South Korea surpasses 300,000 foreign students target two years ahead of schedule

South Korea has exceeded its goal of attracting 300,000 international students, reaching 305,329 as of August 2025, according to ICEF Monitor and data from the Korea Immigration Service. Of these, 225,769 are enrolled in university degree programs on D-2 visas, while 79,500 are studying Korean on D-4-1 visas. A small number, 60 students, hold D-4-7 visas for foreign language training.

The international student population has grown 16% year-on-year and 47% since mid-2023, when the country had just over 207,000 foreign students. The government had set its 300,000-student target for 2027, making this achievement nearly two years ahead of schedule.

Most foreign students come from China and Vietnam, which together account for 64% of the total enrolment. Vietnam leads with 107,807 students, followed by China with 86,179. Other countries with significant numbers include Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Nepal.

The growth reflects South Korea’s active policies under the “Study Korea 300K Project.” In 2023, the government increased part-time work allowances for international students. Students in language or bachelor’s programs can now work 25 hours per week, while master’s and doctoral students may work 35 hours on weekdays. All students are permitted unlimited hours on weekends and holidays.

Financial requirements for D-2 visas were also lowered, from about US$20,000 to 20 million won (roughly US$15,400). Degree-seeking students applying outside the Seoul metropolitan area face an even lower threshold of 16 million won.

Post-study work opportunities are also being expanded. From 2025, international graduates can remain in the country for up to three years to seek employment, compared with the current allowance of six months with a possible extension to two years. The government plans to broaden the types of jobs students can apply for and increase the time job holders can remain in South Korea.

Scholarship opportunities have grown as well. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program now offers 2,700 scholarships for STEM students and 6,000 for non-STEM students. STEM graduates are being fast-tracked for permanent residency, while the residency requirement for graduate and postgraduate students applying for permanent residency has been reduced from six to three years. Korean universities have also broadened the range of accepted Korean-language tests and are considering lowering the TOPIK proficiency level required for international students, although some academics have raised concerns about its impact on student success.

South Korea’s rising international student numbers underline its growing appeal as a study destination in Asia, alongside China, Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia.