The Financial Capability Certificate is a document that verifies whether an international student has sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and housing costs while studying or training in Korea. Without adequate financial ability, there is a high risk of dropping out, illegal employment, or overstaying. Therefore, it is a mandatory document when applying for a student visa.
This is not unique to Korea; most countries such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, Japan, Germany, and France also require proof of financial ability for student visa issuance.
✅ How to Prove Financial Capability
Prove the financial capability of yourself or your parents.
1. Proof of Personal Financial Ability
Based on a bank balance certificate under the applicant’s own name. Required amounts vary depending on visa type.
D-2 | ① Degree Programs· Universities in Seoul/Capital area: minimum KRW 20 million deposited for at least 3 months. · Universities in other regions: minimum KRW 16 million deposited for at least 3 months. · For D-2-4 to D-2-8 students, the 3-month deposit condition is not required. · If the study period is less than one year: tuition + living expenses proportional to the period of stay must be covered. ② Exchange StudentsBank balance must be proportional to the period of stay (KRW 1,069,654 per month × number of months).
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D-4 |
· Universities in Seoul/Capital area: minimum KRW 10 million. · Universities in other regions: minimum KRW 8 million.
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Common Conditions |
· Bank balance certificates must be issued within the last 30 days. Deposit periods may differ by nationality. |
2. Proof of Parents’ Financial Ability
· Family relationship certificate.
· Parents’ bank balance certificate.
· Parents’ employment and income verification (e.g., employment certificate, income certificate).
· Parents’ financial guarantee letter.
· Other property ownership documents.
※ In the absence of parents, other family members may act as financial guarantors.
3. Other Cases
For D-2 scholarship students: scholarship certificate plus proof of ability to pay the remaining costs.
✅ When Extending a Visa
Generally, proof of financial ability is not required when extending a visa. However, if there are suspicions such as poor attendance, low grades, or illegal employment, a bank balance certificate may be requested.
✅ When Changing to D-10 Visa
When changing to a job-seeking visa (D-10), a bank balance certificate showing KRW 5–6 million is required. This is the minimum amount to prove sufficient living expenses during the job search period (as there is no study involved).
Bank account under the applicant’s name is the most reliable proof. Using only parents’ financial documents may result in visa rejection.
✅ Related Information
🔗 D-2 Student Visa Preparation Process
🔗 D-4 Korean Language Training Visa Preparation Process
