📋 Key Summary
- Starting from the 2nd semester of 2026, new international student visas at 20 universities (16 degree programs + 4 language training programs) will be suspended for 1 year.
- Students at 181 universities with International Education Quality Certification will enjoy simplified D-2 visa screening using only a Standard Admission Letter.
- Even current students may face stricter scrutiny during visa extensions, so you must check your school's certification status now.
As of 2025, the number of international students in Korea reached 253,000, a sharp 21% increase from the previous year. On February 12, 2026, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice officially announced that 20 universities failing to meet international student management standards would be designated as Visa Strict Examination universities. These universities will effectively be blocked from issuing new D-2 Study Visas and D-4 Language Training Visas for 1 year starting from the 2nd semester of 2026.
The 20 Universities With Visa Restrictions — Which Schools?
The newly designated Visa Strict Examination universities consist of 16 degree program institutions and 4 language training institutions.
▶ Degree Program Visa Strict Examination Universities (16 schools)
| Type | University Name |
|---|---|
| 4-year Universities (4) | Geumgang University, Suwon Catholic University, Joongang Sangga University, Hyupsung University |
| Junior Colleges (3) | Busan Gyeongnam University of Science, Busan Arts College, Hanyeong College |
| Graduate Schools (9) | Salvation Army Officer Training College, International Law and Business Graduate School, Neungin Graduate School, Sungseo Baptist Graduate School, Soonbokeum Graduate School, Ezra Bible Graduate School, Healing Counseling Graduate School, Korea Counseling Graduate School, Reformed Theological Seminary |
▶ Language Training Program Visa Strict Examination Universities (4 schools)
For language training (D-4) programs, 4 universities including Daegu Haany University, Sangji University, and Howon University have been designated. D-4 visa issuance will become extremely difficult, so you should consider transferring to another institution.
The complete list can be officially verified at the Study in Korea portal (studyinkorea.go.kr).
Why Were They Restricted?
Since 2012, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice have operated the International Education Quality Certification program annually. Key indicators include illegal stay rates, dropout rates, and certified language proficiency rates.
Once designated as a Visa Strict Examination university, visa issuance is in principle prohibited for all new students including freshmen and transfer students.
3 Actions Students Must Take Now
① Check your school's certification status — Visit studyinkorea.go.kr
② Check your visa expiry date — Begin extension procedures 4 months before expiry
③ Visit your school's international office — Inquire about certification status
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