How to Get a Student Visa for South Korea From Pakistan? (2026)

Which visa do you need for South Korea?

The visa you need depends on what you plan to study. Most degree students use the D-2 visa, while language students use the D-4 visa.

• D-2 visa: for full degree programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and research. This is the main student visa.
• D-4 visa: for Korean language training at a university language institute. Many students start on a D-4, learn Korean, then switch to a D-2 for their degree.

Both are applied for at the Korean Embassy in Islamabad after you receive an admission letter from a Korean institution.

What are the steps to get a Korean student visa?

The process moves from admission to visa in a clear order. Follow it in sequence.

• Step 1, choose and apply to a university: shortlist Korean universities and programs, then apply through their international admissions system.
• Step 2, receive your Certificate of Admission: once accepted, the university issues an admission letter and a Standard Admission Number, which the embassy checks.
• Step 3, prepare your documents: gather academic records, financial proof, passport, and the visa forms.
• Step 4, apply at the Korean Embassy in Islamabad: submit your D-2 or D-4 application with all documents and the fee.
• Step 5, attend an interview if asked: some applicants are called for a short interview about their study plan and finances.
• Step 6, collect your visa: after approval, collect your passport with the visa and prepare to travel.
• Step 7, register after arrival: apply for your Alien Registration Card within the required period after landing in Korea.

Who is eligible to study in South Korea?

Pakistani students who have completed the required level of prior education and can prove funds are generally eligible. For a bachelor’s you need FSc, A Levels, or an equivalent. For a master’s you need a relevant bachelor’s degree, and for a PhD a master’s degree.

What academic profile helps?

Korean universities value consistent grades and a clear reason for choosing their program. A strong statement of purpose, good academic records, and any relevant projects or work help, especially for competitive scholarships. Gaps in study are usually fine if you can explain them honestly.

How much money do you need to show?

You generally need to prove funds of roughly USD 10,000 to USD 20,000 to cover tuition and living costs for the visa. The exact figure depends on your program, its length, and the university, with degree programs at the higher end and short language courses lower.

These funds are usually shown through a bank statement in your name or a sponsor’s name. Some cases benefit from a bank balance certificate held for a set period, plus a sponsorship letter and proof of the sponsor’s income or business. Always confirm the current required amount and format with the Korean Embassy in Islamabad, since figures are reviewed regularly.

What documents are required?

A complete, well-organised file makes approval smoother. Prepare these.

• Valid passport with enough remaining validity.
• Completed visa application form and photos.
• Certificate of Admission from the Korean university, with the Standard Admission Number.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates, attested and HEC verified where required.
• Proof of funds, such as bank statements, a balance certificate, and sponsorship documents.
• Proof of the relationship with your sponsor and their income or business.
• English or Korean language proof, depending on the program.
• Statement of purpose and study plan.
• Tuition payment receipt if the university requires an early deposit.

How much does it cost to study in South Korea?

Studying in South Korea is moderately priced compared with the UK or the USA. Plan for tuition of roughly USD 4,000 to USD 10,000 a year and living costs of about USD 600 to USD 1,000 a month, with Seoul at the top of that range.

What does the yearly budget look like?

• Tuition: USD 4,000 to USD 10,000 a year, with science and engineering higher than humanities.
• Living costs: USD 7,200 to USD 12,000 a year, or USD 600 to USD 1,000 a month.
• One-off setup costs: USD 1,500 to USD 2,500 for flights, the visa, insurance, and a housing deposit.

University dormitories are usually the cheapest housing and are worth requesting early. Cities outside Seoul, such as Daejeon, Busan, and Gwangju, have lower rents.

What scholarships can Pakistani students get?

South Korea offers some of the most generous scholarships in Asia, and Pakistani students are eligible for several.

• Global Korea Scholarship, or GKS: the flagship government scholarship, often covering tuition, a monthly allowance, airfare, and a year of Korean language training. It is competitive and highly valued.
• University scholarships: many Korean universities offer tuition reductions of 30 to 100 percent to strong international students, sometimes automatically based on grades.
• Departmental and research funding: master’s and PhD students in science and engineering often receive assistantships or lab funding from their professors.

Apply early and prepare a focused study plan. GKS in particular rewards applicants who clearly explain their goals and their interest in Korea.

Do you need to know Korean or English?

It depends on the program. Many degrees are taught in English, and these usually ask for IELTS or an equivalent, often around 5.5 to 6.5. Korean-taught programs ask for a TOPIK score, which measures Korean proficiency. Students who arrive with little Korean often start with a language course on a D-4 visa, then move into their degree.

Can Pakistani students work in South Korea?

Yes, with permission. Students on a D-2 visa can take part-time work after getting approval from their university and immigration, usually up to a set number of hours per week during term and more during holidays. The exact hours depend on your level of study and Korean language ability. Part-time jobs in cafes, restaurants, tutoring, and campus roles help cover living costs. Full-time study remains the priority, so keep within the approved limits.

Can you stay in South Korea after graduation?

Yes. Graduates can apply to change to a job-seeking or work visa after finishing their degree. South Korea has strong sectors in technology, manufacturing, and research that hire skilled graduates, and Korean language ability improves your options a lot. There are also pathways toward longer-term residence for those who build a career there. Rules change, so confirm the current post-study visa options before you plan your move.

What is the application timeline?

Korean universities mostly run March and September intakes. Working back from a September start, here is a sensible plan.

• 10 to 12 months before: shortlist universities and programs, check entry rules, and book IELTS or start Korean study.
• 8 to 10 months before: prepare and attest documents, then apply for admission and scholarships like GKS.
• 4 to 6 months before: receive your Certificate of Admission and Standard Admission Number.
• 2 to 3 months before: arrange funds, then apply for the D-2 or D-4 visa at the Korean Embassy in Islamabad.
• 1 month before: confirm dormitory or housing, book flights, and prepare for arrival and registration.

What mistakes should you avoid?

• Applying for the visa without the Standard Admission Number, which the embassy needs.
• Depositing a large sum just before applying instead of showing a real financial history.
• A vague study plan that does not explain why Korea and why that program.
• Missing scholarship deadlines like GKS, which close early.
• Forgetting to apply for the Alien Registration Card within the required time after arrival.

A realistic example

Consider Sara, a student from Islamabad who wants a master’s in engineering in Daejeon starting September 2026. She applies in the winter admission round, wins a place, and receives her Certificate of Admission and Standard Admission Number in spring. Her tuition is USD 6,000 a year, and she budgets USD 800 a month for living costs.

She shows funds of about USD 18,000 to cover tuition and living for the visa, held in her father’s account with a clear history, plus a sponsorship letter and his business documents. She applies for the D-2 visa at the Korean Embassy in Islamabad with a complete file and a clear study plan. She also wins a 50 percent university scholarship, which halves her tuition. After arrival, she gets work permission and takes a part-time campus job that helps with monthly costs. Her real out-of-pocket spend ends up well below her original estimate.

Frequently asked questions