Visa Types
South Korea Student Visa Application Guide
Apply to study in South Korea as an international student, extend your study permit and find out about working while You study or after you graduate.
Key Points for South Korea Study Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to South Korea?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to South Korea.
South Korean visa application is made online or offline?
You can either fill out the form online or download and write on it, and then submit it in person at the Embassy of South Korea or the South Korean Visa Application Centre, or, if you have a sponsor, they can apply on your behalf through the South Korea Visa Portal.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required for obtaining an South Korean visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
Not everyone needs an interview for a visa; it depends on the applicant or the type of visa.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a study visa?
The maximum length of stay permitted on a student visa in South Korea is typically for the duration of the academic program.
What kind of visa will we acquire from South Korea?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
| VISA CATEGORY | VISA FEE IN INR |
| For Short Term Single Entry(for less than 90 days) | 2800 |
| For Long Term Single Entry(for more than 91 days) | 4200 |
| For Double Entry Visa | 4900 |
| For all Multiple Entry Visa | 6300 |
The service charge for visa applications is Rs. 1380 per person (VFS Global), and this includes all taxes (SGST at 9% and CGST at 9%).
The visa fee, which includes costs for application review, processing, and evaluation, is non-refundable even if your application is denied.
Step-by-step guide (VFS Global)
Let us walk you through the process
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Identify visa type
- First, figure out the right visa type for you and see if you qualify. Find out the required documents, how long it takes to apply, and the fees.
- Follow the guidelines for your visa category. If your documents aren't in English, get them translated before applying.
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Begin your application
- You can either download the visa application form from the official website of the Korean Embassy or Consulate or fill out the form electronically (online).
- Fill out the form completely and accurately. Ensure that all information matches the supporting documents.
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Book an appointment
- You don't need an appointment to apply at any of the Korea Visa Application Centers in India.
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Pay your fees
- After completing your application, you must pay the visa application fee. If you download the form to print and bring it to the Korea Visa Application Center, you'll need to pay the visa fee and service charges at the center.
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Visit a South Korea Visa Application Center
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Track your application
- After submitting your visa application, you'll get an email when it's back at the Visa Application Center. If you prefer, you can also receive updates via SMS. Check if this option is available at the center.
- You can track your application online using the Reference Number and your last name from the receipt issued by the Korea Visa Application Center.
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Collect your passport
- After your visa decision, pick up your passport at the Visa Center or opt for courier return with a fee.
- For in-person collection, bring your receipt and ID. If someone else collects, provide an authorization letter, your receipt, and their ID. Confirm options with the Visa Center during opening hours.
Step-by-step guide (BLS International)
Let us walk you through the process
- Due to increased visa applications, the process is managed through authorized travel agencies.
- Consult or approach a travel agent at your discretion. The Consulate is not liable for these services.
- Ensure you have all necessary documents, including your current address proof (Employee Certificate, Bonafide Certificate, Lease Agreement).
- The visa application must be submitted in person by the applicants themselves.
- The BLS centre's Visa Hours are from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and no reservation is required.
- Visit the BLS International Visa Application Centre in the jurisdiction covering Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Union Territory of Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
- Submit your completed visa application form along with all required documents.
- Standard processing time is 10 working days. Alternatively, you can opt for the Express service, which takes 3 working days but may have additional charges.
- Pay the applicable visa fees at the BLS centre as per their guidelines.
- The BLS centre will process your application within the chosen timeframe.
- Note that visa issuance may be denied, delayed, or require additional documents as per the Consulate's decision.
- Once your visa is approved, collect it from the BLS International Visa Application Centre.
- Ensure you have the necessary documents and receipts for the visa collection.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a student visa to Korea from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Valid Passport:
- Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
- Passport Photos:
- Provide two recent passport-sized colored photographs.
- Visa Application Form:
- Complete the visa application form using a Blue or Black ball pen in Block Letters.
- Academic Records:
- Include copies of all academic records.
- Recent Degree with Apostille:
- Submit a copy of your most recent degree with Apostille.
- Bonafide Certificate:
- If currently enrolled in a program, submit a bonafide certificate.
- Occupation or Employment Proof:
- Provide evidence of current occupation or employment.
- 1 Year Salary Slip:
- Include a copy of your one-year salary slip.
- Income Tax Return (ITR):
- Include a photocopy of your ITR for the last two years. Include a letter of explanation if ITR is unavailable.
- Company Ownership:
- For business owners, submit three years of the company’s Income Tax Return.
- Bank Statement:
- Present your recent bank statement for the last 6 months (original or photocopy with the bank’s stamp and signature).
- TB Test Report:
- Provide the original TB Test Report from the designated lab (refer to the website for details).
- Health Condition Form:
- Complete the Health Condition Form (refer to the homepage).
- Company Registration and Business Profile:
- For business owners, provide a copy of the company registration and business profile details in the specified format (refer to the download form section).
- Sponsorship from Korea:
- If sponsored from Korea, submit the original admission certificate from the university, a copy of the business registration of the inviting Korean university, and a sponsorship letter if applicable.
- Sponsorship from Parents/Guardian:
- If sponsored by parents/guardian, submit their recent bank statement for the last 6 months, parents’ ITR for the last 2 years, and proof of occupation.
- Additional Documents for Korean Study Visa:
- Original Admission Certificate from the University (Attestation not required; either original, scan copy, or photocopy can be submitted).
- Copy of Business Registration of the inviting Korean University (Scan copy or photocopy can be submitted).
- Sponsorship Letter (if applicable).
Before applying for a Long Term Visa, it is mandatory to undergo a TB test. Please refer to the list of hospitals where you can get the test.
General Notes:
- Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
- Double-check the validity of your passport and ensure it meets the required criteria.
- Follow the specified guidelines for photograph specifications and visa application form completion.
- For business-related documents, submit the necessary proofs such as company registration and Income Tax Returns.
- Include a letter of explanation if any required document is unavailable.
- Make sure the Bank Statement is recent, bears the bank’s stamp, and is signed by a bank authority.
Important Reminder:
- Ensure all documents are accurate and complete before submitting your visa application. Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in delays or rejection of your visa application.
- Please note that the specific requirements may vary, and it’s essential to check with the official website of embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
South Korean Visa Application Form
- You need to fill out the application form completely and honestly, using a black or dark blue pen.
- Make sure your writing is clear and easy to read.
South Korean Electronic Visa Application Form
- You can apply for a visa by filling out a form online and submitting it through the Visa Portal. After that, you should visit the Korean embassy or consulate in your country.
- Make sure to fill out this form completely and correctly.
- Use big letters for Korean and capital letters for English.
- For questions where you can choose more than one answer, mark [√] all that apply.
- If you pick ‘Other,’ tell us more in the space provided.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a South Korean student visa (Type -D) from India typically involves the following steps:
- Choose a Designated Institution:
- Select a recognized educational institution in South Korea that is designated for international students.
- Receive Acceptance Letter:
- Once you’ve chosen your institution, apply for admission. Upon acceptance, the institution will issue you an Acceptance Letter confirming your enrollment.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Gather necessary documents, including the Certificate of Admission, a valid passport, completed visa application form, proof of financial means, academic transcripts, and a health certificate.
- Application Form:
- You can either download the visa application form from the official website of the Korean Embassy or Consulate or fill out the form electronically (online).
- Fill out the form completely and accurately. Ensure that all information matches the supporting documents.
- Book an Appointment:
- In the case of Korean Visa Application Centers in India, as per the information provided, you may not need an appointment.
- Payment of Fees:
- After completing your application, you must pay the visa application fee. If you download the form to print and bring it to the Korea Visa Application Center, you’ll need to pay the visa fee and service charges at the center.
- Submit Visa Application:
- Personally submit the completed visa application form and all required documents to the Visa Application Center.
- Learn more about the process and what to expect during your visit to the Visa Application Center.
- Track Your Application:
- After submission, you should receive an email notification when your application is back at the Visa Application Center.
- You can track your application online using the Reference Number and your last name from the receipt issued by the Korea Visa Application Center.
- Collect Your Passport:
- After the visa decision, collect your passport at the Visa Center or arrange for courier return if that option is available.
- For in-person collection, bring your receipt and ID. If someone else is collecting on your behalf, provide an authorization letter along with your receipt and their ID.
Processing Time:
- For regular visa applications: it takes a minimum of 10 working days in Delhi and 12 working days in Kolkata.
- If you opt for express processing, the minimum time is 5 working days in Delhi and 7 working days in Kolkata.
Note: No express service for Yellow Passport (Identity Certificate). Processing time: Minimum 15 working days. Processing time is indicative, subject to Embassy’s discretion. VFS Global handles non-judgmental visa processing; the Embassy in New Delhi makes final decisions
Photo Specifications:
- Your photo should be recent (less than 6 months old) and have a width of 35-40mm.
- Take it against a bright background, with a close-up of your head and shoulders (covering 70-80% of the photo).
- Ensure it’s sharp, clear, and of high quality, without any ink marks or creases.
Important notes:
- For over 5 applications, pre-intimation to VFS is required.
Submission Timing:
- Individual Applicant / Representative: 0900 hrs. to 1300 hrs.
- Travel Agent: 0900 hrs. to 1200 hrs.
- No appointment needed to apply at any South Korea Visa Application Center in India.
- Pay Visa fee & Service Charges at the Center.
- Check your documents carefully to make sure they are complete, valid, and meet the specific requirements.
- Fill out your application form with accurate and detailed
- This information is a general guide; for the latest visa requirements and updates, always check the official South Korean Embassy website or VFS Global website.