How to Apply for South Korea Study Visa in 2026 from Pakistan

South Korea has become a preferred destination for Pakistani students in a very short time because of its advanced education system and several current Korean trends followed by most of the youth.  It is especially popular for technology, engineering, business, and research-based programs, with strong universities such as Seoul National University, KAIST, and the wider SKY group, and well-known funding like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). If you are weighing your study abroad destinations, Korea is increasingly on the list.

For a full degree, Pakistani students apply for a D-2 student visa at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea after being admitted. In many cases the university first obtains a Visa Issuance Number from Korean immigration on your behalf, which makes the embassy step smoother. This guide covers the documents you need, the step-by-step process, and the current fees and timelines.

In this guide:

1. Requirements for Pakistani Students
2. Step-by-Step Application Process
3. Visa Fee & Processing Time

Requirements for Pakistani Students

To apply for a South Korean D-2 study visa, Pakistani students need the following documents:

• Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for the entire study duration, ideally with at least 6 months remaining and clear copies of the relevant pages.

• University Admission Letter:  A Standard Admission Letter or Certificate of Admission from a recognised South Korean university.

• Proof of Funds: Bank statements or sponsorship documents showing financial stability, typically around KRW 20,000,000 (about USD 15,000) to cover one year of tuition and living costs. The funds usually need to have been held for about 28 days and dated close to your application

• Academic Documents: Educational certificates, transcripts, and supporting academic records. For Pakistani applicants, family-relationship documents used for sponsor cases usually need a notarised translation.

• English or Korean Language Requirement: Depending on the program, students may need IELTS or the TOPIK test. Korean-taught programs commonly require TOPIK Level 3 or above, while English-taught programs accept IELTS or TOEFL, usually around IELTS 5.5 to 6.5.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): An SOP explaining academic goals and study plans.

• Visa Application Documents: Completed visa application form and a recent colour photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm). Because Pakistan is on Korea’s list of high-tuberculosis countries, you also need a tuberculosis (TB) test result from a clinic approved by Korean immigration.

• Health Insurance: Enrolment in Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) is mandatory for stays of six months or more, at roughly KRW 76,000 per month, and is usually arranged after arrival. Keep private travel insurance for your first weeks..

• Accommodation Details: Proof of accommodation arrangements in South Korea, such as a university dormitory placement or a rental agreement.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your University & Program

• Research universities and select a suitable degree program. Check whether it is taught in Korean or English, and note the two main intakes, March (spring) and September (fall).

Step 2: Apply to the University

• Submit your application with academic and language documents.

Step 3: Apply for Scholarships

• Students can apply for scholarships, including the government-funded Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and university scholarships such as those at KAIST. A scholarship letter can also serve as your financial proof.

Step 4: Receive Admission Letter

• Once accepted, the university will issue your admission documents, and may obtain a Visa Issuance Number from Korean immigration on your behalf.

Step 5: Prepare Visa Documents

• Arrange financial proof, passport copies, SOP, accommodation proof, your apostilled academic documents, and your TB test result.

Step 6: Book Walk-In Embassy Appointment

• Pakistani students apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Islamabad. Check the embassy’s current procedure, as some require a booked appointment while others accept walk-ins.

Step 7: Apply for a D-2 Student Visa

• Apply under the relevant D-2 subcategory for your study level and submit your documents at the embassy. Language-only courses use a D-4 visa instead.

Step 8: Wait for Visa Decision

• Processing usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks. Genuine, complete applications have a high approval rate, so accurate and consistent documents matter.

Step 9: Travel to South Korea

• Once approved, you receive a Visa Grant Notice to print and bring (sticker visas are being phased out). After arrival, register for your Alien Registration Card (ARC) at the local immigration office within 90 days.

South Korea Study Visa Fee & Processing Time

Need Help With Your South Korea Study Visa?

South Korea offers strong scholarship opportunities and a high visa success ratio, but students require guidance with university applications, scholarship procedures, and visa documentation. Getting these right the first time protects your intake.

A professionally prepared application can improve your chances of approval and make the process much easier.

Book your free South Korea Student Visa Consultation with Times Consultant today!