We are the fastest growing EdTech brand operating across geographies, facilitating international student recruitments by connecting students, recruitment entrepreneurs and global universities through our high-tech online platform – coursefinder.ai

About KC Overseas

Join the fastest growing EdTech brand offering endless learning and growth opportunities and advance your career with us.

We're Hiring!

Study Destinations

Login To

Company

Search Universities

Upcoming Events

Become KC Certified Counselor

Book Online Counselling

USA Online Counselling 

Services for Students

Services for Institutions

Services for Partners

Services for Franchisee

Industry Recognitions

facebook.svg

ig.svg

linkedin.svg

Twiter Icon 2.svg

youtube.svg

thumbnail_usa_fdef150118.png

usa_fdef150118.png

thumbnail_uk_ff42847a88.png

uk_ff42847a88.png

thumbnail_canada_8252f2b119.png

canada_8252f2b119.png

Connect with our Canada Counselling Expert.

thumbnail_australia_a9f8aafc96.png

australia_a9f8aafc96.png

Connect with our Australia Counselling Expert.

thumbnail_New_Zealand_Flag_86da2fc5bd.png

New_Zealand_Flag_86da2fc5bd.png

Connect with our New Zealand Counselling Expert.

thumbnail_ireland_b097d8180f.png

ireland_b097d8180f.png

Connect with our Ireland Counselling Expert.

thumbnail_MicrosoftTeams-image__10_.png

MicrosoftTeams-image__10_.png

Connect with our Europe Counselling Expert.

thumbnail_Dubai_Flag_6966da4f82.png

Dubai_Flag_6966da4f82.png

Connect with our Asia Counselling Expert.

thumbnail_MicrosoftTeams-image__4_.png

MicrosoftTeams-image__4_.png

thumbnail_ELAN-logo.png

ELAN-logo.png

Connect Online with our Education Loan Expert

KcLogoBlack.svg

KcLogoBlue.svg

KcLogoWhite.svg

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td style="background-color:#DBE8FF;padding:8px;">Key Highlights&nbsp;<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;">South Korea surpassed its goal of reaching 300,000 international students by August 2025 itself, thereby achieving the target two years ahead of schedule. &nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Over 225,769 students are enrolled in degree programmes (D-2 visas), with another 79,500 pursuing language studies (D-4-1 visas). &nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">This represents a 16% year-on-year rise and a 47% total increase from mid-2023 figures. &nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">South Korea’s proactive policies have fuelled this success, including additional part-time work hours, relaxed student visa rules, and extended post-study work pathways.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Marking an outstanding accomplishment, South Korea has achieved its ambitious goal of attracting 300,000 international students two years ahead of schedule. For those eyeing this vibrant East Asian nation for their higher education journey, this milestone is not only inspiring but also a clear signal of South Korea’s growing reputation as a global education hub. &nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">South Korea’s Rapid Rise in International Enrolment</h2>Back in 2023, the South Korean Government had announced the visionary ‘Study Korea 300K Project’. It aimed to increase foreign enrolments and host 300,000 international students by 2027. The target included 220,000 in Degree programmes and 80,000 in Non-Degree programmes.At that time, the goal seemed ambitious as South Korea had just over 207,000 international students and was coming off a noteworthy 15% growth between 2022 and 2023. Fast forward to August 2025, and the latest data from the Korea Immigration Service confirms that South Korea has not only met but exceeded that target, reaching 305,329 international students.&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:justify;">A Snapshot of the Numbers</h4>Out of the total 305,329 international students currently studying in South Korea:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">225,769 are pursuing Higher Education under the D-2 Visa (Degree programmes).</li><li style="text-align:justify;">79,500 hold a D-4-1 Visa for Korean Language Training.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">A handful of around 60 Students are enrolled for Foreign Language Training on the D-4-7 Visa.</li></ul>This outstanding growth represents a 16% increase from last year and a staggering 47% rise from mid-2023 figures, positioning South Korea among Asia’s fastest-emerging study destinations. &nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Where are these Students Coming from?</h2>While South Korea’s appeal is truly global, a significant portion of its foreign enrolment comes from neighbouring <a href="https://www.studies-overseas.com/study-destinations/asia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Asian countries</a>. Vietnam and China dominate the list, together accounting for nearly two-thirds (64%) of all international students.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Vietnam leads with 107,807 students</li><li style="text-align:justify;">China follows closely with 86,179 students</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Other key countries include Uzbekistan (18,155), Mongolia (17,870), and Nepal (15,515)</li></ul>This growing diversity of international students reflects South Korea’s expanding influence and the increasing recognition of its world-class education system.This surge in enrolments from Southeast and Central Asia underscores the growing appeal of South Korea’s world-class Universities, affordable tuition, and dynamic career prospects. &nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">The Driving Forces behind this Remarkable Growth</h2>The South Korean Government’s success in hitting the target early is no coincidence. A series of strategic policy changes and student-friendly initiatives have made studying in South Korea more attractive and accessible than ever. Key measures include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Relaxed financial requirements for the student (D-2) visa, making it easier for aspirants to qualify.</li></ul><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;">Extended post-study work visa&nbsp;opportunities of up to 3 years for graduates to find employment in South Korea, with further relaxations expected soon.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">New study abroad scholarships&nbsp;and regional recruitment initiatives involving collaboration between local Governments, Universities, and industries.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Increased part-time work hours for international students during their academic year.&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Students enrolled in Bachelor’s or Language programs can work part-time up to 25 hours per week. Additionally, students enrolled in Master’s and Doctoral programs may work 35 hours on weekdays.&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Strategic international recruitment efforts through Korean Education Centers in 22 countries, especially in major source nations such as Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Expansion of Korean language programs to support international learners’ integration and success.</li></ul>Together, these steps have collectively transformed South Korea into a truly global academic hub that values inclusivity, innovation, and long-term opportunities for international graduates. As a booming hub for global learners alongside other rapidly growing destinations like China, Japan, Malaysia and Taiwan, South Korea now stands at the forefront of international education in Asia.This seems to be the right time to explore South Korea as an international<a href="https://www.studies-overseas.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> study destination</a>. So, let’s collaborate and put in cumulative efforts for recruiting students in renowned South Korean institutions.&nbsp;

South Korea surpassed its goal of reaching 300,000 international students by August 2025 itself, thereby achieving the target two years ahead of schedule. Over 225,769 students are enrolled in degree programmes (D-2 visas), with another 79,500 pursuing language studies (D-4-1 visas).
This represents a 16% year-on-year rise and a 47% total increase from mid-2023 figures.

South Korea Hits 300,000 International Student Numbers in 2025: Two Years Ahead of Plan

South Korea Hits 300,000 International Student Numbers in 2025: Two Years Ahead of Plan

Want to Study Abroad?

Latest News