●■●● BridgePlan Korea | Study in Korea Consulting
Many students who go abroad to study cannot adapt because of language and cultural differences or lack of preparation, and some return home early
BridgePlan Korea is the only professional study consulting company in Korea that directly manages the entire process, including visa, admission, daily life, and cultural adaptation, to prevent these problems
→ We directly help with student visa application, language course enrollment, university admission support, and living preparations such as dormitory, housing, bank account, and mobile phone registration
We do not just process visas but take full responsibility so that students can start their life in Korea stably and focus on their studies and future career
📌📌📌 Studying in Korea can be a life-changing opportunity not only for students in their teens and twenties who wish to enter university, but also for adults in their 30s to 60s
Even without entering a university, you can legally stay in Korea and learn top-level skills in business, IT, culture, and service industries
This experience becomes strong competitiveness that leads not only to stable settlement in Korea but also to business, professional career expansion, and global career development in your home country or a third country
Especially if you are over 30 and already graduated from university, by reading this article until the end, you can discover a path to start a new life and a second challenge in Korea
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-이화여자대학교/이범수]
Ewha Womans University in Seoul – top university for international students
Ewha Womans University in Seoul – top university for international students
●■●● University Admission Process (University Enrollment and Language Study)
⬤⬤🟧 Direct University Admission Without Language Course (D-2 Visa)
⬤✅ If your Korean language skills are sufficient (usually TOPIK level 3–4 or higher), you can enter university directly without a language course
Some English-track programs accept only English test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS
⬤✅ The admission procedure goes in this order: select school and major → submit application (graduation and transcript, notarization/apostille, financial documents, etc.) → university screening and admission → issuance of the standard admission letter → application for D-2 visa
⬤✅ Korean universities recruit twice a year, in March (spring semester) and September (fall semester)
Generally, if you prepare 6 months in advance, you can enter smoothly
In some countries, administrative procedures are complicated, so preparation of 6–12 months may be necessary
●●🟧 Why Is a Language Course Necessary?
●✅ More Than Just Studying Korean
▶ Most Korean universities have a high proportion of lectures in Korean and require TOPIK scores for admission
▶ Instead of preparing only for exams abroad, studying in Korea through a language course helps you prepare for TOPIK and adapt to the real Korean environment at the same time
📌 Conclusion: Taking a language course shortens the document preparation period and makes it easier to adapt to Korean life
If you do not like the Korean university, you can return to your home country, which gives flexibility
The visa process also becomes easier
For these reasons, a language course is the best preparation stage to start studying in Korea safely and stably
●✅ A System Widely Used Worldwide
▶ This is not a special system only in Korea
▶ English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia also provide ESL programs for international students
▶ Many international students take these courses before university admission
▶ Korea’s language courses are a standard preparation stage that matches international standards
●✅ Opportunity for Students Without Much Money or Time
▶ For students who feel direct university admission is burdensome, they can study Korean at a relatively low cost and experience the culture
▶ It can be chosen for 6 months to 1 year, or even up to 2 years depending on individual situations
●✅ Preparation for Study, Life, and Network
▶ You not only improve your Korean but also get used to daily life such as dormitory, transportation, banking, and mobile phones
▶ You build a global network by interacting with other international students
📌 Summary: Students who complete a language course have a much higher success rate in visa issuance, university admission, academic performance, life adaptation, and scholarship opportunities
Students who finish a language course also enter better universities more often
⬤⬤🟧 Language Course Schedule
▶ Korean universities operate on a two-semester system (March and September), but language courses are divided into four terms per year.
⬤✅ March Term
▶ This coincides with the start of the regular spring semester at Korean universities.
▶ To ensure safe admission, it is best to apply between October and December of the previous year.
⬤✅ June Term
▶ Summer terms are limited to certain universities.
▶ It is most stable to apply between February and March, and applications must be completed by early April at the latest.
⬤✅ September Term
▶ This period is the most competitive as it overlaps with global academic schedules.
▶ It is safest to apply between March and May, and applications must be completed by June at the latest.
⬤✅ December Term
▶ Winter terms are mainly operated by language institutes.
▶ It is most stable to apply between July and September, and applying in October may cause problems with visa issuance, making it risky.
📌 In some countries, passport issuance actually takes longer (1–2 months or more), or bank balance freeze requirements of 3–6 months are imposed.
Because of this, even if applying for the same term, the preparation time may be longer depending on nationality.
📌 Countries with longer passport issuance and bank balance freeze requirements
→ China (document authentication steps are more detailed, so preparation may take longer), Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan.
▶ This coincides with the start of the regular spring semester at Korean universities.
▶ To ensure safe admission, it is best to apply between October and December of the previous year.
▶ Summer terms are limited to certain universities.
▶ It is most stable to apply between February and March, and applications must be completed by early April at the latest.
▶ This period is the most competitive as it overlaps with global academic schedules.
▶ It is safest to apply between March and May, and applications must be completed by June at the latest.
▶ Winter terms are mainly operated by language institutes.
▶ It is most stable to apply between July and September, and applying in October may cause problems with visa issuance, making it risky.
Because of this, even if applying for the same term, the preparation time may be longer depending on nationality.
→ China (document authentication steps are more detailed, so preparation may take longer), Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan.
●●🟧 Language Course Structure
●✅ Tuition Fees and Dormitory Costs
▶ At university-affiliated language institutes, tuition for one term (about 10 weeks) is 1.3 to 1.7 million KRW
▶ Annual tuition is about 5 to 7 million KRW
▶ A single dormitory room costs 400,000–600,000 KRW per month, and a double room costs 250,000–400,000 KRW per month
▶ In the Seoul metropolitan area, costs are higher than in other regions, and they can vary depending on whether meals are included
●✅ Class Hours
▶ Classes are held 4–5 days a week, totaling 20–25 hours per week
▶ Morning classes (09:00–12:50, 50 minutes × 4 periods) and afternoon classes (13:00–16:50, depending on the university) are available
▶ 4 hours per day is the standard, while short-term courses may operate with 3 hours per day
●✅ Teaching Method
▶ Students learn speaking, listening, reading, and writing in balance
▶ Group activities, presentations, and discussions are included, which help to quickly improve practical Korean skills
●✅ Level System
▶ Classes are divided into beginner → intermediate → advanced levels
▶ Students are placed according to their level, and some institutes also operate TOPIK preparation or business Korean courses
●✅ Evaluation and Promotion
▶ Promotion is determined by attendance, assignments, and exam results
▶ Low attendance rates may cause problems for registration in the next term and for visa extension
●●🟧 Scholarship Guide
●✅ Korea offers slightly more scholarship opportunities for international students compared to the United States or Europe
→ The government, universities, and foundations operate scholarship programs to attract international students
●✅ There are no scholarships for the D-4 language study visa stage
→ This period is for Korean language study, so tuition and living expenses must be fully covered by the student
●✅ Full scholarships before admission are almost impossible
→ The representative program is the Korean government scholarship GKS (Global Korea Scholarship)
→ The number of GKS recipients is not large, and many are given to students from Africa, South America, and Asia
→ An official recommendation from the home country government is required, and competition is very high
→ For ordinary students, it is practically impossible to receive it
●✅ The most realistic option for general students is merit-based scholarships after admission
→ Outstanding students can receive a tuition reduction of 30–100%
→ Additional scholarship opportunities may be available depending on TOPIK or English test scores
📌 Summary
→ There are no scholarships during the language study stage
→ Full scholarships before admission require special conditions and recommendations
→ Realistically, the most certain way is to aim for merit-based scholarships after admission
●●🟧 Why People in Their 30s to 60s Should Study in Korea
📌 Korea is a country with global competitiveness in IT, semiconductors, shipbuilding, manufacturing, service industry, and internet infrastructure
Korea also has the world’s best environment for self-employment and technical education
With well-developed academies and training centers, Korea is suitable for learning various fields in practice
It is also a good place to live after retirement
●✅ Career Change and Re-Challenge
▶ Many people in their 30s and 40s already have work experience in their home country
▶ By studying new majors or professional courses in Korea, you can gain career change opportunities in IT, service, and management
▶ With a degree and experience, you can expand your career in your home country, Korea, or a third country
●✅ Entrepreneurship and Global Business Preparation
▶ Korea is recognized worldwide not only for its startup and technology ecosystem but also for its small business models and know-how
▶ By learning business knowledge and networks in Korea, you can gain competitiveness when starting a business in your home country or a third country
▶ Korea has well-developed practical items by industry
→ Fields you can learn in Korea include food service, service industry, education, IT, cultural contents, tourism, manufacturing, medical and healthcare, distribution and logistics, agriculture and food, fashion, finance, energy, and environment
📌📌📌 On our blog, there is an article about 100 business items you can learn in Korea and start overseas
Please refer to it
●✅ Legal Visa and Stable Stay
▶ By enrolling in university or graduate school, you can receive a legal long-term visa (D-2)
▶ You can build your life and network while living in Korea on a legal stay basis
●✅ Korean Life and Cultural Experience
▶ Korea offers a safe living environment, advanced medical system, convenient public transportation, and strong cultural infrastructure
▶ Adult learners may find it more convenient to rent small apartments or one-room housing instead of dormitories
●✅ Preparing for a New Life Stage
▶ People in their 50s and 60s are in a period of preparing for a second life after retirement
▶ What you learn and experience in Korea can lead to lifelong education, international exchange, cultural and tourism business
▶ It can be not just an academic degree but a turning point in life
●✅ Korea as the Best Country to Live in Asia
▶ Korea is regarded by people in Western countries as one of the best countries to live in Asia
▶ Korea is also considered one of the kindest countries in the world
▶ Public safety is stable, and public transportation is highly developed
▶ The medical system is fast and professional, so foreigners can feel secure
▶ Convenience of daily life and clear four seasons of natural environment are also great attractions
▶ Life may be slightly inconvenient with English alone, so learning basic Korean makes satisfaction much higher
●✅ Safe Choice with Short-Term Language Course
▶ Those considering studying in Korea can start with a 3-month short-term language course
▶ Classes are usually in the morning, and afternoons are free for exploring Korean life or personal activities
▶ If the new environment does not suit you, it is easy to give up and return to your home country without much burden
📌 Summary: Studying in Korea is no longer only a choice for people in their teens and twenties
It is also a real opportunity for adults in their 30s to 60s for career change, business, legal stay, and a new life plan
Short-term language courses are the best preparation stage to check if Korea suits you and to start safely
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-건국대학교내 호수/박성근]
Konkuk University campus lake – a peaceful study environment for international students●●🟧 BP Korea Study Abroad Preparation Checklist
●✅ ① Apply for a Passport
→ If you are preparing to study abroad, the very first step is to apply for a passport
→ In some countries, passport issuance takes more than 1–2 months
→ If you prepare your passport first, you can proceed with other preparations step by step
→ If you already have a passport, be sure to check the expiration date. It should be valid for at least one year
Konkuk University campus lake – a peaceful study environment for international students
●●🟧 BP Korea Study Abroad Preparation Checklist
●✅ ① Apply for a Passport
→ If you are preparing to study abroad, the very first step is to apply for a passport
→ In some countries, passport issuance takes more than 1–2 months
→ If you prepare your passport first, you can proceed with other preparations step by step
→ If you already have a passport, be sure to check the expiration date. It should be valid for at least one year
●✅ ② Prepare Academic Documents
→ Your final graduation certificate and transcript must be notarized and apostilled (or consular confirmed)
→ Depending on your nationality, this may take more than 2 weeks to 2 months, so you must prepare in advance
●✅ ③ Financial Proof
→ A bank balance certificate is mandatory when applying for a student visa (D-2 for university, D-4 for language study)
→ Not only your own account but also your parents’ or sponsor’s account can be used. If using a sponsor’s account, a family relationship certificate is required
→ Universities in the Seoul metropolitan area usually require a balance equivalent to 10,000–20,000 USD, and universities in other regions still require tens of millions of KRW
→ You must maintain a certain balance for the last 1–3 months, and some countries require a frozen deposit for 3–6 months
📌 Reason: Financial proof is a core item in visa screening. If you do not meet the requirements for amount, duration, and source of funds, your visa may be rejected
●✅ ④ Prepare Korean and English Test Scores
→ TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is required depending on the university and department
→ Some English-taught programs require TOEFL or IELTS scores
📌 Reason: Language test scores are an important standard for determining admission eligibility. Even if other documents are complete, visas are sometimes issued without sufficient Korean or English scores. However, if your Korean ability is insufficient, you will face great difficulties in adapting to classes and academics
●✅ ⑤ Prepare Visa Application Documents
→ Basically, you need the D-4 or D-2 visa application form, standard admission letter (issued by the school), passport, photo, fees, and financial proof
📌 Reason: If even one required document is missing, the visa screening will be stopped. All documents must be prepared accurately
●✅ ⑥ Prepare for Daily Life
→ For housing, you can choose dormitory, one-room, or shared house
→ For international students, health insurance is mandatory: for D-4 visas, after 6 months; for D-2 visas, immediately upon entry
→ After entering Korea, buy a transportation card right away, set up a banking app after opening a Korean bank account, and prepare a mobile phone plan to stabilize your daily life
📌 Reason: If you do not prepare for daily life, you will spend more time adapting than studying. Preparing in advance allows you to start studying in Korea more stably
●●🟧 Preparation Time and Entry Schedule After Applying for BP Korea Service
●✅ Average Preparation Duration
▶ If all documents and financial conditions are well prepared, you can usually enter Korea within about 2–6 months.
→ This period includes passport issuance, academic document authentication, bank balance certificate, and visa screening.
📌 Choosing a prestigious university may take a little more time.
●✅ Characteristics by Country
▶ Advanced countries (USA, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.)
Administrative procedures are simple, and bank requirements are flexible, so the process is relatively fast. Even if preparation is started late, 2–3 months is sufficient.▶ China and Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, etc.)
In China, academic document authentication often involves relatively more procedures, and in Southeast Asia, some schools require bank freeze deposits. Therefore, it is advisable to allow at least 6 months of preparation.
▶ South Asia (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc.)
Bank freeze deposits are often required, and administrative processing speed is slow. Safely, more than 9 months of preparation is realistic.
▶ CIS countries (Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, etc.)
On average, 6 months of preparation is sufficient, but in some regions, administrative delays occur, so 7 months or more is recommended.
▶ Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, etc.)
Document verification procedures have been strengthened, so it may take longer. Generally, at least 6–9 months of preparation is required for safety.
▶ South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, etc.)
Administrative processing is somewhat slow, and document translation into English and authentication procedures can be complicated. Usually, at least 6 months of preparation is necessary.
📌📌 Conclusion: Students who can prepare financial deposits more than the required standard may shorten the preparation period by more than 2 months compared to the average. However, it may vary depending on nationality and the speed of administrative procedures.
●■●● BP Korea Main Services
⬤⬤🟧 General Service Guide for D-4 Language Institute Visa and D-2 University Admission Visa
⬤✅ We support the preparation and submission of visa application forms
⬤✅ We provide guidance for checking and preparing required documents
⬤✅ We handle applications for language institutes and universities (possible to apply to more than 2 schools, application fees for 2 universities are covered by the company)
⬤✅ We handle dormitory applications (for some schools, the application fee is covered by the company, but the deposit and usage fees must be paid by the student directly)
⬤✅ We provide on-site support when issuing the Alien Registration Card
⬤✅ We provide on-site support for mobile phone registration and bank account opening after arrival in Korea
⬤✅ We provide essential information about living in Korea, including transportation, shopping, and hospitals
⬤✅ We provide one free visa extension application service after 6 months of stay (※ BP Korea service fee is free, but government and embassy fees must be paid by the student directly)
⬤✅ We provide progress updates and real-time status notifications
⬤✅ We provide discounted service fees when changing from D-4 to D-2 visa later
→ Your final graduation certificate and transcript must be notarized and apostilled (or consular confirmed)
→ Depending on your nationality, this may take more than 2 weeks to 2 months, so you must prepare in advance
→ A bank balance certificate is mandatory when applying for a student visa (D-2 for university, D-4 for language study)
→ Not only your own account but also your parents’ or sponsor’s account can be used. If using a sponsor’s account, a family relationship certificate is required
→ Universities in the Seoul metropolitan area usually require a balance equivalent to 10,000–20,000 USD, and universities in other regions still require tens of millions of KRW
→ You must maintain a certain balance for the last 1–3 months, and some countries require a frozen deposit for 3–6 months
📌 Reason: Financial proof is a core item in visa screening. If you do not meet the requirements for amount, duration, and source of funds, your visa may be rejected
→ TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is required depending on the university and department
→ Some English-taught programs require TOEFL or IELTS scores
→ Basically, you need the D-4 or D-2 visa application form, standard admission letter (issued by the school), passport, photo, fees, and financial proof
→ For housing, you can choose dormitory, one-room, or shared house
→ For international students, health insurance is mandatory: for D-4 visas, after 6 months; for D-2 visas, immediately upon entry
→ After entering Korea, buy a transportation card right away, set up a banking app after opening a Korean bank account, and prepare a mobile phone plan to stabilize your daily life
●✅ Average Preparation Duration
▶ If all documents and financial conditions are well prepared, you can usually enter Korea within about 2–6 months.
→ This period includes passport issuance, academic document authentication, bank balance certificate, and visa screening.
📌 Choosing a prestigious university may take a little more time.
Administrative procedures are simple, and bank requirements are flexible, so the process is relatively fast. Even if preparation is started late, 2–3 months is sufficient.
In China, academic document authentication often involves relatively more procedures, and in Southeast Asia, some schools require bank freeze deposits. Therefore, it is advisable to allow at least 6 months of preparation.
Bank freeze deposits are often required, and administrative processing speed is slow. Safely, more than 9 months of preparation is realistic.
On average, 6 months of preparation is sufficient, but in some regions, administrative delays occur, so 7 months or more is recommended.
Document verification procedures have been strengthened, so it may take longer. Generally, at least 6–9 months of preparation is required for safety.
Administrative processing is somewhat slow, and document translation into English and authentication procedures can be complicated. Usually, at least 6 months of preparation is necessary.
⬤✅ We provide guidance for checking and preparing required documents
⬤✅ We handle applications for language institutes and universities (possible to apply to more than 2 schools, application fees for 2 universities are covered by the company)
⬤✅ We handle dormitory applications (for some schools, the application fee is covered by the company, but the deposit and usage fees must be paid by the student directly)
⬤✅ We provide on-site support when issuing the Alien Registration Card
⬤✅ We provide on-site support for mobile phone registration and bank account opening after arrival in Korea
⬤✅ We provide essential information about living in Korea, including transportation, shopping, and hospitals
⬤✅ We provide one free visa extension application service after 6 months of stay (※ BP Korea service fee is free, but government and embassy fees must be paid by the student directly)
⬤✅ We provide progress updates and real-time status notifications
⬤✅ We provide discounted service fees when changing from D-4 to D-2 visa later
📌 Expenses to be paid directly by students
⬤✅ Embassy application fee (about 40–90 USD / around 50,000–120,000 KRW)
⬤✅ Alien Registration Card issuance fee and government fee for visa conversion (130,000 KRW)
⬤✅ Dormitory fee, dormitory deposit, and university tuition fees
※ For detailed information about premium services, please check the website
📌 Expenses to be paid directly by students
⬤✅ Embassy application fee (about 40–90 USD / around 50,000–120,000 KRW)
⬤✅ Alien Registration Card issuance fee and government fee for visa conversion (130,000 KRW)
⬤✅ Dormitory fee, dormitory deposit, and university tuition fees
※ For detailed information about premium services, please check the website
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-한양대학교 교내도로/박성근]
👉 An inner campus road of Hanyang University, showcasing the atmosphere and daily scenery of a Korean university campus.
👉 An inner campus road of Hanyang University, showcasing the atmosphere and daily scenery of a Korean university campus.
●●🟧 Student FAQ | Study in Korea Visa, Language Courses, Scholarships
●✅ What advantages does studying in Korea have compared to studying in the US or UK?
▶ Tuition and living costs in Korea are more affordable than in Western countries, and cultural strengths such as IT, K-pop, and dramas make it easier to build global networks
●✅ Does studying in Korea expand global job opportunities?
▶ Yes, not only for jobs at Korean companies, but also for jobs at overseas companies or returning home, Korean language skills and degrees give strong competitiveness
●✅ Can I obtain a degree only through English-taught courses at Korean universities?
▶ Some universities offer degree programs entirely in English
However, learning Korean is important for adapting to life in Korea and for employment
●✅ Is studying in Korea cheaper than studying in Western countries?
▶ Generally, tuition and living costs are 30–50% lower than in the US and UK
There are also many scholarship opportunities, which reduce the financial burden
●✅ What is the difference between preparing alone overseas and using BP Korea?
▶ BP Korea manages the entire process of visa, admission, housing, and daily life preparation
This reduces trial and error and greatly increases the success rate
●●🟧 Start Your Study Abroad Journey in Korea with
BP Korea
→ For a successful study abroad experience, thorough visa preparation and a reliable partner are essential
📌 With BP Korea, preparing for study in Korea becomes much easier and safer
▶More guides on housing, living expenses, health insurance, and everyday life in Korea are continuously updated on our blog
📌 This article was translated using translation tools. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by possible translation errors
→ Please select your preferred language from the categories at the top and click to explore.
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