The proposed visa changes will offer financial proof exemptions to eligible students with Korean language skills and allow graduates to stay for up to three years.
South Korea plans to increase its international student target to 400,000 as it prepares to expand opportunities for foreign students. The government is also considering changes to student visa rules, with greater importance given to Korean language skills.
Under the proposed changes, eligible students with intermediate-level Korean proficiency may no longer need to provide proof of financial capability when applying for a student visa. The measures also include plans to extend post-study stay options and introduce a new visa for international graduates.
According to a report by Indian media outlet The Economic Times, the plans aim to improve the experience of foreign students and expand their education and employment opportunities in South Korea.
South Korea Achieves Its Previous Student Target Early
South Korea previously aimed to enrol 300,000 international students by 2027. However, the country reached that target in mid-2025, around two years ahead of schedule.
The number of foreign students continued to grow. In February 2026, South Korea had 314,000 international students. The government now aims to increase that figure to 400,000.
The higher target reflects the country’s plan to attract more students from overseas and strengthen its international education sector.
Korean Language Skills May Bring Visa Benefits
One of the main proposed changes concerns financial requirements for student visa applications. Most foreign students who can demonstrate intermediate-level Korean proficiency may qualify for an exemption from submitting proof of financial capability.
To qualify, applicants must achieve Level 4 in either the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) or the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP).
However, the proposed benefit will not apply to every applicant. Students considered at higher risk of staying in South Korea after their visas expire may face additional requirements.
Similarly, applicants who appear more interested in finding employment than pursuing their studies may still need to show enough money to cover their living costs for a specified period.
Foreign Graduates May Stay for Up to Three Years
South Korea is also considering more flexible options for international students after graduation. Under the proposed framework, foreign graduates may be allowed to remain in the country for one to three years.
The permitted period will depend on their Korean language proficiency and readiness for employment. This could give eligible graduates more time to prepare for jobs and explore career opportunities.
The government is also considering a new visa called the Korean Study Alumni Visitor Visa. The proposed visa aims to help international graduates maintain their connections with South Korea after completing their degrees.
What the Proposed Changes Mean for Bangladeshi Students
The proposed visa changes could be important for Bangladeshi students planning to pursue higher education in South Korea. In particular, students who develop Korean language skills may benefit from easier financial documentation requirements.
However, students should pay attention to the language conditions. Those who plan to study entirely in English without learning Korean may need to prepare for the additional requirements under the proposed system.
South Korea still offers a range of English-taught degree programmes. More than 1,000 departments across over 70 universities provide courses taught in English, according to the supplied information.
This means students do not necessarily need advanced Korean skills to study in the country. However, learning Korean could help them meet future visa conditions and improve their opportunities after graduation.
What Happens Next?
South Korea’s proposed changes focus on attracting more international students while encouraging them to learn Korean and prepare for employment. The planned increase to 400,000 students also signals the government’s intention to expand its international education sector.
Bangladeshi students interested in studying in South Korea should follow the final visa requirements and check the applicable conditions before submitting their applications.
