For international students, South Korea actively promotes studying at universities outside the overcrowded Seoul Capital Area through various Regional University Support Programs. While there is no visa officially named a “Regional Sponsorship Visa for Study,” choosing a university in a designated regional area can make the student visa (D-2) application more favorable. These policies are designed to decentralize the international student population and boost local economies. However, the area like Seoul are also promoting Regional Sponsorship Visa in Korea to lure international students. Some of the universities that promote these kind of visas are Busan University of Foreign Studies, Dong-A University, Silla University, Kyungsung University, Sejong University and others.

The primary advantage for students in these regions is financial. Many local governments and universities offer exclusive scholarships, significantly reduced tuition fees, and subsidized dormitory costs to attract international talent. Furthermore, the rules for part-time work (on a D-2 visa) are often more flexible outside of Seoul, allowing students more opportunities to gain work experience and help fund their studies.