South Korea has imposed a one-year ban on 20 universities and institutions from issuing student visas (D-2 visas) to international applicants, effective from the fall semester of 2026 (second semester). This decision, announced on February 12, 2026, by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, targets schools that failed to meet mandatory standards for managing and supporting foreign students. The move reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to tighten oversight amid rapid growth in international enrollments and concerns over illegal stays, overstays, and inadequate support systems.
The affected institutions include 16 universities offering degree programs and 4 operating Korean language courses. They have been classified as “universities requiring strict screening on visa issuance.” As a result, except under extraordinary circumstances, these schools will not be permitted to issue new D-2 visas for one full year. The ban aims to prevent exploitation, ensure better compliance with immigration rules, and protect the quality of education for genuine students.
This is part of the annual review process that evaluates universities on key indicators such as:
- Qualification and performance of Korean language instructors
- Illegal stay rates among foreign students
- Student satisfaction with language courses and overall support
- Dropout rates, attendance monitoring, and post-arrival guidance
Institutions that fall short in these areas face sanctions, including visa restrictions. The government has emphasized that the measure is necessary to maintain the integrity of the international education system, especially as South Korea continues to attract growing numbers of foreign students (with policies targeting quality over unchecked quantity).
While the names of all 20 institutions were not fully listed in every report, examples from coverage include Geumgang University, Catholic University of Suwon (Suwon Catholic University), Joong-Ang Sangha University, Hyongsung University, and Howon University. The restriction will begin in the second semester of 2026, meaning new international students cannot enroll at these schools via visa sponsorship during that period.
The decision comes amid a broader push to balance internationalization with accountability. South Korea has seen significant increases in foreign student numbers in recent years, but challenges like overstays and inadequate management at some institutions have prompted stricter regulations. At the same time, other policies (such as eased visa rules for selected vocational programs) show the government is also creating pathways for skilled talent in workforce-shortage areas.
For prospective international students considering South Korea in 2026, this news highlights the importance of choosing accredited, well-managed institutions. Students should verify a university’s status through official channels before applying. Those already enrolled at affected schools are not directly impacted in terms of current visa validity, but new intakes will be blocked.
This measure is expected to encourage universities to improve support systems, reduce risks for students, and contribute to a more sustainable international education environment.
Sources
The Korea Times – 20 universities slapped with visa curbs over poor oversight of foreign students (February 12, 2026) – Primary report on the Ministry of Education announcement, including details on the 16 degree-offering universities and 4 language institutes.
Times Higher Education – South Korea bars 20 universities from issuing student visas (February 13, 2026 coverage) – Global perspective on the oversight failures, rapid enrollment growth, and government scrutiny.
