South Korea offers two evidence-gated pathways for Nigerian applicants: the student visa (D-2) and the work visa for professionals (E-series). The KGSP scholarship is the most viable route to study in Korea without self-funding.
Quick summary
- Student visa (D-2): USD 9,000 in funds, admission offer required
- KGSP scholarship: covers tuition + KRW 900,000/month + return airfare
- Work visa (E-7): job offer required, relevant qualification required
- Processing time: 4-8 weeks at the Korean embassy
Pathway 1 — Student Visa (D-2)
Registry ID: KR-study | Status: Publishable
Requirements
| Requirement | Value | Source | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission offer | Required | immigration.go.kr | 2026-09-28 |
| Minimum funds | USD 9,000 | immigration.go.kr | 2026-09-28 |
| Health insurance | Required | Korean embassy | 2026-09-28 |
Source: immigration.go.kr — verified 2026-09-28
Costs (self-funded)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (national university) | KRW 4,000,000-6,000,000/year (~USD 3,000-4,500) |
| Tuition (private university) | KRW 6,000,000-10,000,000/year |
| Living costs (Seoul) | KRW 700,000-1,000,000/month |
| Visa application fee | KRW 60,000 |
KGSP Scholarship
The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) is South Korea's government-funded scholarship for international students.
What it covers:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly living allowance: KRW 900,000 (~USD 680) for graduate students; KRW 800,000 for undergraduates
- Return economy airfare
- Korean language training (1 year before your programme)
- Settlement allowance on arrival
How to apply from Nigeria:
- Applications open at the Korean Embassy in Abuja, typically February-March each year.
- Submit: application form, academic transcripts, personal statement, two recommendation letters, language test results.
- Embassy screening and interview in Abuja.
- Successful candidates are matched to Korean universities.
Application process (self-funded)
- Apply to a Korean university and receive an admission letter.
- Apply at the Korean Embassy in Abuja: admission letter, proof of USD 9,000 in funds, passport, passport photos, health certificate.
- Processing: 4-8 weeks.
Pathway 2 — Work Visa (E-7: Specially Designated Activities)
Registry ID: KR-work | Status: Publishable
The E-7 visa covers professionals in fields designated by the Korean government, including IT, engineering, finance, and education.
Requirements
| Requirement | Value | Source | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job offer | Required | immigration.go.kr | 2026-09-28 |
| Relevant qualification | Required | immigration.go.kr | 2026-09-28 |
Source: immigration.go.kr — verified 2026-09-28
Application process from Nigeria
- Secure a job offer from a Korean employer.
- The employer files a visa issuance certificate with the Korean Immigration Service.
- Apply at the Korean Embassy in Abuja with the visa issuance certificate, passport, and supporting documents.
- Processing: 4-8 weeks.
Salary
No fixed minimum is published for the E-7 visa. Salary must be competitive with Korean nationals in the same role. Entry-level IT roles in Seoul: KRW 30,000,000-40,000,000/year (~USD 22,000-30,000).
Common rejection reasons
- Funds below USD 9,000 for student visa
- Admission letter from an institution not recognised by the Korean Ministry of Education
- Qualification not relevant to the job offer for E-7 visa
- Incomplete health certificate
Official sources
- Korean Immigration Service: immigration.go.kr
- KGSP scholarship: studyinkorea.go.kr
- Korean Embassy Nigeria (Abuja): overseas.mofa.go.kr/ng-en
Last fact-checked: 2026-10-28. Requirements verified against Korean Immigration Service official sources. This post is general information, not immigration advice.