How to read Korea's foreign student statistics before choosing a D-2 or D-4 route

# How to read Korea's foreign student statistics before choosing a D-2 or D-4 route

As of July 1, 2026, Korea's Public Data Portal lists international student management data provided by the Ministry of Justice. The dataset includes school, nationality, gender and status of stay. Study in Korea separately explains D-2 as the route for degree study and D-4 as the route for non-degree training such as language study.

Quick answer

Foreign student statistics are not a ranking table. They are a map for better counseling questions. A large D-2 signal may suggest degree demand. A large D-4 signal may suggest language-study demand and later degree conversion planning.

Do not mix D-2 and D-4

D-2 and D-4 point to different study purposes. If a market has many D-4 students, the next article question should be TOPIK timing, language institute cost, attendance and D-2 transfer planning. If a market has strong D-2 demand, the article should focus on degree admission, English tracks, scholarship and major fit.

Numbers are evidence, not a recommendation

A university with many students from one country may have experience with that market. But the number does not prove that the school is right for every applicant. Major availability, language track, tuition, scholarship and visa timing still decide the individual route.

Cost closes the gap

Study in Korea's expense guide reminds students to count admission fees, tuition, housing, food, insurance, transportation, books, visa documents and settlement costs. A data signal is useful only when the budget and documents can support the route.