Study Korea 300K and the D-2 Visa: What Thai Students Need to Apply

What Study Korea 300K Means for Applicants

South Korea's Ministry of Education announced the Study Korea 300K plan in August 2023, a five-year push to raise the number of international students at Korean universities toward 300,000 by 2027. The plan responds to Korea's shrinking school-age population and aims to fill seats at local universities while positioning Korea as a bigger regional study destination.

Under the plan, the Ministry of Education works to ease some TOPIK score requirements for admission at participating universities, expand the fully funded Global Korea Scholarship program, and shorten the path to permanent residence for science and technology graduates holding a master's or doctoral degree, from six years down to three. These changes roll out at different speeds across universities, so confirm which apply to your target school through its international office rather than assuming every rule applies everywhere yet.

The D-2 Visa: What It Covers

The D-2 visa is Korea's visa for degree-seeking students, covering bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs at a recognized Korean university. It differs from the D-4 visa, which covers non-degree Korean language courses and short exchange stays. Once a Korean university admits you into a full degree program, apply for D-2 at the Korean Embassy in Bangkok.

Documents You Need

• Standard Admission Letter from a recognized Korean university

• Proof of financial capacity, in a bank statement in your name or a sponsor's

• Passport valid for your intended study period

• Visa application form and photo

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• TOPIK score or an English test score, depending on your program's teaching language

Requirements and the exact visa fee are set by the Korean Embassy in Bangkok, and financial proof thresholds get reviewed periodically, so confirm the current amount and fee directly with the embassy or your university's international office before you submit your file. Apply well ahead of your intended start date, since incomplete financial documents are a common reason for delay.

TOPIK vs English-Taught Programs

If your program teaches in Korean, most universities ask for TOPIK Level 3 at minimum, and competitive programs in fields like engineering, medicine and business often ask for Level 4 or higher. TOPIK is administered by Korea's National Institute for International Education at set test dates through the year, including January, April, July and October in 2026. If you plan to start in September 2026, sitting TOPIK in April or July 2026 leaves time to submit your score before university deadlines.

Programs taught in English drop the TOPIK requirement. You submit an IELTS or TOEFL score instead, and Korean-language ability plays no role in D-2 visa approval, though universities commonly recommend beginner Korean classes for daily life.

Applying: Step by Step

1. Research Korean universities and programs, and confirm which qualify under the Study Korea 300K expansion.

2. Apply directly to your chosen university and secure admission.

3. Collect your Standard Admission Letter and prepare financial proof documents.

4. Book a D-2 visa appointment at the Korean Embassy in Bangkok.

5. Submit your document set and pay the visa fee set by the embassy.

6. Once issued, arrange your flight and plan your arrival ahead of orientation week.

After Graduation

Graduates who want to stay and job hunt apply for a D-10 job-seeking visa instead of leaving when the D-2 visa expires. Science and technology graduates with a master's or doctoral degree benefit most from the Study Korea 300K push toward faster permanent residence, since that track moves them toward permanent residence in three years instead of six under the plan announced in August 2023.

Global Korea Scholarship as an Alternative

Thai students who want funding beyond a self-paid D-2 route apply separately for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), a fully funded government scholarship covering tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare and Korean-language training before your degree starts. GKS runs on its own annual application cycle through Korean embassies and partner universities, separate from the general D-2 admission process, so check the current year's GKS notice through the Korean Embassy in Bangkok well ahead of your target intake.

Choosing Between Korean-Taught and English-Taught Tracks

A Korean-taught program pushes you toward fluency faster and opens more local job options after graduation, since most Korean workplaces operate in Korean. It also demands a higher TOPIK score before admission and stronger day-to-day language skills from your first semester. An English-taught program lowers the entry barrier and suits students planning to use their degree outside Korea, but daily life, part-time work and local networking still go easier with at least basic Korean, so most universities recommend language classes alongside an English-taught major.

Settling In After Arrival

Within 90 days of entering Korea, register for your Alien Registration Card at the immigration office nearest your university, a requirement for opening a bank account, signing a phone contract and renting an apartment. Universities typically run orientation programs covering health insurance enrollment, campus housing and Korean class placement, so attend orientation before your first semester starts rather than skipping it to save time.