Travel Guide
2023 Study in South Korea Made Easier: New Rules For International Students [2023 and 2024 Guide]
Jonathan
August 18, 2023
South Korea is opening its doors wider to international students with a set of new visa policies aimed at attracting talent from around the world. These measures, effective from July 3, 2023, seek to simplify the visa application process, provide more work opportunities, and lower financial barriers for students. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the key changes in South Korea's student visa policies and how they can benefit aspiring international students.
In the past, obtaining a student visa for South Korea required demonstrating a substantial financial reserve, often set at $20,000. However, the new system simplifies this process by assessing visa fees in Korean won. Degree-seeking students will now need to show 20 million won, equivalent to just under $15,400. For students applying to universities outside of metropolitan areas, the threshold is further reduced to 16 million won. Language course students will be required to have 10 million won, approximately $7,700. This lower financial requirement is especially advantageous for students from economically challenged countries, making studying in South Korea more accessible to a broader range of individuals.
In recognition of the financial challenges faced by international students, South Korea has increased the permitted working hours. Under the new policy, students are allowed to work up to 25 hours per week, compared to the previous limit of 20 hours. Moreover, students who excel academically and demonstrate a high level of Korean proficiency can work an additional five hours per week. This change not only enables students to support themselves financially but also encourages academic excellence and language proficiency.
The new visa policies also include a provision that grants international students the opportunity to participate in internships related to their field of study during university holidays. This move aims to enhance practical learning experiences, enrich students' resumes, and create meaningful connections with Korean industries, potentially leading to future career opportunities.
To accommodate a broader range of international students, South Korea has diversified the methods of testing Korean proficiency for visa applications. Besides the traditional Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), applicants can now choose from the Social Integration Program of the Ministry of Justice and the King Sejong Institute Korean standard tests. This variety of options allows students to demonstrate their language skills through a test that aligns best with their learning background.
The Ministry of Justice's new measures grant international students participating in mandatory field practice the same opportunities as Korean students without the need for a separate work permit. This change streamlines the process for international students, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for their academic pursuits.
While the new student visa policies offer several advantages, there are concerns about potential visa abuses and illegal activities. To address these issues, a comprehensive approach to international student admissions and support is essential. The delayed Study Korea 3.0 initiative, originally aimed at attracting more students from overseas, may further complement the current changes in the future. As South Korea strives to compete with other nations in attracting international talent, ensuring a holistic and structured approach to international student support is crucial.
South Korea's new student visa policies present exciting opportunities for international students aspiring to study in the country. Lower financial thresholds, increased work hours, internship opportunities, and streamlined language proficiency tests all contribute to a more accessible and rewarding experience for students from around the world. As South Korea continues to evolve as a global education hub, it remains committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment for international scholars seeking to unlock their potential on the Korean peninsula.
When: Effective from July 3, 2023, South Korea has introduced changes to its student visa policies aimed at attracting international students and making the process more accessible.
Money: The financial requirement for student visas is now reduced to 20 million won (around $15,400) for degree-seeking students and further reduced for students in non-metropolitan areas and language course students.
Work: Students can now work up to 25 hours per week, and high-performing students with good Korean proficiency can work an additional five hours.
Internship Opportunities: International students can now participate in internships related to their field of study during university holidays.
Tests: Apart from the traditional TOPIK, students can now take other Korean proficiency tests for visa applications.
Practice: International students are allowed to participate in mandatory field practice without needing a separate work permit.
Problems: Concerns exist about potential visa abuses and illegal activities. The Study Korea 3.0 initiative may help address these issues by attracting more overseas students.
Conclusion: The new visa policies offer greater accessibility and rewarding experiences for international students, reflecting South Korea's commitment to evolve as a global education hub.
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