Study in South Korea from Nepal
Unlock globally respected degrees, scholarships, and a thriving tech ecosystem in the heart of Asia.
Quick answer
Nepali students can study in South Korea on a D-2 visa (degree programmes) or a D-4 visa (Korean language courses). Tuition is roughly USD 3,500–9,000 a year, language programmes start in March, June, September and December, and students can work part-time with immigration permission. Univa Education in Putalisadak, Kathmandu has guided students to Korea since 2011.
South Korean universities we collaborate with
Tech University of South Korea
D2/D4 Visa
Kangwon National University
D2 Visa
Seoul Han Young University
D2/D4 Visa
Daegu Catholic University
D2/D4 Visa
Mokwon University
D2/D4 Visa
Dongshin University
D2/D4 Visa
Popular courses for Nepali students
Engineering & technology
Business administration
Computer science & IT
Korean language studies
International relations
Media & communication
Key features of studying in South Korea
State-of-the-art campuses and laboratories supporting innovation.
Government scholarships and university bursaries dedicated to international students.
Structured Korean language programmes for everyday communication.
Strong industry links with multinational tech, automotive, and entertainment brands.
Safe, well-connected cities with vibrant student communities.
Part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) and internships during study.
D-2 vs D-4: which Korean visa do you need?
D-2
Student (degree) visa
For students admitted to an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programme at a Korean university.
D-4
General trainee (language) visa
For non-degree study — most often a Korean language course at a university language institute. A common first step before a D-2 degree.
How to apply to study in South Korea from Nepal
- 1
Free counselling: profile, budget and goals reviewed by a Univa counsellor.
- 2
Shortlist universities, programmes and intake (March, June, September or December).
- 3
Prepare documents: academics, bank balance, sponsor papers and study plan.
- 4
Apply to the university and receive the admission letter / Certificate of Admission.
- 5
Apply for the D-2 or D-4 visa with Univa’s documentation and interview coaching.
- 6
Pre-departure briefing, accommodation guidance and travel to Korea.
USD 3,500 – 6,000
USD 6,000 – 9,000
Complete support for Korean admissions
High visa success through meticulous documentation and interview coaching.
Student-first university selection with options to choose preferred city and campus.
Dedicated counsellors including native Korean experts for cultural guidance.
Comprehensive support covering paperwork, scholarships, accommodation, and orientation.
Trusted connections in South Korea
Hodos South Korea
K-Job & Edu
Rich International
J International
D.LIM International Co. LTD.
Studying in South Korea: frequently asked questions
Reviewed by Univa counsellors on 2026-10-07. Rules change — confirm current requirements with us.
What is the D-2 visa?
The D-2 is South Korea’s student visa for international students admitted to a degree programme — associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral — at a Korean university. You apply for it after receiving an admission letter and Certificate of Admission from the university.
What is the D-4 visa?
The D-4 (General Trainee) visa covers non-degree study, most commonly the Korean language programmes run by university language institutes. Many Nepali students start on a D-4 language course and later move to a D-2 degree programme.
What is the difference between the D-2 and D-4 visa?
The D-2 is for degree study, while the D-4 is for non-degree training such as Korean language courses. D-2 students can usually apply for part-time work permission sooner, and a D-4 language course is often the pathway into a D-2 degree.
What documents do Nepali students need to study in South Korea?
You typically need a valid passport, academic certificates and transcripts, a bank balance certificate and sponsor documents, a study plan, the university’s admission letter, and the visa application form with photos. Univa provides a personalised checklist because exact requirements differ by university and visa type.
How much does it cost to study in South Korea?
Annual tuition is roughly USD 3,500–6,000 at national universities and USD 6,000–9,000 at private universities. Living costs vary by city, with Seoul being the most expensive.
Can Nepali students work part-time in South Korea?
Yes, with permission from the immigration office. Degree (D-2) students can generally work part-time during semesters, with more hours allowed in vacations, while language (D-4) students usually become eligible after about six months of study. Allowed hours depend on your TOPIK level and academic performance.
Do I need TOPIK to study in South Korea?
Not always. Korean language programmes do not require TOPIK, and English-taught degrees accept IELTS or TOEFL instead. Korean-taught degrees usually ask for TOPIK level 3 or higher, which can also improve scholarship and work-permission eligibility.
When are the intakes for South Korea?
Korean university language programmes usually start four times a year — March, June, September and December. Degree programmes mainly start in March (spring) and September (fall). Applications typically close three to five months before the start date.