Study · Work · Build your future

After graduation.
Your next move.

How international graduates move from a student visa to work in Korea, and what is changing.

33.4%

found work in Korea

Of 14,966 international graduates eligible for employment in 2024, 4,993 found jobs in Korea, up from 21.7% a year earlier.

3 years

Since 29 October 2025 the D-10 job-seeker visa can be extended for up to three years.

60%+

More than 60 percent of students who intended to work in Korea preferred Seoul, while many shortages are in the regions.

After your degree
D-10: time to find the right job.
Graduates of Korean universities can change from D-2 to the D-10 job-seeker visa to look for work in professional fields. Internships are possible on D-10; regular employment needs a work visa.
D-10 checklist (Korean embassy) (opens a new tab)
With a job offer
E-7: professional work.
The E-7 visa covers professional jobs that match your field of study, with a minimum salary set each year by the Ministry of Justice. A computer-science graduate moving into software work is the classic fit.
HiKorea (opens a new tab)
Over time
Long-term residence.
Points-based and recommendation routes can lead to long-term F-2 residence. Science and engineering master’s and doctoral graduates can reach F-2 through a university president’s recommendation.
The Korea Times, February 2026 (opens a new tab)

Announced in October 2026 · not yet in force

The D-10 stay is planned to vary from one to three years depending on Korean-language ability and readiness for work.
A K-Tech Master Visa is planned for graduates of specialised technical master’s programmes, with a path to F-2 residence.
Five student visa and residency support centres are planned at regional immigration offices.
An alumni visa is planned for graduates who return home and later come back to Korea.

Korean ability opens the most doors. Keep your TOPIK result current.
Use internships and university career centres early.
Look beyond Seoul: regional employers and settlement programmes are growing.
Building your future back home counts too. Korean experience, a Korean network and a Korean degree travel with you.