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Study in South Korea: GKS scholarship, D-2 visa, universities and careers for Pakistani students
A researched guide with 2026 figures from official and industry sources. Last verified 4 November 2026.
Book free counsellingWhy Pakistani students choose South Korea
- World-class universities and fast-growing tech, electronics, automotive and K-culture industries.
- The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) can fund tuition, living costs and a Korean language year.
- Many English-taught programmes, especially at KAIST, POSTECH, SNU and Yonsei.
- Part-time work with a permit and a job-seeking visa after graduation.
Step by step: from offer to visa
- Choose a course and certified universityCheck the university’s visa-issuing status and TOPIK or English rules.
- Apply and receive admissionApply directly or through GKS if you qualify.
- Prepare funds and documentsBank proof (often around ₩20 million), attested degree and transcripts, study plan.
- Apply for D-2 visaThe university helps with a certificate of admission, then you apply at the Korean mission.
- Register in KoreaGet your Alien Registration Card and health insurance after you arrive.
What it costs (2026)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | About ₩5 to ₩15 million per year at private universities | Medicine and engineering can cost more. GKS covers tuition. |
| Funds for the D-2 | About ₩20 million (varies) | Some sources quote US$10,000 to $20,000. Confirm with the mission. |
| Health insurance | Mandatory National Health Insurance | Monthly premium applies, partly subsidised. |
| Living costs | Seoul is expensive | Housing is the main cost. Dorms help. |
| GKS stipend | About ₩900,000 undergraduate and ₩1,000,000 graduate per month | Reported figure. Confirm on the GKS site. |
Fees change often. Always confirm on the official government page before you pay.
Popular universities in South Korea
| University | Known for |
|---|---|
| Seoul National University | Korea’s top research university |
| KAIST | Science and engineering |
| Yonsei University | Business, medicine and engineering |
| Korea University | Law, business and engineering |
| POSTECH | Science and technology |
| Sungkyunkwan University | Business and electronics |
| Hanyang University | Engineering and architecture |
Check the latest QS or THE rankings and subject rankings for your course.
Work rights, English and after graduation
- D-2 students need a part-time work permit before working. Hours depend on TOPIK level and study level.
- After graduation you can apply for a D-10 job-seeker visa.
- English-taught courses do not need TOPIK. Korean-taught courses usually need TOPIK 3 or 4.
Scholarships and funding
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) through NIIED.
- University scholarships at KAIST, SNU, POSTECH, Yonsei and others.
- Korean language year included with GKS.
Frequently asked questions
What is GKS?
The Global Korea Scholarship from the Korean government. It covers tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare and insurance.
Do I need TOPIK?
Not for English-taught degrees, but Korean-taught courses and some work permits depend on it.
Can I work?
Yes with a permit. Hours depend on your TOPIK level.
How much money must I show?
Often around ₩20 million for the D-2. Confirm with the mission.
Which intakes?
March and September are main intakes.
Sources and how we verify
Figures checked on 4 November 2026 against these pages. This guide is general information, not legal or migration advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official authority before you apply.
Study in South Korea with BlueZone Consultants
BlueZone Consultants guides students from Abbottabad, Mansehra, Hazara and across Pakistan through every stage of a South Korea application: choosing the course and university, checking documents and attestation, preparing the offer and visa file, then planning money, housing and arrival.
Your first counselling session is free. Bring your transcripts, passport and English test result if you have one, and we will tell you honestly whether South Korea fits your grades and budget.
Check your options for South Korea
Talk to a counsellor, then use the guides below to prepare.