- Search universities and programmes on Study in Korea (studyinkorea.go.kr) and check whether the course is taught in Korean or English.
- Prepare TOPIK or English test scores as the programme requires.
- Apply directly to the university, or for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) through an embassy or university track.
- Receive your certificate of admission from the university.
- Prepare proof of financial ability (your own or your parents' bank statement, with proof of family relationship if parents sponsor you).
- Apply for a D-2 student visa at the Korean Embassy in Islamabad.
- Travel to Korea and register as a foreigner within 90 days of arrival.
- Apply for part-time work permission before taking any job.
Study in South Korea from Pakistan
Checked October 9, 2026 against official sources
South Korea attracts Pakistani students with strong science and technology universities, government-backed scholarships such as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), and a modern, safe study environment. Its universities are closely linked with leading industries, which makes it popular for engineering, IT and research degrees. Degree students study on a D-2 visa, and graduates can switch to a job-seeking visa to look for work in Korea. Learning Korean is not always required for admission but greatly widens work options.
Work while studyingPart-time work needs permission. Bachelor's students meeting the Korean language (TOPIK) requirement may work up to 25 hours a week in term (30 at accredited universities for excellent students) and without limit at weekends and in vacations; without it, 10 hours a week. Master's/PhD students: up to 30 hours (35 for excellent students), or 15 without the language requirement.
Work after graduationJob-seeking visa (D-10-1): granted in 6-month extensions up to a maximum of 2 years, including up to 1 year of internships.
Why Pakistani students choose South Korea
- Degree students hold a D-2 visa, issued for up to 2 years at a time and extendable
- Programmes are offered in Korean or English, with matching language requirements
- Part-time work is allowed with permission, with more hours for students who meet the TOPIK requirement
- International students staying over six months are automatically enrolled in National Health Insurance
- Graduates can switch to a D-10 job-seeking visa for up to 2 years
What it costs
Living costs: Seoul (daily food, transport and rent estimates).
Work out the money to show in PKR → · Tuition is listed on each university page below.
Universities in South Korea
All 2 →KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
Daejeon
KRW 19,118,000 per year (tuition budget in KAIST's 2023 academic year cost of...
Seoul National University
Seoul
KRW 3,278,000-6,131,000 for the first semester by college or graduate school ...
Scholarships in South Korea
All 3 →
Check official site
Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees (GKS-G)
GKS-G is the Korean government's scholarship for master's and doctoral degrees at Korean universi...
Check official siteKAIST Scholarship for International Graduate Students (KGPS / KPS)
KAIST's scholarship for international graduate students covers full tuition, national health insu...
Closed for this cycleGlobal Korea Scholarship for Undergraduate Degrees (GKS-U)
GKS-U funds an associate or bachelor's degree in Korea after one year of Korean language training...
Student visa and English
- Universities offer both Korean-taught and English-taught programmes; you must meet a minimum Korean proficiency (TOPIK) for Korean-taught courses or English proficiency for English-taught ones.
- International students staying in Korea for more than six months are automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance and get the same benefits as Korean nationals.
Steps to study in South Korea
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in South Korea without knowing Korean?
Yes. Korean universities offer English-taught programmes as well as Korean-taught ones. For English-taught programmes you need to show English proficiency instead of Korean. Learning some Korean is still useful because TOPIK levels affect how many hours you can work part-time.
How many hours can I work in Korea as a student?
It depends on your level and Korean ability. A bachelor's student who meets the TOPIK requirement can work up to 25 hours a week during term and without limit at weekends and in vacations; otherwise the limit is 10 hours. You need permission from immigration before starting any job.
Can I stay in Korea after graduation to find a job?
Yes. Graduates can change their status to the D-10-1 job-seeking visa, which is extended in 6-month steps up to 2 years and allows internships of up to 1 year. Those switching from D-2 for the first time do not need to submit proof of financial stability.
How much bank balance do I need for a Korean student visa?
The D-2 visa requires proof of financial ability, but Study in Korea does not publish a fixed amount for Pakistani applicants. Check the current requirement with the Korean Embassy in Islamabad and your university before applying.
Amounts in PKR use today's exchange rate. Rules change; always confirm on the official pages linked here before you apply.
Plan your application
Embassy & visa centres in Pakistan
- Consulate General of South Korea Karachi
- Embassy of South Korea Islamabad
