Proof of financial ability is a mandatory document that demonstrates an international student's financial independence to sustain academic and living expenses in Korea. The required amount and method of proof may vary depending on the student’s circumstances, the applying institution, and the requirements of the specific country. Only documents in Korean or English with Apostille certification or consular verification are accepted, except for balance certificates issued by Korean banks, which do not require these processes. (For example, balance certificates issued by Shinhan Bank in Vietnam are exempt from this process.)

Some universities may not require Apostille or consular verification for the proof of financial ability. However, embassies may request additional verification during the review process, so it is recommended to prepare in advance.

• 1

  Financial Proof Documents

  
  • 1)

    When the Student Provides Proof of Their Own Financial Ability

    

    Based on the student’s bank account balance certificate:

    • ①

      Degree Programs

      

      • Universities in the metropolitan area: A minimum balance of KRW 20 million maintained for at least 3 months.

      • Universities in non-metropolitan areas: A minimum balance of KRW 16 million maintained for at least 3 months.

      • For students under visa categories D-2-4 to D-2-8, the 3-month minimum deposit period is not required.

      • If the D-2 visa holder’s stay is less than one year, the balance must cover tuition fees plus living expenses proportional to the stay duration.

    • ②

      Exchange Students

      

      Balance proportional to the stay duration: Monthly KRW 1,069,654 × number of months of stay.

    • ③

      If submitting a balance certificate in local currency, the amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate on the visa application date.

      
    • ④

      Bank accounts transferred from another person’s name are not accepted.

      
  • 2)

    When Parents Provide Proof of Financial Ability

    

    If parents are unavailable, other family members can act as financial guarantors.

    • ①

      Family relationship verification documents.

      
    • ②

      Parents’ bank account balance certificate.

      
    • ③

      Proof of parents’ or guarantor’s employment and income.

      
    • ④

      Written financial guarantee from the parents.

      
    • ⑤

      Other supporting documents of assets.

      
  • 3)

    Scholarship Recipients

    
    • ①

      Full Scholarship (100% Coverage for Tuition and Living Expenses)

      

      Original scholarship certificate (stamped identically to the standard admission certificate).

    • ②

      Partial Scholarship (Not 100% Coverage)

      

      Original scholarship certificate + additional financial proof for the uncovered amount, as detailed above.

  • 4)

    Financial Guarantee by Academic Advisor (For Research-Related Programs)

    
    • ①

      Original financial guarantee letter from the advisor (with seal or signature).

      
    • ②

      Original certificate of personal seal or signature verification from the advisor.

      

      (Submit seal certificate if sealed, or signature verification document if signed.)

    • ③

      Original employment certificate of the advisor.

      
    • ④

      Copy of the advisor’s bank account balance certificate and bankbook.

      
    • ⑤

      For research fund scholarships, proof of the account balance in the institution's account where the research fund is deposited and supporting documents for scholarship capability.