International students at Seoul Women’s University must have visas that are suitable to the programs they are taking (ex. Degree-seeking, exchange program, or language class). The use of an inappropriate visa (such as “temporary visit” visa) while studying here can lead to penalties. Therefore, all international freshmen are asked to enter Korea only after obtaining the correct visa for their visit at the Korean embassy or consulate in their home countries.

The student visa (D-2) is generally accepted visa that that permits the study at Seoul Women’s University. The F-type and/or E-type visa is also acceptable for those living and studying in Korea.

The Group Tourism (C-3-2), Medical Tourism (C-3-3), and General Tourism (C-3-9) visas CANNOT be changed to a student visa (D-2) in Korea. Students entering Korea with on such visas must first leave the country and then obtain a student visa (D-2) at the Korean embassy or consulate in their home countries.

Visa Types

1. Student(D-2)

Student visa (D-2) is for international students studying at a college or university in Korea. Students must apply for it to study at an academic program in Korea. However, if they already have another valid visa (F-type, E-type, or A-type), they do not require a new one.

An individual can apply for a student visa (D-2) at the Korean embassy or consulate in his/her home country ahead of the arrival in Korea. We strongly advise international students to obtain their student visa (D-2) in their homelands as soon as they receive the Certificate of Admission (CoA), one of the requirements for student visa (D-2) application, from the International Admissions Team (for undergraduate) at Seoul Women’s University.

The student visa (D-2) is also divided into a number of different types:

● D-2-1: Associate Degree (college)

● D-2-2: Bachelor’s Degree (undergraduate)

● D-2-3: Master’s Degree

● D-2-4: Doctoral (Ph.D) / Masters & Ph.D Integrated Degree

● D-2-7: KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship Program) student (regardless of the degree)

Applicants for a student visa (D-2) must check carefully if they have obtained the proper visa from the Korean embassy/consulate. If they receive wrong the wrong visa, one that is not suitable for their study at SWU, they must notify the embassy and change the visa immediately.

Those transferring from other universities in Korea should also apply for a new student visa (D-2) to start studying SWU. Even if they are currently in Korea with a student visa (D-2) issued while studying at the previous academic institutions, with the period of stay written on the back of their Alien Registration Card (ARC) still valid, ,they must nevertheless obtain a new visa when changing institution. The student transferring must leave Korea and obtain new student visa (D-2) from the Korean embassy or consulate in their home country. They must then submit the Certificate of Admission (CoA) provided by SWU during the application.

2. General Trainee(D-4)

This visa is for entry to Korea to learn the Korean language at a university-affiliated language center. It enables the holders to take Korean language classes but not a degree program. Click here for the information about the SWU Korean Language Center.

Freshmen who have taken classes at a university language center in Korea with the General Trainee visa (D-4) MUST change it to a student visa (D-2) before the beginning of the semester (March/September) if they wish to study an undergraduate or graduate program. A student with General Trainee visa (D-4) should consult the International Affairs Team after admission, since he/she may be asked to leave Korea and obtain a student visa (D-2) at the Korean embassy or consulate in his/her home country.