South Korea is one of the top destinations for international students who are looking to expand their skills and academic performance. Whether you plan to begin your journey as an undergraduate, postgraduate or research student, the nation is known for its advanced education systems and provides you with a wide range of opportunities that match your personal and career goals.
The safe environment, research facilities and public transportation make it an excellent atmosphere. However, many aspirants need help figuring out where to start their application process to
study in South Korea from Nepal. Thereby, students might later regret their decisions due to insufficient research. This blog takes you through each and every step and provides you with the necessary insights to make your stay easy as a student. With that in mind, let's get started!
What Makes South Korea a Standout Study Destination?
The number of students pursuing higher education here is increasing each year. This boils down to the question- what makes South Korea a standout study destination? In all honesty, there are several reasons to choose the country for your education abroad. Now, we look at some of the key advantages.
1. Top Education
One of the major benefits of studying in South Korea involves high-quality education for international students. The institutions and universities in the country enjoy their prestige, highly qualified teachers and research technology that enhances your intellectual and personal growth. If you are interested in business, science, art and another field, you can find the programs that match your aspirations.
2. Cultural Experience
Not just the world’s best university, South Korea is also known for its cultural legacy and lively atmosphere. With its traditional hanbok attire, a historical landmark, Kdrama and Kpop music, the country provides you with a fascinating cultural panorama that can captivate and inspire you. You can explore a central hub linked to vibrant Asian culture.
3. Work Opportunities
As overseas students, what matters to you is the degree that can be valuable globally. Once you complete your education here, you can discover more work opportunities within the country. The graduates here are highly valued in the job market. Nepali students with D-4 visas and permission from the Global Service Center(GSC) and immigration office enjoy both study and work opportunities. You can take on part-time work up to 20 hours per week during the term time and full-time during the semester break.
4. Opportunities to Learn the Language
By now, you are aware that the native people speak Korean, which is completely different from that of Nepal. Therefore, studying in South Korea provides you with the chance to learn the interesting and enjoyable Korean language. This, in turn, greatly improves your proficiency in multiple languages, which is quite beneficial for job and career prospects in the long run.
5. Scholarship Opportunities
You can take advantage of financial support in the form of scholarships, funds and grants that are provided by the government and private universities. The selected university can either cover full or partial tuition costs throughout the course of your study. The specifics of scholarship can differ based on the educational institution, merits or financial needs.
These are only a few reasons why you should consider studying in South Korea from Nepal, but the specific reasons can vary based on your circumstances. We hope this offers you with a wide array of overall perspectives.
Understanding Student Visas
In South Korea, the student visas needed for university education differ, as few institutions require a D-2 visa while others may require a D-4 visa. The length of time of these visas varies, based on the particular criteria of your desired course and university.
A. Which Student Visa is Right for You?
Getting a student visa for Korea from Nepal is undoubtedly one of the crucial aspects of higher education here. Further, the immigration policies here are also international student-friendly. For Nepalese students, there are, in general, two types of visa available: that include D2 visa and a D4 visa.
D-4 is a student visa for Korea from Nepal designed for students intended for individuals participating in Korean language classes, vocational training or short-term research. This visa is typically issued for less than six months.
A student holding just a D-4 visa is not permitted to pursue their desired education. A d-4 visa, in general, provides fewer chances for part-time employment compared to a D-2 visa. However, you can take advantage of this degree if you are interested in cultural immersion or preparing for a degree program.
In order to enrol in the Bachelor’s, master’s or PhD program at the university in South Korea, you require a D-2 visa. The good thing with this visa is that you can work part-time with specific limits, including 20 hours per week for undergraduate students.
A d-2 visa is the best fitting for individuals seeking a long-term degree in one of the universities in the nation. You can also take part in the internship or research program that matches your course.
B. Eligibility Requirement for D-4 and D-2 visa
To get a student visa for Korea from Nepal, you must fulfil the eligibility requirement. There are typically two categories of student visas with their own criteria. We have listed down the particular requirements to make your life easier.
- D-4 Eligibility Requirement
-
- To be considered eligible for a D-4 student visa for Korea from Nepal, you need to fulfil the following requirements.
- Proof of admission from a recognised education institution for training or language program.
- Bank balance of $10,000 or higher.
- Completed the high school education or equivalent
- Pay tuition fee for one or two-semester ahead of time
- Submit financial documents
- Provide the document demonstrating the need for training.
- D-2 Eligibility criteria
- To qualify for a D-2 student visa for Korea from Nepal, you must meet the following requirements.
- Needs an acceptance letter from an accredited university in South Korea
- Provide application form
- Pay the visa fee of $60 to $90
- A financial statement including tuition fee with receipt and scholarship if applicable.
- Tuberculosis Test Certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Acceptance letter from the university
- A valid passport and copy of the passport ID page
As you have already guessed, student visa requirements and qualifications can vary depending on the specific university you plan to attend. Keep in mind that additional documents might be asked for D-2 visa processing and it is time-consuming. Therefore, it is ideal to contact the Korean embassy to ask for the extra documents needed to prepare them well in advance.
Academic Criteria to Study in South Korea
Ready to expand your academic horizon by studying at your dream South Korean university? If your answer is yes, then starting with the thorough preparation of the academic criteria is important. This results in a smooth and successful visa application. Here, we have prepared the comprehensive details of academic requirements that come into play.
A. What You Need to Qualify for Admission
Before you decide to apply for a student visa, keep the admission process in mind, which primarily depends on your specific program. However, the general requirements range from understanding the admission qualifications such as GPA, language proficiency test score and gap year.
1. GPA
It goes without saying that you are required to meet the specific GPA score to be considered for a student visa. The minimum qualifications and grades can and do vary based on the academic level and course. That said, you should have at least a GPA of 2.80 for the undergraduate program and a GPA of 2.40 for enrolling in the postgraduate program. You should go for a higher GPA to increase your chance of getting accepted.
2. Language proficiency
Besides GPA, you need to demonstrate your proficiency in the language for the program available here, usually through TOPIK. At the same time, a good IELTS score is important to study courses available in the English language. Here are the test score requirements based on the level of your qualification.
- Undergraduate program: A good IELTS score that suits your course in a reputable university is an overall score of 6 with no band less than 5.5.
- Postgraduate program: You need to provide proof of English language proficiency test. The minimum IELTS score is no less than 6.
3. Gap Acceptance
Last but not least, you need to be mindful of the duration of the education gap accepted by universities here. In general, a three-year gap is permitted for pursuing an undergraduate program in the universities. At the same time, a gap of up to 5 years is accepted to study a master's program in South Korea. However, some universities may also accept longer gaps.
Key Dates and Application Deadlines for Studying in South Korea
Considering that you meet the requirements for studying in South Korea, you can move on to the next step. This means selecting the time of the year to start your course to make the most of the course that can enhance your long-term career.
| Season |
Intake deadline |
| Autumn Semester |
September to November |
| Spring Semester |
May to June |
The educational institutions are strict regarding deadlines. Thus, it is advisable to apply nearly six months ahead of your desired start date. Furthermore, you need to make sure to plan and prepare what you need, such as a recommendation letter and proof of language, in advance of your planned dates.
Step-by-step process to apply for a student visa in Korea
Given that you know the eligibility requirements, let's now discuss the specific process to apply for a student visa for Korea from Nepal. The step-by-step process to acquire a student visa is as follows.
Visa Categories for Students
Choosing your education abroad in South Korea is a life-changing experience when you understand the benefits of studying here. For smooth processing and transition to pursue the globally recognised course, you need to determine which visa category is the best for you. Some of the key differences in the visa categories are as follows.
| D2 Visa |
D4 visa |
| For studying a degree program. |
For non-degree, training and research programs. |
| Require for admission into the university. |
Designed for short-term commitment program. |
| Allow part-time employment during the academic term. |
Limitation on part-time work opportunities. |
| Connected to the academic program. |
Focused on the specific language learning program. |
Choosing the Right University
If you are thinking about how to apply and get accepted into a school in Korea, the first thing that you must do is do thorough research on the ideal university. Look out for several key aspects such as location, tuition fees, and reputation of your chosen university or educational institution. You can get all the information through websites, university rankings or online forums.
1. Admission Intakes for Nepali Students in Korea
To begin preparing for the visa
application process, identify admission intakes and deadlines of your chosen course and university that align with your interest and career goals. Application intake, however, can vary from one university to another. Missing the deadline could lead to automatic disqualification. The intakes are usually twice a year for the spring and autumn semesters.
2. Required Documentation for Application
Before you start your application process, you need to gather and prepare the required documents. Following this step is important to study abroad. The essential document that you fulfill your requirement includes.
- Academic Records: Academic transcripts are documents that verify your academic progress. This includes previous education qualifications, documents, and character certificates are mandatory for international students.
- Personal Identification: Proper ID documents in the residing country are required to apply for a student visa. Without these documents, your visa can get rejected; thereby, you cannot further proceed with the process.
- Medical Clearance: The necessary document also involves proof that demonstrates your good health. That’s why you need to undergo medical checkups ahead of months of your arrival.
- Financial Proof: Utilising the bank statement or financial proof, you can demonstrate that you can finance the total cost of studies, including the tuition fees, average cost of living, course enrollment and other miscellaneous expenditures. This means you need to provide evidence of the funds, such as scholarships or grants, to continue through the process.
3. Scheduling an Embassy Appointment
Another step is to book your appointment at the Korean embassy. The embassy typically takes at least two weeks or more to confirm whether you meet the eligibility requirement set by the university. Once the verification process is complete, you can expect to receive a phone call or email notification.
4. Submitting Documents to the University
Each university may have specific requirements, from format to translation and deadline dates. That said, you do have to review the admission guidelines on documentation and then submit your necessary documents. After you submit the document, verify with your university for confirmation of the receipt. Do note that submitting documents before deadlines demonstrates your professionalism and dedication to completing the program.
5. Receiving the Offer Letter or Certificate of Admission (COA)
The offer letter or certificate of admission(COA) is a document you get after you submit the official document and application form and pay initial tuition costs. The institution then gives you a letter through email. Then, you are considered eligible to continue further into a Korean student visa(D-2) from the embassy before arriving in South Korea.
6. Preparing for the Embassy Interview
In general, the interview process takes two to three weeks after the embassy receives and confirms your visa application. If selected, you may be invited to the meeting. Be prepared for your interview in advance and consider practising your response time. You should also remember to stay composed during the interview.
7. Student Visa Application Process
The beginning is simple as you just need to pay two terms of ten weeks each and keep the payment receipt as proof of payment. The universities here offer four terms of ten weeks per academic year. As mentioned previously, first, get a letter of acceptance. Most universities confirm your enrollment through email notification or update your status on their official portal.
Total Cost to Apply for Korean Study Visa from Nepal
Now that you have a general idea of the student visa process let's talk about the cost involved in South Korea. While studying for an international degree may sound exciting, it is important to understand the total cost included in the process, such as the student visa fee for South Korea. The overall cost of undergraduate and graduate programs is presented below.
I. Undergraduate Cost
For an undergraduate program, you are expected to pay NPR 6,0000 to NPR 8,00,000 per year. However, it may cost you more if you choose to study at a renowned university. The rough cost of living, tuition fees and other miscellaneous expenses are given below.
| Type of Expense |
Minimum(In NPR) |
Maximum( In NPR) |
| Document Verification |
10,000 |
15000 |
| English Proficiency Test(IELTS) |
31,500 |
31,500 |
| Appointment Date |
10,000 |
20,000 |
| College Fee |
600,000 |
800,000 |
| Hostel Fee |
100000 |
150000 |
| Ticket Fee |
60000 |
120000 |
| Miscellaneous expenses |
30,000 |
60,000 |
II. Postgraduate Cost
The cost of a postgraduate program can range from NPR 15,00,000 to NPR. 30,00,000 per year. This tuition fee can add to the overall expenses. The breakdown of the overall cost depending on the Bachelor's degree is as follows.
| Type of Expense |
Minimum(In NPR) |
Maximum(In NPR) |
| College Fees |
15,00,000 |
30,00,000 |
| Document Verification |
10,000 |
15000 |
| English Proficiency Test(IELTS) |
31,500 |
31,500 |
| Appointment Date |
10,000 |
20,000 |
| College Fee |
600,000 |
800,000 |
| Hostel Fee |
100000 |
150000 |
| Ticket Fee |
60000 |
120000 |
| Miscellaneous expenses |
30,000 |
60,000 |
Do note that a Korean student visa from Nepal costs between $70 and $80. In order to manage finances while studying here, you need to plan your budget, track expenses, take advantage of student discounts and utilise public transportation,
Conclusion
Studying in South Korea opens the door to opportunities to grow academically and professionally. In fact, this is the ideal place to access advanced innovative technology and experience a rich culture. The entire process might be a bit complicated while preparing for your journey to study abroad. The good news here is that with proper planning and guidance, attention to detail and the right preparation, you can accomplish your dream of studying here.
In this blog, we explored the visa types, the process involved and their eligibility requirement to get a student visa for Korea from Nepal. We hope you find this helpful. If you seek further insight into various aspects of studying in South Korea, do
check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the
best consultancy in Nepal to aid you in your dream of studying in Korea, then look no further than
AIMS Education. Thank you for reading till the end!
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FAQs Student Visa to Korea from Nepal
1. How can I get a student visa for Korea from Nepal?
Studying in Korea requires you to acquire a student visa for Korea from Nepal; the process is simple if you can prepare and gather the necessary documents. You can get a student visa if you carefully follow these processes.
- A completed application form
- Valid passport
- Acceptance letter from the University of South Korea
- Proof of finance for cost during the semester
- Proof of English proficiency
- Scheduling an interview at the embassy in Nepal
- Letter of recommendation from your home university
- Academic transcripts
2. How much money is required to study in Korea from Nepal?
The specific cost depends on the university you apply to, your level of education and the course you want to study. The average cost, however, is between NPR 11,00,600 and NPR 28,26,000 per annum. This covers all the expenses from tuition fees, living expenses,
3. How much bank balance is required for a Korea student visa?
The minimum bank balance required for a student visa for Korea from Nepal is at least $10,000. This proof of finance that you have funds to cover tuition fees and other expenses can be provided through the proper bank statement.
4. Is IELTS required for a Korean student visa?
Yes, of course, IELTS is required for a Korean student visa. While the specifics may vary, the minimum score you need to get a student visa for Korea from Nepal is an overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 for the undergraduate program, while the minimum IELTS score for the Master’s program is 6.5 or higher.
