{
  "id": 17029772,
  "title": "South Korea Demands Korean Language Skills for Foreign Student Visas",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/south-korea-demands-korean-language-skills-for-foreign-student-visas",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-29T07:35:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/29/south-korea-demands-korean-language-skills-for-foreign-student-visas/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Korea has surpassed its goal of admitting 300,000 international students by mid-2025, currently hosting 314,000 foreign enrollees as of February 2026. In response, the Ministry of Justice established the Consultative Council on the Improvement of the Foreign Student Visa System in April to support the host country's growing foreign student population, aiming to reach up to 400,000. The council, with Acting Justice Minister Jinsoo Lee at the helm, unveiled a new framework emphasizing Korean language proficiency for visa applicants.\n\nMost students will now be able to obtain study visas without demonstrating financial stability, as long as they achieve a Level 4 score on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) or the Social Integration Program (KIIP). However, students deemed high-risk for overstay or prioritizing work over studies will still need to meet the Study Expense Security Deposit System, requiring a deposit for living expenses. Part-time work eligibility will hinge on Korean language skills, at least TOPIK Level 3, alongside academic performance.\n\nInternational graduates seeking to stay in South Korea will be assessed on their Korean language abilities, with stay durations ranging from one to three years based on their language proficiency and employment preparation. The council also plans a new \"Korean Study Alumni Visitor Visa\" to retain graduates in science, engineering, manufacturing, and specialized technical fields, with priority given to those meeting Korean language requirements for the Skilled Worker (E-7) visa.\n\nWhile the stricter standards could enhance academic success and social integration for foreign students, the new rules may deter those attracted to South Korea's English-language programs and culture, as English degrees are offered by over 1,000 departments across 70 universities.",
  "summary": "South Korea has hit its target of 300,000 international students two years early, reaching the milestone in mid-2025, but the … Read More The post South Korea Demands Korean Language Skills for Foreign Student Visas appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}