South Korea has increasingly been attracting international students into their undergraduate, graduate and research programs. There are about 400 national and private universities and some universities have state-of-the-art research facilities in several emerging scientific fields.

The academic year starts in March. Prospective students should start making preparations one year prior to the intended time of arrival. Tuition fee varies depending on the university and national universities are cheaper than privet universities.

There are two types of Visas you can apply for to study in Korea

• D2 (Overseas Studies)
  o Undergraduate Studies
  o Graduate Studies
• D4 (Korean Languege Training)
  o Korean Language Training- This is only applicable for general Korean language training conducted by the universities or language institutes in Korea.

The following documents are required to apply for D4 and D2 visas

1. A passport size photograph of the applicant taken within the last six months with Visa Application.
2. Letter from the applicant giving details as to why they are interested in learning the Korean language including the study plan.
3. Original letter of Admission with payment receipt from Korea together with business registration of the University.
4. Local money transaction documents (payments for the Korean University)
5. Bank statements for last three months with the current balance confirmation letter from the Manager (please attach copies of the monthly statements/savings book)
6. Academic certificates and student record with photo copies.
7. A photocopy of the personal details page of the applicant's passport & a copy of both sides of the Identity Card and Birth Certificate.
8. Flight schedule
9. Complete Medical evaluation report for Tuberculosis including diagnostic reports.
10. Visa fee

1. A passport size photograph of the applicant taken within the last six months with Visa Application.
2. Letter from the applicant giving details as to why they are interested in learning the Korean language including the study plan.
3. Original letter of Admission with payment receipt from Korea together with business registration of the University.
4. Local money transaction documents (Payments for the Korean University)
5. Bank statements for last three months with the current balance confirmation letter from the Manager (please attach copies of the monthly statements/savings book)
6. Degree Certificate & Transcripts certified from the Ministry Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka.
7. A photocopy of the personal details page of the applicant's passport & a copy of both sides of the Identity Card and Birth Certificate.
8. Flight schedule
9. Complete Medical evaluation report for Tuberculosis including diagnostic reports.
10. Visa fee

For more information please visit the website of the Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka
(http://lka.mofa.go.kr/english/as/lka/visa/issuance/index.jsp)

Undergraduate visa applicants need to have minimum level 3 in Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) unless otherwise mentioned by the university. Upon successful completion of a language program, students may change his/her visa type from D4 to D2 when registering for an undergraduates / Master’s degree programmes. TOPIK is not required when applying for Graduate programmes.

All local certificates must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka
For more information Please visit immigration Office (www.hikorea.go.kr)
[Information→Immigration→Immigration guide→Education]

Please note that TOPIK exam for students and EPS TOPIK for Korean Job applicants are two different exams. For more information about TOPIK exam, please visit www.topik.go.kr

Most of the Undergraduate courses in Korea are carried out in the Korean language. When applying for Graduate Degree Programmes, students should acquire the language requirements stipulated by the particular university (This can be TOPIK exam or a course conducted by the university).