South Korea has implemented flexible visa policies for international students in specific vocational university programs.
The initiative aims to address regional labor shortages and attract skilled foreign talent.
The Ministry of Justice has designated 16 vocational programs as workforce-focused technical courses.
South Korea has introduced more flexible visa policies for international students enrolled in certain vocational university programs, aiming to tackle regional labor shortages and attract skilled foreign talent.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Justice announced that 16 vocational programs nationwide have been designated as workforce-focused technical courses. Students in these programs will now benefit from relaxed D-2 student visa requirements, the ability to work more hours part-time, and a potential pathway to a special work visa after graduation.
Objectives of the Program
Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho highlighted the program’s dual purpose: cultivating skilled professionals proficient in the Korean language while addressing regional labor gaps and population decline. “We will actively collaborate with local governments, vocational colleges, and relevant ministries to nurture outstanding talent,” he stated.
Under the pilot scheme, students admitted to the 16 selected programs no longer need to show proof of a minimum bank balance to obtain a D-2 visa, as long as they have achieved Topik level 3 or higher in Korean. Previously, students attending universities in the Greater Seoul area were required to show at least 20 million won ($13,633), while those at universities outside Seoul needed 16 million won.
The initiative also allows students to work up to 35 hours per week during the semester, an increase from the previous limit of 30 hours.
Programs and Locations
The 16 programs are spread across multiple provinces, including:
Gyeonggi: Gyeonggi University of Science and Technology, Daelim University, Bucheon University, among others.
Busan: Kyungnam College of Information & Technology, Dong-Eui Institute of Technology, Busan Institute of Science and Technology.
Other regions: North Jeolla, Daegu, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, Ulsan, and South Jeolla.
Fields of study cover areas such as automotive and mechanical engineering, textile design, renewable energy, and smart agri-food resources.
The trial program is set to run until the end of 2027. Afterward, the Justice Ministry will evaluate its effectiveness and decide whether to expand or make the visa benefits permanent.
Background
In 2023, the South Korean government launched the ‘Study Korea 300K Project,’ aiming to attract 300,000 foreign students by 2027. The initiative simplifies permanent residency and enhances scholarship opportunities, particularly through the Global Korea Scholarships, aligning with the country’s demand for high-skilled workers amid increasing global competition.
South Korea is also among the top 10 study destinations globally, with proof of funds requirements starting from $10,000 in 2026.
Future Opportunities for Graduates
The Justice Ministry plans to introduce the E-7-M work visa, also known as the K-CORE (K-College to Regional Employment) visa, exclusively for graduates of the 16 programs. To qualify, graduates must secure employment in a field related to their studies with a minimum annual salary of 26 million won ($17,700) and demonstrate Korean proficiency at KIIP level 4 or Topik level 5.
E-7-M visa holders who work for five years or three years in regions facing population decline will be eligible to apply for an F-2 resident visa, providing long-term residency options for skilled international workers.
The trial program will continue until the end of 2027, after which its outcomes will be reviewed to determine whether the visa benefits will be expanded or made permanent.
