NewImportant
South KoreaVisas and rules
Korea's Ministry of Justice announces plans to reform student visas
- Officially announced
- Oct 7, 2026
- Effective from
- Not confirmed
- Last checked
- Oct 22, 2026
Checked against official sources
Key points
- Country
- South Korea
- Topic
- Visas and rules
- Who
- People planning to study at a university or language institute in Korea; international students in Korea who work part-time or plan to; and people who want to look for work in Korea after graduating from a Korean university.
- Effective date
- Not confirmed
On 7 October 2026, Korea's Ministry of Justice announced plans to reform the visa system for international students, including waiving proof of funds for people with strong Korean skills and changing the criteria for part-time work permission. Many items are still at the planning or preparation stage, and specific start dates have not been set.
immigration.go.kr (external site)
What changed
Main points in the Ministry's press release (planned): proof of funds for student visas would be waived for people with TOPIK level 4 or level 4 or above in the Korea Immigration and Integration Program; a new category, "Gap-year student (D-2-8)" (provisional name), is planned for students from OECD member countries (Japan is an OECD member); part-time work permission would be based mainly on Korean ability and credits (grades), with the Korean requirement raised to level 3 of the Integration Program; the job-seeking visa after graduation (D-10) would be split into stays of 1 to 3 years depending on Korean ability and other factors; and a "Korea study alumni visit visa" (provisional name) is planned for graduates who have returned home.
Who it applies to
- People planning to study at a university or language institute in Korea; international students in Korea who work part-time or plan to; and people who want to look for work in Korea after graduating from a Korean university.
When it applies
Announced on 7 October 2026 (Ministry of Justice press release).
The Ministry says items it can change itself will be implemented from the second half of this year, and items that need consultation with other ministries will be worked out later.
Start dates for each item have not been published.
Exceptions
This is a policy announcement; visa requirements do not change immediately. Names such as "Gap-year student (D-2-8)" are provisional and detailed conditions have not been published.
Show details
Media reports may include more details, but nothing is final until official notices or guidance are issued.
What to check or do
- Always check the official page for the latest information and your individual situation.
- 1.
- If you plan to study in Korea, preparing a TOPIK score may help under future rules.
- 2.
- If you work part-time while studying, check with your university's international student office whether the permission requirements have changed.
- 3.
- Check the Ministry of Justice, the Korea Immigration Service and HiKorea for start dates and conditions.
Official sources
Related countries, cities, schools and guides
immigration.go.kr (external site)
