D-2 Student Visa for Chinese Students
The D-2 student visa covers degree programs (bachelor's, master's, PhD) at Korean universities — China is the second-largest source of international students in Korea, most of them on D-2. The steps match the main D-2 guide; this page covers only what is specific to Chinese applicants. Confirm your exact list with 1345 or your Korean consulate in China.
What differs for China applicants
Apostille — China joined in November 2023
China acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention effective November 7, 2023. Chinese public documents (diploma, household/civil papers) now get an apostille (附加证明书) from the MFA or an authorized local Foreign Affairs Office — the apostille replaces the consular-legalization step (documents that needed notarization first still do). Many older guides still describe consular legalization; that information is outdated.
Education verification — CHSI (学信网) reports
Korean universities and consulates commonly ask Chinese applicants for the online verification report from CHSI (学信网) — for a domestic degree, the Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification (教育部学历证书电子注册备案表) or the degree/enrollment verification report. Whether you need the CHSI report, an apostilled diploma, or both varies by school and consulate — check both checklists before ordering documents.
Financial proof — the frozen deposit certificate (存款证明)
Financial proof for a degree program is typically about KRW 20 million (roughly RMB 100,000) — that's the benchmark for Seoul-area universities; schools set their own figures and non-metro ones are often lower. Chinese banks issue a deposit certificate (存款证明) that freezes the funds for the period you choose — consulates generally want the freeze (commonly 3+ months) still valid when you apply, so set it long enough. A certified university (인증대학) lowers the amount, often to about half, and top-certified schools may waive the document.
Tuberculosis (TB) test
China is on Korea's designated TB-screening list, so a TB test certificate from a hospital recognized by your Korean consulate is part of the D-2 document set.
Where Chinese apply — designated agencies and your consular district
Korean visa applications in mainland China generally go through designated visa agencies (指定代办机构) rather than walk-in at the embassy. File in the consular district (领区) responsible for your hukou or proven residence — the Embassy in Beijing, the consulates in Shanghai, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Chengdu, Xi'an, or Wuhan, or the Dalian branch office — and check your mission's notice for the current agency list and process (a few offices, such as Dalian, also accept individual applications).
Frequently asked questions
Does my Chinese diploma need an apostille or consular legalization for the D-2 visa?
An apostille. Since November 7, 2023, China is in the Apostille Convention, so diplomas and civil documents are apostilled by the MFA or an authorized local Foreign Affairs Office — the apostille replaces consular legalization. Many schools also accept (or additionally require) the CHSI (学信网) verification report — check your school's checklist.
How much bank balance do I need for a D-2 visa from China?
About KRW 20 million (roughly RMB 100,000), usually shown with a bank deposit certificate (存款证明) that freezes the funds. A certified university (인증대학) often needs about half, and top-certified schools may waive it.
Is a TB test required for Chinese D-2 applicants?
Yes. China is a designated country, so a TB test certificate from a recognized hospital is part of the document set.
Can I apply directly at the Korean embassy in China?
In most cases no — applications in mainland China are lodged through designated visa agencies (指定代办机构) in your consular district. Check your mission's notice (Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Shenyang/Dalian, Chengdu, Xi'an, Wuhan) for the current list; a few offices, such as Dalian, also accept individual applications.
Ready to start? Follow the full guide
This page covers only what's specific to China. The complete D-2 guide has every step and document, with a checklist you can stamp as you go.
Open the full D-2 guide →Not sure which visa? Find my visa →
This is a guide — confirm before you act
Get into Korea is an independent guide, not a government body and not legal or administrative advice. Requirements change often and depend on your nationality and situation, so details here may be outdated or not apply to you. We take no responsibility for any decision made from this page — always verify your exact case with the official sources below before you apply or pay any fee.
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