What happened
South Korea reached its goal of 300,000 international students in mid-2025, two years early, and had 314,000 by February 2026. It now wants up to 400,000. On 7 October 2026, the Ministry of Justice announced new rules from a council set up in April to improve the student visa system.
The plan rewards Korean language skills. Most students who reach level 4 in the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) or the Social Integration Program (KIIP) will not need to prove their finances to get a visa. Students judged at high risk of overstaying, or of putting work before study, will instead need to deposit money for living costs.
Part-time work will require at least TOPIK level 3 plus good academic results. Graduates who want to stay on will be allowed 1 to 3 years, depending on their Korean and their readiness for work. A new visa, provisionally called the Korean Study Alumni Visitor Visa, is planned, and graduates in science, engineering, manufacturing and technical fields will get priority for the Skilled Worker (E-7) visa if they meet the language rules.
ICEF Monitor notes TOPIK level 4 usually takes a couple of years of intensive study, and that more than 70 universities teach degrees in English.
What it means for you
- If South Korea is on your list, start learning Korean early: level 4 can remove the need to show proof of funds for your visa.
- Part-time work will need at least TOPIK level 3 and good grades, so do not count on job income without the language.
- STEM and engineering graduates with good Korean get priority for the E-7 skilled worker visa, and post-study stays will run 1 to 3 years.
Sources
- Reported byICEF Monitor: South Korea introduces new incentives for foreign students to develop Korean language skills (28 October 2026). This story is based on their reporting; read the original for full detail.
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