- Alien Registration Card (ARC): The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is an identification card issued to foreign nationals staying in South Korea for more than 90 days. International students must apply for the ARC at a local immigration office within 90 days of arrival. The card serves as the student’s primary form of identification in Korea and is required for activities such as opening bank accounts, signing housing contracts, and maintaining legal residency.
- Certificate of Admission: The Certificate of Admission is an official document issued by a South Korean university confirming that a student has been accepted into a programme. This certificate is one of the key documents required when applying for a D-2 student visa at a Korean embassy or consulate in the student’s home country.
- Certificate of Enrollment: The Certificate of Enrollment confirms that a student is officially registered and currently studying at a university. International students may need this document for administrative processes such as visa extensions, immigration procedures, or applications related to their Alien Registration Card.
- D-2 Visa: The D-2 Visa is the main student visa issued to international students enrolled in degree programmes at South Korean universities. Students must obtain this visa before entering the country if they plan to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies. It allows them to legally reside in South Korea for the duration of their academic programme.
- D-4 Visa: The D-4 (General Training) visa is a short-term student visa for foreign nationals attending Korean language programs at university-affiliated institutes, valid for up to two years (renewed every 6 months). Applicants need a Certificate of Admission from a university, proof of finances ($10,000+ USD), and typically, a 2-semester minimum registration.
- GKS (Global Korea Scholarship): The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a government-funded scholarship programme designed to support international students pursuing higher education in South Korea. The scholarship aims to promote international education exchange and build global networks by supporting outstanding students from around the world. GKS typically covers: Tuition fees, Airfare, Korean language training and Monthly living allowance.
- Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK): The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is the standardised exam used to measure Korean language ability. Many undergraduate programmes taught in Korean require international applicants to submit TOPIK scores as part of the admissions process. Higher TOPIK levels may also allow students to work more hours in part-time jobs while studying.
