught: usually TOPIK 3 or higher, often 4. English-taught: TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent |
| Where | Each university’s admissions website; general info at studyinkorea.go.kr |
| Visa | D-2 (student), applied for after you receive a Certificate of Admission |
| Application fee | Set by each university |
Who counts as an international student
The Study in Korea portal describes two main groups for the international track:
- Both parents are non-Korean citizens. Your own nationality must also be foreign.
- You finished all 12 years of elementary, middle and high school outside Korea. This route exists for some Koreans and dual citizens raised abroad, under each school’s rules.
If one parent is Korean, or you studied part of school in Korea, you may not fit the international track. Overseas Koreans may instead apply through the special admission for Koreans abroad (재외국민 특별전형), which has its own rules. Ask the admissions office before you apply.
When to apply
There is no national deadline. Every university sets its own dates, and they change each year. The usual pattern:
| Entry | Typical application window | Examples (from university notices) |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March) | August to November of the year before | Spring 2027: University of Seoul online window Sept. 7 to 23, 2026; Ewha open to Oct. 8, 2026 with results Dec. 18 |
| Fall (September) | February to May | Korea University fall 2025 round ran February to March 2025 |
Many schools run one round per intake; large Seoul universities often close earliest. Graduate schools follow a similar rhythm but publish separate guidelines.
Download each university's "admission guidelines for international students" (외국인 유학생 모집요강) PDF as soon as it is posted. Required documents, apostille rules and TOPIK levels differ between schools and even between departments.
Language requirements
- Korean-taught programs. Study in Korea says TOPIK level 3 or higher is the general baseline, but each university can set a higher level, and many ask for 4. Some schools admit students below the level if they finish the school’s own Korean course first.
- English-taught programs. Usually TOEFL, IELTS or similar. Minimum scores are set by the school.
- TOPIK after admission. Some schools require a higher TOPIK level before graduation.
For ways to reach TOPIK 3 or 4, see learning Korean.
Documents you usually need
- Application form and personal statement / study plan
- High school (or university) diploma and transcripts
- Apostille or consular confirmation of your academic documents
- Passport copy, and your parents’ passports or nationality documents (to prove both are foreign)
- Family relationship proof (birth certificate or similar)
- TOPIK or English test score
- Bank balance certificate showing you can pay tuition and living costs
- Recommendation letters, portfolio or interview, depending on the department
Financial proof. Universities ask for a recent bank statement in your or your sponsor’s name. The required amount is set by the university and immigration guidelines and differs by school and region. Check the exact figure in the current admission guideline.
Choose a certified university
The Ministry of Education runs the International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS, 교육국제화역량 인증제). Universities with weak results can face limits on student visas, and in 2026 Korea JoongAng Daily reported that 20 universities faced such restrictions. Before you apply, ask the school whether it is IEQAS-certified and can issue student visas for your program.
After admission: the D-2 visa
- The university issues a Certificate of Admission (표준입학허가서) once you pay tuition.
- You apply for a D-2 visa at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country. If you are already in Korea on another status, you may be able to change status at immigration instead.
- Within 90 days of arrival you register for a residence card. See ARC registration.
- You must join National Health Insurance. See health insurance for foreigners.
Part-time work on D-2 needs permission (시간제취업 허가) and is limited by hours and your TOPIK level. Check current rules with your international office or 1345.
Paying for it
- GKS pays full tuition and living costs, but most people who already studied in Korea cannot apply. See GKS and other scholarships.
- University scholarships are the most common support. Many schools reduce tuition for new international students by TOPIK level, then by GPA each semester.
- Self-financed student scholarship (GKS). For students already enrolled, from the 2nd year, with TOPIK 4 and good grades.
Minh wants to start a Korean-taught business degree in March 2028. He studies at a university language institute on a D-4 visa during 2027, sits TOPIK in the spring and reaches level 4. In September 2027 he applies to three universities whose spring windows are open, uses his TOPIK score for tuition reductions, and changes from D-4 to D-2 at immigration after admission.
Common questions
Can I apply with no Korean at all?
Yes, to English-taught programs, or to schools that let you enroll after finishing their Korean course. For most Korean-taught degrees you need TOPIK 3 or 4 first.
My mother is Korean and my father is not. Am I an international student?
Usually not under the “both parents foreign” rule. You may qualify through the 12-years-abroad route or the overseas Korean admission. Each university decides, so ask before applying.
Is there one central application like the US Common App?
No. You apply to each university separately on its own website, with its own fee and documents.
Can I transfer into a Korean university?
Many schools accept transfer students into the 2nd or 3rd year, with separate dates and credit rules. Contact the admissions office.
Does a Korean degree help me stay and work?
Graduates can apply for a job-seeking visa (D-10) and later a work visa. See from D-10 to E-7.
Official sources
This guide explains the general rules as of the date above. Rules change and every case is different, so confirm with the office named here (or the 1345 Immigration Contact Center) before an important decision. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.