In 2026, policy for international students is shifting toward helping them "get a job in the region after graduation and settle there."
Specialized technical training programs and K-CORE (E-7-M)
Students who enter designated programs at 16 junior colleges with TOPIK level 3 or higher receive benefits.
- Exemption from the financial ability requirement for the student visa
- Part-time work: 30 hours → 35 hours a week
- After graduation, if you get a job at a company related to your major with a starting salary of KRW 26 million or more, you can get the new E-7-M visa
- On E-7-M, after 3 years of continuous work at the same company in a population decline area, you can apply for Residence (F-2) status (planned)
No colleges in Chungcheongbuk-do were included in this designation.
The wide-area regional visa also puts international students first
The wide-area regional visa, revised for 2027, gives opportunities first to foreign nationals already living in Korea, such as international students, and favors a change to E-7 for those who get a job in the region after graduation.
Beware of part-time work without permission
In crackdowns on illegal delivery riders from January to May, 410 international students alone were caught. Always keep part-time work within the scope of your permission.
The information above is as of the date of the Ministry of Justice press release. Actual requirements must be checked against the laws and guidelines in effect when you apply. If you have any questions, please leave them via Ask a question.