Study in South Korea · March and September 2027 intakes
Your South Korea 2027 plan from Nepal, made clear.
Free, honest counselling from NEC, helping Nepali students since 2001. We check your profile, choose between a degree and a Korean language course, explain the full cost and prepare your visa file with you.
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D-2
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In short
Studying in South Korea in 2027: the short answer
South Korea has two main intakes: spring (March 2027) and fall (September 2027). Degree students apply for a D-2 visa, and Korean language students for a D-4 visa. You need an admission letter, proof of funds (usually around ₩20 million, about US$15,000, held for 28 days or more), and TOPIK for Korean-taught courses or IELTS for English-taught ones. Applications for September 2027 usually open in spring 2027.
Intakes
Spring (March 2027) and fall (September 2027). Korean language courses also start in June and December.
Money to show
Usually around ₩20 million (about US$15,000) in a bank account for 28 days or more, with a steady account history. Your university confirms the exact amount.
Language score
TOPIK level 3 or higher for many Korean-taught degrees, or IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 for English-taught ones. A language course can prepare you first.
When to start
Now for March 2027 (deadlines are around November to December 2026). Early 2027 for September 2027.
Why South Korea
A degree that works for your career
South Korea offers high-tech universities, generous scholarships and a fast-growing Nepali student community.
World-ranked universities
Universities such as Seoul National, KAIST and Yonsei rank among Asia's best, especially in engineering, IT and business.
Work while you study
With a work permit, degree students can work up to 25 hours a week in term time with TOPIK 3 (10 hours without), and more in vacations.
Stay and work after you graduate
After graduating, the D-10 job-seeker visa lets you stay to look for work, and many graduates move on to an E-7 work visa.
Scholarships for international students
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and many university scholarships can cover part or all of your tuition, often linked to your TOPIK level and grades.
What universities and the embassy look for
What a strong case looks like in 2027
Korean universities and the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu check applications from Nepal carefully, especially finances and study plans. The applications that succeed show these six things clearly.
Good academic results
Solid marks in your last qualification, in a subject that leads naturally to your chosen course.
Good language scores
TOPIK for Korean-taught courses or IELTS for English-taught ones. Some Korean helps with the interview, part-time work and daily life.
Funds with a steady history
Money for your tuition and living costs held for at least 28 days, from a clear source, not a sudden large deposit.
Commitment to finish your intended course
You have researched your course and career well, you are passionate about it, and you plan to complete the full course.
A clear career outcome
You know what the degree leads to after graduation, and it matches your interests and background.
A high-quality education provider
Check the rankings, search for reviews and look for facilities that suit your needs before you choose where to apply.
D-2 student visa (D-4 for language courses)
What you need for your visa in 2026–27
Once your profile is strong, this is what goes into your student visa application, and how we prepare each part with you.
01
Admission letter
You need an admission letter from a Korean university. Many universities also issue a Certificate of Admission that you use for the visa. We help you apply to more than one.
02
Degree or language course first
If your Korean is not yet at TOPIK 3, a Korean language course (D-4 visa) can come first, and you can switch to a degree (D-2) later. We help you choose the best route.
03
Money for study and living
Proof of funds, usually around ₩20 million (about US$15,000), held for 28 days or more, with a steady account history. Sponsors' income and tax documents are also checked. Our review team checks every document.
04
TOPIK or English test score
Korean-taught degrees usually need TOPIK level 3 or higher. English-taught degrees accept IELTS or TOEFL. Our IELTS classes help with English-taught courses.
05
Documents and TB test
Your academic documents need apostille or embassy attestation, and applicants from Nepal usually need a TB test certificate. We prepare the full checklist with you.
06
Visa at the Korean Embassy
You apply for your visa through the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu, which may interview you. After arriving, you register for your Residence Card within 90 days.
What Nepali students should know for 2027
Work needs a permit
You must get a part-time work permit before you start any job. Working without one can lead to heavy fines or losing your visa.
TOPIK means more hours
Students who reach the required TOPIK level can work more hours. Some science and engineering postgraduates got extra hours in 2026.
Steady finances matter
The embassy looks for a steady account history, not a sudden large deposit. Plan your funds a few months ahead.
Rules change often. These figures were checked in November 2026 against Korean government and Study in Korea information. Your counsellor confirms the latest rules before you apply.
Your 2027 timeline
When to apply for March and September 2027
Korean universities set their own deadlines, and finances need time to show a steady history. Work back from your intake so every document is ready.
September 2027 intake (fall)
November 2026 to February 2027: free counselling, TOPIK or IELTS, and a university shortlist.
March to May 2027: apply to universities and keep your funds steady in your account.
June to July 2027: receive your admission, pay your tuition and apply for your D-2 visa.
August 2027: get your NOC, then fly to South Korea and start classes in September.
March 2027 intake (spring)
Now (November 2026): free counselling and your language test.
November to December 2026: apply to universities before their spring deadlines.
January 2027: receive your admission, pay your tuition and apply for your visa.
February 2027: get your NOC and fly to South Korea for March.
These dates are a general guide. Our counsellors will give you exact deadlines for your chosen university and course.
Common visa worries
Honest answers to the questions students ask us most
I have a study gap. Will my visa be refused?
Not automatically. What matters is a clear, documented explanation of what you did in the gap (work, training, family responsibilities) and why this course makes sense for your career now.
My grades are low. Is South Korea still possible?
Often, yes. A Korean language course first, or a less competitive university, can be a good route into a degree. We find the option that fits your marks.
I was refused a visa before. Can I apply again?
Yes, but you must declare it. We review your refusal letter, fix the reasons it gave and only apply again when your file is genuinely strong.
My family will sponsor me, partly with a loan. Is that enough?
Family sponsors are accepted, but the embassy checks that the money has a steady history and comes from genuine family income. We review your bank and income documents with you first.
How long does the visa take?
It varies with the time of year and how complete your file is, and the embassy may call you for an interview. We only apply once every document is ready.
Can you guarantee my visa?
No one can, and anyone who promises is not being honest with you. What we do promise: a genuine, well-documented file and a straight answer if your profile needs more work first.
How NEC gets you there
Six clear steps, one counsellor with you all the way
1
Free counselling
We look at your marks, English, family finances and career goals, and tell you honestly how strong your case is today.
2
Offers from two or more universities
We apply for you and explain every condition in your offer letters.
3
Study plan and interview
We help you write a clear study plan and prepare you for any university or embassy interview.
4
Finances checked in-house
Our review team checks that every financial document is genuine, traceable and sufficient.
5
Tuition, documents and TB test
We guide your tuition payment, document attestation and TB test.
6
Visa, then pre-departure
We submit your visa file to the Korean Embassy, help you get your NOC and prepare you for life in South Korea.
Where to apply
Popular Korean universities for Nepali students
From top research universities to universities with strong Korean language centres, these are popular choices for Nepali students. Your counsellor shortlists the options that fit your course, marks, budget and career plan.
Seoul National University
Seoul · National
Korea's top-ranked university, strong across science, engineering and business.
Visit the Seoul National University website →KAIST
Daejeon · Science and technology
A leading science and technology university, with many courses taught in English.
Visit the KAIST website →Yonsei University
Seoul · Private
One of Korea's oldest universities, known for business, medicine and international studies.
Visit the Yonsei University website →Korea University
Seoul · Private
Strong in business, engineering and law, with a large international community.
Visit the Korea University website →Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Seoul and Suwon · Private
Known for engineering, IT and business, with strong links to industry.
Visit the SKKU website →Hanyang University
Seoul · Private
Well known for engineering and architecture.
Visit the Hanyang University website →Kyung Hee University
Seoul and Suwon · Private
Strong in hospitality, business and international studies, with a popular Korean language centre.
Visit the Kyung Hee University website →Pusan National University
Busan · National
A large national university by the sea, with lower living costs than Seoul.
Visit the Pusan National University website →Fees, entry requirements and intakes vary by course. Our counsellors will give you the current details for each option.
Get your free South Korea plan
Tell us a little about yourself. A counsellor will contact you within one working day to go through your options: courses, universities, total cost and the visa steps. Your first session is free, with no pressure.
“Avash guided me through every step and helped complete my entire process within just one month. Everything was smooth, efficient, and stress-free.” — Sushant Shrestha, NEC student
Questions students ask us
Is the first counselling session really free?
Yes. We look at your marks, budget and goals and suggest courses and universities that fit, with no obligation to continue.
When should I start for September 2027?
As early as possible. Offers, scholarships and visa processing all take time, so starting this month gives you the best choice of universities and a calm, complete visa file.
My TOPIK or IELTS score isn't ready. Can I still start?
Yes. We can plan your course and universities now. A Korean language course can build your TOPIK level, and our IELTS classes and mock tests help with English-taught courses.
Prefer WhatsApp? Message a counsellor on 9802364830 →.png)
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