[Published: 28 October 2026 | Last updated: 28 October 2026]
TL;DR
- South Korea hosted 253,434 international students in 2025 and aims for 300,000 by 2027 (Seoul Start, 2026), so universities are actively recruiting.
- Degree students need a D-2 student visa, which usually requires bank proof of about 20 million KRW in the Seoul area or 16 million KRW for regional universities (HaniSeoul, 2026).
- Part-time work depends on your Korean level: graduate students with TOPIK level 4 can work up to 30 weekday hours a week, but only 15 without it (Seoul Start, 2026).
- The fully funded GKS scholarship gave Bangladesh 7 Embassy Track and 20 University Track graduate seats in 2026 (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bangladesh, 2026).
- Learning Korean, even to TOPIK level 3 or 4, improves your work rights, daily life and job chances after graduation.
Why Study in South Korea from Bangladesh?
South Korea is a strong option for Bangladeshi students because it offers English-taught programmes, large government scholarships and a growing welcome for international students. The country hosted 253,434 international students in 2025, and the government's Study Korea 300K plan targets 300,000 by 2027 (Seoul Start, 2026).
Korea is especially strong in engineering, computer science and the natural sciences. After graduation, D-2 visa holders can switch to a D-10 job-seeking visa to look for work in Korea (Seoul Start, 2026).
What Visa Do You Need to Study in South Korea?
You need a D-2 student visa for a full-time bachelor's, master's or PhD programme (Seoul Start, 2026). Language-only students, who study Korean at a university language institute, use a separate D-4 visa.
After you arrive with a D-2 visa, you must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at your local immigration office, usually before the semester starts (Korea University, 2026). The ARC is your residence ID card in Korea.
How Much Bank Balance Do You Need for a Korean Student Visa?
The D-2 visa usually requires proof of about 20 million KRW (Korean won) for universities in the Seoul capital area, or about 16 million KRW for regional universities (HaniSeoul, 2026). This shows you can pay your tuition and living costs.
| D-2 requirement | Capital area (Seoul region) | Regional universities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bank balance proof | About 20,000,000 KRW | About 16,000,000 KRW |
Source: HaniSeoul (2026).
Some programmes have exceptions. From February 2026, students in 16 designated vocational programmes with TOPIK level 3 or higher do not need to show this bank balance (HaniSeoul, 2026). GKS scholars are also funded by the Korean government.
Check the exact amount and document format with your university's international office, because requirements differ by university and programme.
Can International Students Work Part-Time in South Korea?
Yes, D-2 students can work part-time after getting permission from their university and the immigration office (KIEC, 2026). Your allowed hours depend on your degree level and your Korean language score.
| Student type | With Korean requirement met | Without it |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (years 1 and 2) | Up to 25 weekday hours (TOPIK 3) | 10 hours |
| Bachelor's (years 3 and 4) | Up to 25 weekday hours (TOPIK 4) | 10 hours |
| Master's and PhD | Up to 30 weekday hours (TOPIK 4) | 15 hours |
Source: Seoul Start (2026).
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official Korean language test. Even a basic level makes a big difference to how much you can earn while studying.
How to Get a Scholarship to Study in South Korea
The best-known scholarship is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which covers tuition, airfare, a monthly allowance and one year of Korean language training. In the 2026 graduate round, Bangladesh had 7 Embassy Track seats and 20 University Track seats (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bangladesh, 2026).
Many Korean universities also offer their own tuition scholarships for international students, often based on grades or language scores. For full details on eligibility, documents and the timeline, read our GKS scholarship guide for Bangladeshi students.
How to Apply to a Korean University from Bangladesh
Step 1: Choose an English-Taught Programme
Search university websites for programmes taught in English. Check the English requirement, which is often IELTS or TOEFL, and whether a Korean language score is needed.
Step 2: Prepare Your English Test Score
Most English-taught programmes ask for IELTS or TOEFL. Compare the two in our IELTS vs TOEFL guide for Bangladeshi students.
Step 3: Get Your Documents Apostilled
Korean institutions often ask for official, verified copies of your certificates. For GKS, Bangladeshi applicants must upload certificates with an e-Apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bangladesh, 2026).
Step 4: Apply and Get Your Admission Letter
Submit your application and statement of purpose to the university. Once admitted, the university issues the documents you need for the D-2 visa.
Step 5: Apply for the D-2 Visa
Apply for the D-2 visa with your admission letter, bank statement and other required documents. Keep copies of everything for your arrival.
Common Mistakes When Applying to Study in Korea
The most common mistake is ignoring Korean language. Even in an English-taught programme, daily life, part-time work and many jobs need Korean.
Avoid these other mistakes:
- Leaving document apostille and bank paperwork to the last month.
- Assuming you can work full-time during the semester. Hours are limited and need permission.
- Choosing a university without checking whether it is a certified university for international students, which affects visa screening (Seoul Start, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in South Korea
Can Bangladeshi students study in South Korea?
Yes. Bangladeshi students can apply to Korean universities and the GKS scholarship. Bangladesh had 27 GKS graduate seats in the 2026 round across both tracks (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bangladesh, 2026).
What is the bank balance requirement for a Korean student visa?
The D-2 visa usually needs about 20 million KRW for Seoul-area universities or 16 million KRW for regional universities (HaniSeoul, 2026). Check with your university for the exact amount.
Is IELTS required to study in South Korea?
Most English-taught programmes ask for IELTS or TOEFL. Some accept other proof, so check each programme's English requirement.
How many hours can international students work in Korea?
Graduate students with TOPIK level 4 can work up to 30 weekday hours a week, or 15 without it (Seoul Start, 2026). Undergraduates can work up to 25 weekday hours with the required TOPIK level, or 10 without it.
Can I stay in Korea after graduation?
Yes. D-2 graduates can switch to a D-10 job-seeking visa to look for work in Korea (Seoul Start, 2026).
Do I need to learn Korean to study in South Korea?
Not for English-taught programmes, but Korean helps a lot. A TOPIK score increases your part-time work hours and job chances.
What to Remember Before You Apply to Korea
- You need a D-2 visa and bank proof of about 16 to 20 million KRW, unless you are funded.
- Apply for GKS and university scholarships early, since seats for Bangladesh are limited.
- Learn basic Korean and aim for TOPIK 3 or 4 to unlock more part-time work hours.
- Get your certificates apostilled well before your application deadline.