Understanding South Korea's student visa system is the critical first step for Nepali students planning to study there. The two main visa categories — D-2 for degree programs and D-4 for Korean language programs — have different requirements, work rights, and pathways.
Understanding South Korea’s student visa system is the critical first step for Nepali students planning to study there. The two main visa categories — D-2 for degree programs and D-4 for Korean language programs — have different requirements, work rights, and pathways.
D-2 Visa vs D-4 Visa: Which Do You Need?
South Korea issues two primary visa categories for international students. The D-2 visa is for students enrolled in degree programs — bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD — at accredited Korean universities. The D-4 visa covers students attending Korean language institutes, vocational training programs, or preparatory courses. Many Nepali students begin with a D-4 visa to learn Korean, then transition to D-2 once they gain admission to a degree program.
Applying at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kathmandu is located in Maharajgunj and handles all student visa applications from Nepal. You must apply in person or through an authorised representative. The visa fee is KRW 60,000 (payable in NPR equivalent), and processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days. It is advisable to apply at least 4 weeks before your intended departure date to allow for any additional document requests.
Required Documents for D-2 Visa
Nepali students applying for a D-2 student visa must submit the following documents to the Korean Embassy Kathmandu: a completed visa application form, a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay), recent passport-size photographs, the original university admission letter from the Korean institution, proof of financial capability of at least KRW 9,000,000 (approximately USD 6,800) — typically shown through 3 months of bank statements in the student’s or sponsor’s name, a health certificate from a recognised hospital, and academic transcripts from previous institutions. Nepali documents must be translated into English or Korean and notarised.
For the D-4 visa, the financial requirement is the same, but the admission letter must be from a registered Korean language institute rather than a degree-granting university.
ARC Registration After Arrival
All international students staying in South Korea for more than 90 days must register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at the local Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청) within 90 days of arrival. The ARC is essential — without it, you cannot open a Korean bank account, get a SIM card on contract, or apply for part-time work permission. Bring your passport, admission letter, rental contract or dormitory confirmation, and a passport photo to the immigration office. Processing takes approximately 2 weeks.
Work Rights by Visa Type
One of the most important differences between D-2 and D-4 visas is the work entitlement. D-2 visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and an unlimited number of hours during official vacation periods (January–February and July–August). D-4 visa holders are restricted to a maximum of 10 hours per week and must obtain explicit written permission from the immigration office before starting any work. Both visa types require a part-time work permission (시간제 취업허가) — you cannot work legally without this permit even if your visa technically allows it.
| Feature | D-2 Visa (Degree) | D-4 Visa (Language) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Degree program admission | Language institute admission |
| Work Hours (Semester) | 20 hrs/week | 10 hrs/week (with permission) |
| Work Hours (Vacation) | Unlimited | 10 hrs/week |
| Duration | Duration of degree + 6 months | Up to 2 years (renewable) |
| Financial Proof | KRW 9,000,000+ | KRW 9,000,000+ |
| Visa Fee | KRW 60,000 | KRW 60,000 |
| Path to D-2 | Already D-2 | Yes, after gaining admission |
How much money do I need to show for a South Korea student visa?
You must demonstrate financial capability of at least KRW 9,000,000 (approximately USD 6,800 or NPR 900,000+) through bank statements covering the last 3 months. This can be in the student's name or a sponsor's (parent's) name.
How long does the Korean student visa take from Nepal?
The Korean Embassy Kathmandu typically processes student visa applications in 3 to 5 working days. Apply at least 4 weeks before your departure to be safe, as the embassy may request additional documents.
Can I change from a D-4 visa to a D-2 visa inside South Korea?
Yes. Once you gain admission to a degree program, you can apply to change your visa status from D-4 to D-2 at the local immigration office without returning to Nepal. You will need your admission letter, ARC, and supporting financial documents.
Is the ARC mandatory for all Nepali students in South Korea?
Yes. All international students staying longer than 90 days must register for an Alien Registration Card within 90 days of arrival. The ARC is essential for banking, phone contracts, and work permission — do not skip this step.
- Korean visa info (HiKorea) (www.hikorea.go.kr)
- NIIED Korea student visa (www.niied.go.kr)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to show for a South Korea student visa?
You must demonstrate financial capability of at least KRW 9,000,000 (approximately USD 6,800 or NPR 900,000+) through bank statements covering the last 3 months. This can be in the student's name or a sponsor's (parent's) name.
How long does the Korean student visa take from Nepal?
The Korean Embassy Kathmandu typically processes student visa applications in 3 to 5 working days. Apply at least 4 weeks before your departure to be safe, as the embassy may request additional documents.
Can I change from a D-4 visa to a D-2 visa inside South Korea?
Yes. Once you gain admission to a degree program, you can apply to change your visa status from D-4 to D-2 at the local immigration office without returning to Nepal. You will need your admission letter, ARC, and supporting financial documents.
Is the ARC mandatory for all Nepali students in South Korea?
Yes. All international students staying longer than 90 days must register for an Alien Registration Card within 90 days of arrival. The ARC is essential for banking, phone contracts, and work permission — do not skip this step.
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