South Korea offers world-class universities, a modern learning environment and scholarship opportunities. If you are considering Korea, the first decision is which study pathway, and which visa, suits you. Here is a simple overview of the three main routes.
D-2 Student Visa
The D-2 visa is for students joining a degree programme at a Korean university. Typical requirements include a GPA of 3.20 or above, a study gap of up to 3 years and IELTS 5.5.
D-2 CODE Student Visa
The D-2 CODE route is also for degree programmes, at participating universities. Typical requirements include a GPA of 3.00 or above, a gap of up to 3 years and IELTS 5.5.
D-4-1 Language Program
The D-4-1 visa is for Korean language programmes. It suits students who want to build their Korean before moving to a degree. Typical requirements include a GPA of 2.80 or above and a gap of up to 3 years, with IELTS or TOPIK as required by the programme.
Which one is right for you?
- Strong GPA and an IELTS score? A D-2 or D-2 CODE degree pathway may suit you.
- Want to learn Korean first, or have a lower GPA? The D-4-1 language programme can be a good start.
- Requirements vary by university and program, so always check before applying.
