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Visa
The D-4-1 visa, explained
The D-4-1 is the visa for full-time Korean study at a university language institute. It's usually issued for six months at a time, extended while you keep attending, and can be changed to a D-2 student visa when you start a degree.
Who can sponsor it
Only Korean language programs attached to a university or college that can host D-2 students. Private academies (학원) and lifelong-education centers can't, even university-run ones. Each year the Ministry of Education certifies universities for their international student management (IEQAS): 123 were certified for language programs in 2026, which means a simpler visa process. Four language programs were restricted from issuing new visas for a year from the second half of 2026.
How you apply
Most students apply at the Korean embassy or visa center in their country with the institute's certificate of admission.
Some apply with a visa issuance certificate (CCVI) that the institute requests in Korea. This applies to Cuba, Syria, North Macedonia and Kosovo and, according to visa specialists, to Mongolia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan and China when the university isn't certified. Confirm with your embassy.
Application form, passport, photo, fee, certificate of admission, the institute's business registration, final education proof, bank certificate (within 30 days), study plan, and a TB certificate if your country is on the list.
The rule is one year's tuition and living costs. In practice institutes ask KRW 8–10 million or USD 10,000.
The embassy can ask for more documents or an interview. Rules for your country can differ; check your Korean embassy's page.
Part-time work
After 6 months on D-4 (from the status change or entry date).
You must get permission (시간제취업 허가) first, with your institute's confirmation.
TOPIK 2 or equivalent.
By default 10 hours a week during term, and 10 at weekends and in vacations; at certified or top-rated universities up to 20 on weekdays and 25 at weekends and vacations. Check with your institute which applies.
Working without permission is illegal employment, with fines or deportation.
On Oct 7, 2026 the Ministry of Justice proposed changes to part-time work rules and financial proof. They aren't in force yet; we'll update this page.
Attendance and extensions
Visas are usually issued for 6 months, then extended. Apply for an extension before your stay expires; late filing is fined.
At 70% or below you may be extended once with a written explanation. Two terms in a row at 70% or below, and the extension is refused.
Language study on D-4 is allowed for up to 2 years in total.
Alien registration within 90 days of arrival.
National Health Insurance enrols international students automatically after 6 months; many institutes require private insurance before that.
Changing to a D-2 student visa
When you're admitted to a degree, you can change from D-4 to D-2 in Korea with the admission letter and your attendance and grade records. If you stay at the same university, the financial requirement is halved. Apply before your stay expires and before the degree starts. See from language school to university.
Keep reading
How it works
Ten steps from choosing a program to your first class, and how long each takes.
Documents
What to prepare, how to certify it, and the extra papers for some countries.
Costs
Tuition, housing, the bank balance you need and what a first year really costs.
D-4 visa
Who qualifies, how to apply, part-time work, attendance and extensions.
Before you apply
The mistakes that cost students their visa or their money.
From language school to university
How a year of Korean leads into a degree, and which universities reward it.
Compare institutes
Nine university language institutes side by side, with 2027 dates and fees.
From Nepal
Consular confirmation, the NOC, and which institutes add extra rules.
From Uzbekistan
Apostille, the 3-month bank balance rule, and when you need a CCVI.
Sources and verification
Ministry of Justice guidelines on visas and stay for international students; 2026 Study in Korea guidebook; Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice IEQAS results (Feb 12, 2026); institute visa pages (e.g. Chungnam on part-time work). Korea's official HiKorea pages could not be checked directly; confirm details at hikorea.go.kr. Last verified Oct 14, 2026.
K-Admission is independent and not affiliated with any university or language institute. Rules change every term; always confirm in the institute's official guide before you apply.