What language programs, university and graduate school are, and your path through visas (status of stay), on one screen. Only information confirmed by government, legal and official university sources is included.
Program guide
A Korean language institute (어학당) is a Korean language school run by a university. Complete beginners can start, and you move up one level at a time to build the Korean you need for university study. According to Study in Korea, international students at a language institute generally study on the General Training (D-4) visa, sub-type Korean language training (D-4-1).
Lengths are counted on the basis of 10-week terms and 4 terms a year (a single term takes about 3 months). For visa rules such as the limit on a single period of stay on a D-4 visa, see the visa roadmap.
Program structure, admission requirements and duration differ by university and program. Check each university's details and the official guidance.
Starting point
Default path starting from language training (D-4). Try another starting point.
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After finishing Korean language training or a similar course, you change to Student (D-2) status when you enter a junior college or higher in Korea.
After graduation you change to Job Seeker (D-10) to look for work, then change again to the status for the job you get. Check the official guidance for eligibility and the points standard (including whether you can apply directly from language training (D-4)).
If you find a job that meets the employment requirements of that occupation's status (E-1 to E-7) while job seeking, you change to that status.
If you have stayed continuously for 5 years or more on a status such as E-7 (not diplomatic or official) with your base of living in Korea, you can apply for long-term resident (F-2) status (check the official guidance for income, Korean and other details).
Adults who have stayed 5 years or more on a professional status (E-1 to E-7, etc.) or as a resident (F-2) can apply for permanent residence (F-5) if they meet the common requirements (check the official guidance on whether Job Seeker (D-10) time counts).
This is general guidance and has no legal effect. Actual decisions are made by the Korea Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청).
This is general guidance and has no legal effect. Actual decisions are made by the Korea Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청).