Home › Before Korea › University check
The same visa comes out differently by school
Every year the Korean government evaluates how well universities manage international students (IEQAS certification). Certified schools get simplified visa processing; schools that fail can have new student visas restricted. Choosing a school is choosing your visa risk.
What the three tiers mean
| Tier | Effect on your visa |
|---|---|
| Certified (incl. top-tier) | Simplified visa screening. In the 2025 round, 181 degree-program and 123 language-program schools were certified (MOE·MOJ announcement, 2026-02-12). |
| Uncertified | Standard screening: no penalty, but no fast track either. |
| Visa-restricted schools | New student visas are restricted. The 2025 round designated 16 degree + 4 language programs, restricted for one year from fall 2026 (same announcement). An admission letter from these schools may not get you a visa. |
The designated lists change every year, so we do not print school names here. Checking this year’s list yourself through the official channels below is the only safe method.
How to check (5 minutes)
- Search your school in the certified-university section of the Study in Korea portal.
- Cross-check the annual MOE·MOJ announcement (early each year, the IEQAS press release) for the original certified/restricted lists.
- If unsure, ask ☎1345 or the school’s international office directly: "Is this school visa-restricted this year?" That one question can save you a year.
Why this mattersIf you pay tuition and fees to a restricted school and the visa is refused, getting your money back becomes a purely private dispute with the school or agency. The 5-minute check before applying is the only prevention.