Steps to study in Korea

STEP 1: Choose your course and institution

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Everything comes down to what you want to accomplish after finishing your school. Choose a specialisation that is compatible with the study you have already completed and your future career goals. Always consider your career chances after the course of study. 

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Taking forward the above point, make a list of the courses that suit you the most. Research each and individual course, and the institution offering it. Almost every course is listed on the college websites, and the course details are given there. That information makes it simple to comprehend what you should be studying each semester. 

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STEP 2: Take the TOPIK Test

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Korean universities request a certain level of Korean language to admit students for degree programs. You must pass TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level 3 or higher for undergraduate programs, and TOPIK level 4 or higher for graduate programs. Each level will require students 10  weeks to complete, so you might want to start your TOPIK classes a year before you enrol to Korean universities.

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If the program you will take is 100% taught in English it can be enough to show a TOEFL/IELTS result instead.

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STEP 3: Apply to universities

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It's time to get in touch with the universities you want to apply to, get their application packs, and send them early. A dozen universities to choose from can be favourable, but you must take into account the application fee, which ranges from 300 won to 800 won.

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Don't just apply everywhere. Compare your choices, decide on your preferred programme and university, and then pick one or two backup possibilities. Be cautious when completing the application form, and be sure to include accurate information supported by documentation. The university will give you an acceptance letter once you get accepted to study there. This document is crucial for the next requirements.

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STEP 4: Receive Certificate of Admission (CoA)

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Your education provider will provide a Certificate of Admission (CoA), a document that attests to your admission in a particular course. Once you've accepted your offer and made your deposit, the CoA will be delivered to you.

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You must include a copy of this document in your visa application so that the Korean Government has proof that you are registered in your declared course.

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STEP 5: Apply for a Student Visa (D-2 Student Visa)

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This visa is for any student enrolling in a bachelors, masters, or Ph.D. programme at a college, university, or graduate school. This visa is typically granted for the duration of your academic program, allowing you to study and reside in Korea during your studies.

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It can take anywhere from two weeks to two months to receive your student visa. It depends on your country of origin. To avoid delays, make sure that you submit all of the required documents and fill in every section necessary on the application form.

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Your application must be submitted with:

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• Visa Application form 

• A valid passport

• Passport size photo

• Certificate of Admission (issued by a Korean University)

• Application fee (around RM300 to RM450 USD)

• ID card 

• An Invitation Letter issued by the Ministry of National Defense NIIED (National Institute for International Education of Korea) (if applicable)

• Tuberculosis Test Certificate 

• Some Embassies might ask for proof of financing and your high school diploma

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STEP 6: Travel to Korea

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Once the application has been processed and an interview, if required, has been conducted, the immigration officer will decide upon your student visa application. If accepted, it is now time to start planning your travel to Korea. Your visa will have a start date, which is the date from which the permit comes into force. Keep in mind that you won’t be permitted to enter Korea before this date. Plan your travel accordingly.

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The immigration officer will verify your permit and other documents at the port of entry before allowing you to enter Korea. This is the final step of the immigration formalities and you can now focus on commencing your journey as an international student in Korea.