Complete List of Korean Universities with Visa Issuance Restrictions for Fall 2026 Semester
If you are preparing to study in Korea, you must first check whether your target university is included in the 'visa-restricted university' list. On February 12, 2026, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Justice jointly announced the results of the 2025 International Education Quality Assurance Certification and Survey on Recruitment & Management of International Students. Based on the results, 20 universities that failed to meet management standards will be prohibited in principle from issuing new student visas (D-2/D-4) for one year starting from the Fall 2026 semester.
- Restriction Period: Fall 2026 ~ Spring 2027 (approx. 1 year)
- Scope: 16 degree-program universities + 4 language-training universities = 20 institutions in total
- Details: New international student visa (D-2/D-4) issuance prohibited in principle
- Basis: Failure to meet International Education Quality Assurance System (joint announcement by Ministry of Justice & Ministry of Education)
What Is the International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS)?
The International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS) is an evaluation program jointly conducted annually by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Justice since 2012. It evaluates universities' capacity to recruit and manage international students. Universities meeting the standards receive simplified visa screening benefits, while those failing to meet the standards face visa issuance restrictions.
According to the 2025 evaluation, 181 universities were certified for degree programs and 123 universities for language training programs. Among the certified universities, 39 demonstrated outstanding performance and were separately designated as 'Excellent Certified Universities,' which receive simplified visa screening benefits using only the Standard Letter of Admission.
Key Evaluation Criteria for Certification
Failure to meet the criteria below may result in designation as a precision-screening university or revocation of certification.
| Evaluation Item | Standard (Degree Program) | Standard (Language Training) |
|---|---|---|
| Illegal Stay Rate | Under 1,000 enrolled: less than 2% 1,000 or more enrolled: less than 1% |
Separate criteria applied |
| Official Language Proficiency Rate | 40% or more of new students must qualify | TOPIK Level 2 acquisition rate of 30% or more |
| Dropout Rate | Below the standard threshold | Completion rate of 30% or more |
| Number of Indicators | 10 items | 9 items |
Full List of 20 Visa-Restricted Universities for Fall 2026 Semester
If you have been admitted to or are preparing to apply to the universities below, you must be aware that new D-2/D-4 visas will be prohibited in principle starting from the Fall 2026 semester.
Visa-Restricted Universities for Degree Programs (16 institutions)
| Type | University Name | Visa Restriction Status |
|---|---|---|
| General Universities (4) | Geumgang University (금강대학교) | Restricted |
| Suwon Catholic University (수원가톨릭대학교) | Restricted | |
| Joongang Sangha University (중앙승가대학교) | Restricted | |
| Hyupsung University (협성대학교) | Restricted | |
| Junior Colleges (3) | Busan Kyungsang College (부산경상대학교) | Restricted |
| Busan Arts College (부산예술대학교) | Restricted | |
| Hanyeong University (한영대학교) | Restricted | |
| Graduate Schools (9) | Salvation Army Officers' Graduate School (구세군사관대학원대학교) | Restricted |
| International Graduate School of Law and Business (국제법률경영대학원대학교) | Restricted | |
| Nungin Graduate School (능인대학원대학교) | Restricted | |
| Korea Baptist Bible Graduate School (성서침례대학원대학교) | Restricted | |
| Sunbogeum Graduate School (순복음대학원대학교) | Restricted | |
| Ezra Bible Graduate School (에스라성경대학원대학교) | Restricted | |
| Healing Counseling Graduate School (치유상담대학원대학교) | Restricted | |
| Korea Counseling Graduate University (한국상담대학원대학교) | Restricted | |
| Hapdong Theological Seminary (합동신학대학원대학교) | Restricted |
Visa-Restricted Universities for Language Training Programs (4 institutions)
| Type | University Name | Visa Restriction Status |
|---|---|---|
| Language Training (4) | Daegu Haany University (대구한의대학교) | Restricted |
| Sangji University (상지대학교) | Restricted | |
| Howon University (호원대학교) | Restricted | |
| Mokpo Science University (목포과학대학교) | Restricted |
Already Applied to a Visa-Restricted University? 3 Solutions
-
Switch to a Certified University
This is the most reliable solution. Among the 181 certified degree-program universities, choose one that matches your major, region, and tuition preferences. The list of certified universities can be checked on Study in Korea. -
Prioritize Excellent Certified Universities
The 39 Excellent Certified Universities allow simplified visa screening using only the Standard Letter of Admission. The visa issuance period may also be shortened. -
Consult a Specialized Agency
If you have already received an admission letter or your application is in progress, it's important to quickly consult experts about visa eligibility and alternatives. Depending on your situation, options like deferring admission or changing universities are available.
How to Verify Certified Universities
Before applying, always check certification status through the routes below.
- Study in Korea: www.studyinkorea.go.kr → University Info → Certified University Search
- Ministry of Education Official Announcements: www.moe.go.kr → Notices → IEQAS Certification Results
- Korea Immigration Service: www.immigration.go.kr → Press Release Search
- Immigration Contact Center: ☎ 1345 (24/7, multilingual support including Korean, English, Chinese)
When preparing for a Korean study visa (D-2), choosing the right university is the most important first step. If you apply to a visa-restricted university, even after receiving an admission letter, your visa may be denied, making entry to Korea impossible. Check your target university's certification status now, and consult an expert if you have any questions.
DODREAM supports international students from D-2 visa application to university selection consultations.
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