Korea Launches Council to Review D-2 and D-4 Student Visa Rules

South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has launched a public-private council to review the country’s student visa system as the number of international students has passed 300,000.

The Council for the Improvement of the International Student Visa System, launched on April 20, 2026, will examine policies affecting D-2 student visas for degree programs and D-4 visas for non-degree training, including Korean-language study.

The structure consists of an 11-member council and an eight-member working group. The working group will identify reform tasks and prepare proposals, while the council will review and advise on the recommendations. The ministry said working-level meetings would run through August, with a proposal expected to be submitted to the Foreigners Policy Committee in November.

The review is guided by two principles: tighter verification before entry and more flexible residence management after entry. Proposed areas of discussion include closer checks of academic credentials, Korean-language ability and genuine study intent, as well as shared responsibility among universities, overseas diplomatic missions and private study-abroad agencies.

The ministry is also considering ways to avoid rejecting applicants solely because of limited financial capacity when they can demonstrate genuine study plans and sufficient language ability. After entry, residence management may be adjusted more flexibly according to academic progress and career pathways.

The announcement does not change current D-2 or D-4 visa rules by itself. Applicants should continue to follow the latest requirements issued by the Korean embassy or consulate handling their application, the relevant immigration office and the university to which they are applying.

Ministry figures cited in the announcement show that the number of international students rose from 308,838 in 2025 to 326,385 in March 2026. Vietnamese students formed the largest group, followed by students from China, Uzbekistan, Nepal and Mongolia.

What applicants should know

• The council is reviewing policy; it has not announced an immediately effective visa change.
• Verification of academic records, language ability, study plans and financial documents may become more detailed.
• Applicants should recheck current embassy, immigration and university guidance before submitting documents.