Over the past decade, South Korea has emerged as a highly appealing destination for international students. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, prestigious universities, strong economy, and rich cultural history, the country draws thousands of students from all over the world each year. For students from Nepal, South Korea presents a unique blend of high-quality education, lower tuition fees relative to many Western nations, and numerous scholarship opportunities.

The D-2 visa is the most common visa category for international students planning to study in South Korea. It is issued to students who have been admitted to accredited degree programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Unlike the D-4 visa categories, which are primarily intended for language training, the D-2 visa allows students to pursue full-time academic studies at universities and colleges in South Korea. Depending on the level and duration of the program, the visa is generally granted for the length of the course and can be renewed if necessary.

The D-2 visa is further divided into several subcategories based on the level of study. D-2-1 is issued for associate degree programs, D-2-2 for bachelor’s degrees, D-2-3 for master’s degrees, and D-2-4 for doctoral (Ph.D.) programs. These subcategories simply identify the type of academic program the student is enrolled in.

In recent years, the terms “D-2 Visa Code” and “E-Visa” have become increasingly popular, leading many students to believe that they represent different visa categories. In reality, they all refer to the same D-2 student visa. The difference lies not in the visa itself but in the application process. While some students apply for their D-2 visa through the Korean Embassy, others receive a visa issuance confirmation (commonly known as a Visa Code or E-Visa) through eligible universities, after which the visa is issued based on immigration approval. Regardless of the application route, the visa granted to the student remains the same D-2 student visa.

To better understand this process, it’s important to know that the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal generally requires Nepali students to have a minimum GPA of 3.2 when applying for a student visa through the embassy. This requirement is comparatively higher than that of many other countries. However, Korean universities and the Korean immigration authorities do not always use the same GPA threshold as the primary basis for admission or visa approval. Instead, they often consider a student’s overall profile, including interviews, academic potential, and other eligibility criteria.

For instance, a student with a 2.9 GPA may not qualify for a visa through the Korean Embassy in Nepal, but they may still be admitted to a Korean university and obtain a visa through the university-supported immigration process. This pathway is commonly known as the D-2 Visa Code or Electronic Visa (E-Visa) process. In general, students with a GPA of 2.8 or above may be eligible to apply through this route, depending on the university and the specific program. The same process is also available for applicants’ pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.

Only universities recognized under the International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS) with the authority to issue visa codes can facilitate this process. Some examples include Sejong University, Joongbu University, Kyungsung University, Dong-A University, Dong-Eui University, and Busan University of Foreign Studies, among others. Since the visa is processed directly through the Korean immigration system rather than the embassy, it is widely referred to as an E-Visa or Visa Code process.

In addition, there is another visa category known as RGS visa. The Regional Government Scholarship (RGS) is a scholarship initiative offered by selected local governments in South Korea to attract international students to universities outside the Seoul metropolitan area initially. However, universities like Sejong in Seoul have also initiated the program. The program aims to promote balanced regional development while providing financial support for tuition, living expenses, and, in some cases, Korean language training. Students awarded the RGS scholarship are typically expected to study at designated universities in specific provinces and may be encouraged to contribute to the local community or workforce after completing their studies.