What is the K-STAR Visa Track?
In December 2025, the Ministry of Justice designated a new K-STAR visa track for international students and selected 32 universities. This program is a dedicated visa track designed to support outstanding international students to secure stable residency and employment in science and technology fields after completing their studies in Korea.
Introduction Background
The K-STAR (Korea-Science & Technology Advanced Human-Resources Visa Track) program is designed to attract global talent in science and technology and strengthen the competitiveness of Korean industries. Linked to the existing BK21 and foreign talent recruitment programs, it supports master's and doctoral graduates with long-term stays and employment in Korea through visas (F-2-7S).
Key Features
- A total of 32 universities were selected: In addition to the existing five universities (KAIST, GIST, UNIST, DGIST, and UST), 27 new universities were included, including Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, and Sungkyunkwan University.
- Visa relaxation benefits: Graduates of selected universities are recognized as outstanding talents and can convert to a resident (F-2-7S) visa . If certain requirements are met, conversion to permanent residency (F-5) is also easy.
- Fast Track Residency: Upon earning a master's degree or higher, the F-5 visa requirement of 6 years or more can be shortened to 3 years .
- Simplified visa screening: International students can obtain a visa-linked stay after graduation without any additional, complicated procedures, allowing for a natural progression from study to employment to settlement.
List of universities selected for 2025
| University name | Homepage |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) | movement |
| Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) | movement |
| Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) | movement |
| Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) | movement |
| University of Science and Technology (UST) | movement |
| Kangwon National University | movement |
| Kyungpook National University | movement |
| Gyeongsang National University | movement |
| Kyung Hee University | movement |
| Korea University | movement |
| Korea University Sejong Campus | movement |
| Dong-A University | movement |
| Pukyong National University | movement |
| Pusan National University | movement |
| Sogang University | movement |
| Seoul National University | movement |
| Sungkyunkwan University | movement |
| Soonchunhyang University | movement |
| Ajou University | movement |
| Yonsei University | movement |
| Yonsei University Future Campus | movement |
| Inha University | movement |
| Chonnam National University | movement |
| Jeonbuk National University | movement |
| Jeju National University | movement |
| Chung-Ang University | movement |
| Chungnam National University | movement |
| Chungbuk National University | movement |
| Pohang University of Science and Technology | movement |
| Korea Maritime and Ocean University | movement |
| Hanyang University | movement |
| Hanyang University ERICA Campus | movement |
summation
The K-STAR Visa Track offers international students a flexible visa system that connects degree completion, extension of stay, and domestic employment in a single track. This is a crucial opportunity for international students planning a career in Korea, so current students at selected universities are strongly encouraged to consider taking advantage of this system.
To those who dream of studying abroad and pursuing a career in Korea,
The K-STAR Visa Track can be a great first step.
If you have any questions about visa systems, employment, or living, please contact JobPloy at any time.
Jobploy will work with you to create a better future for international students.