- Korea is expanding visa pathways to help international STEM graduates move from study to employment in key industries.
- The K-STAR Visa program now covers more universities, increasing access to fast-track residency for science and engineering talent.
- Regional visa pilots and relaxed internship rules aim to improve job transitions and encourage settlement beyond the capital.
South Korea is widening visa pathways to help international science and engineering students stay and work in the country after graduation. The move aims to strengthen innovation, address workforce shortages, and respond to long-term demographic challenges.
The Ministry of Justice is working closely with universities to better connect education with employment. Officials want smoother transitions from study to work, especially in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, and advanced technologies.
A major part of the reform is the expansion of the K-STAR Visa program. The fast-track residency scheme allows international students who complete master’s or doctoral degrees in science and engineering to receive an F-2 residency visa with a university recommendation. The government has expanded eligible institutions from five to 32 universities, which could raise annual intake of top research talent to 500-600 students.
To further support job readiness, Korea has lowered Korean-language requirements for graduate students taking internships at corporate research centers. This step allows more students to gain early industry experience.
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The government is also piloting a regional visa program to encourage students to study and settle outside the Seoul metropolitan area. Local authorities can adjust certain visa conditions to match regional labor needs.
Officials say the reforms aim to build a stronger global talent pipeline and support Korea’s ambition to become a leading science and technology hub
