D-2-5 Research Study Visa
South Korea
Last updated: December 29, 2025
6 months (renewable)
$40-$60
2-4 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
The D-2-5 Research Study Visa is for international researchers who want to work at a South Korean university. It is designed for people who already have a Master's or PhD degree. Unlike a regular student visa, you do not take classes for credit. Instead, you focus entirely on a specific research project at the university. You must be invited by a professor or the school to apply. It is a great option if you want to gain research experience in Korea without enrolling as a full-time student.
Key Benefits
- Conduct specialized research at a Korean university
- Bring spouse and children on F-3 dependent visas
- Multiple entry travel rights
- Earn points toward F-2-7 permanent residency
- Access to National Health Insurance
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must hold a Master's degree or higher
- Must have an official invitation from a Korean university
- Must prove financial ability to support living expenses
- Must be free of Tuberculosis (for restricted countries)
- Must meet professor's language requirements (English or Korean)
Financial Requirement
Approx. $13,800 USD (20,000,000 KRW) in savings or university stipend proof
Documents
- Confirmation of International Research StudentSpecific form issued by the university (not standard admission letter)
- Degree CertificateProof of Master's or PhD (Apostilled or verified)
- Financial ProofBank statement or university stipend certificate showing ~20M KRW
- TB Test ResultRequired for citizens of high-risk countries
- PassportValid for at least 6 months
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.