Student visa to Japan, Korea, China and Singapore: how to apply

The student visa process varies in each of the four countries. In some countries, a visa is issued prior to entry through a separate certificate from the immigration service, while in others, it's issued through the embassy upon admission. We'll examine the basic application process for Japan, Korea, China, and Singapore, based on official sources: MOFA and the Japanese Immigration Service, as well as municipal and embassy websites for China and Singapore.

When do you need a student visa to study in Asia?

A visa or residence permit is issued after admission, once the applicant has an Admission letter or its equivalent from the university. The specific type of visa, the duration of the process, and the authorities involved depend on the country, the duration of the program (language course or full degree), and the applicant’s citizenship.

The requirements for each country must be checked against the current rules of the consulate or immigration service.

What is important to prepare before applying for a visa?

Regardless of the country, the standard package for the visa part includes:

  • Admission letter or its official equivalent;
  • a valid foreign passport;
  • financial documents (proof of payment for education or availability of funds in the account);
  • a completed application form;
  • photographs in the required format;
  • medical documents or a certificate (for some countries and long‑term programs);
  • proof of insurance;
  • a scholarship letter.

The full list is specified on the website of the specific consulate or immigration service.

Student visa to Japan

In Japan, the processing steps differ: first, the university submits an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Japan Immigration Service on behalf of the student, and only after receiving this document can an application for a visa be submitted at a Japanese embassy or consulate. The COE confirms that the stated purpose of the visit is consistent with the status of stay, but it does not guarantee automatic visa issuance.

At the embassy, the applicant’s identity and the validity of the passport are additionally verified. Since March 17, 2023, the COE can be obtained via email, not just in paper form.

Essential documents for Japan Плюсик
  • Certificate of Eligibility (original or its electronic version).
  • Valid foreign passport.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Photo in the required format.
  • Documents confirming financial solvency or scholarship.
  • Additional documents as required by the specific consulate.
Common mistakes with Japanese visas Плюсик

Delays arise due to a late start of the COE application. The university initiates the process, and if you apply late, there may not be enough time for the visa itself. Incomplete financial documents, discrepancies between data in different documents, and confusion between the COE itself and the visa are also common issues.
The COE is not a visa; it is only the basis for applying for one. After receiving the COE, you need to apply to the consulate separately.

Student visa to South Korea

To study under a degree program, you need a D-2 visa, and for language courses and other non‑degree programs, you need a D-4 visa. The application is processed through the Korean consulate in the applicant’s country of citizenship, based on confirmation of enrollment from the university. The visa cost is about $40 for stays up to 90 days, and about $60 for longer stays. After entering the country, you must register at the local immigration office and obtain an ARC (Alien Registration Card) within 90 days.

Essential documents for Korea Плюсик
  • Certificate of Admission from the university.
  • Valid foreign passport.
  • Completed application form and photo.
  • Financial evidence.
  • Education documents (certificate/diploma, transcript).
  • Scholarship letter — if applicable.
Common mistakes with a Korean visa Плюсик

Students sometimes confuse the type of visa. The D-2 is needed for degree programs, and the D-4 is needed for language courses and non-degree studies, and substituting one type for another leads to rejection.

Late receipt of the Certificate of Admission from the university, poor financial confirmation, and ignoring the requirements of a particular consulate, which may vary by country of application.

Student visa to China

For studies lasting longer than 180 days, an X1 visa is required, while for short programs, an X2 visa is needed. To apply, you need an official Admission Notice from a Chinese university and either form JW201 or JW202 — JW201 is issued to scholarship recipients of government programs such as CSC, while JW202 is issued to self‑funded students.

After entering China on an X1 visa, you must obtain a residence permit (Residence permit) from the local entry‑exit administration within 30 days. Starting in April 2023, applicants are required to submit their fingerprints and undergo facial scanning in person when submitting their application, with the exception of certain categories of applicants.

Essential documents for China Плюсик
  • A foreign passport with sufficient validity period.
  • A completed visa application form and photo.
  • Admission Notice (original).
  • Form JW201 or JW202 (original).
  • Medical documents — for long‑term stay.
  • Additional documents as required by the specific visa center or consulate.
Common mistakes with a Chinese visa Плюсик

Most often, people confuse X1 and X2 — the choice depends strictly on the duration of the program, not on the type of university. They also submit an application without the JW201/JW202 form, believing that one Admission letter is sufficient. Without this form, a visa cannot be issued. Late submission is also common, as is a mismatch between the dates in the university documents and in the application.

Student's Pass in Singapore

Foreign students studying full‑time need a Student’s Pass to enter and study in Singapore; the pass is issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The university submits the application for the Student’s Pass via the SOLAR system after enrolment, and the student is required to provide confirmation of enrolment, proof of financial solvency, and a medical examination. The cost of processing the application is S$30 for submitting the application and S$60 for issuing the Student’s Pass itself.

Essential documents for Singapore Плюсик
  • Confirmation of enrollment from the university.
  • Valid foreign passport.
  • Personal data for the online application in the SOLAR system.
  • Photo of the required format.
  • Confirmation of payment of visa fees.
  • Additional documents at the request of ICA or the university.
Common mistakes in Singapore Плюсик

Most often, delays occur due to late submission via SOLAR. The university initiates it, and if the enrollment arrives late, there may not be enough time. Errors in passport data, discrepancies between the application data and the university’s data, and ignoring specific ICA deadlines, which do not always coincide with the program start date, are also common.

How a scholarship affects a visa

A scholarship letter helps confirm funding for education and living expenses, but on its own it does not replace the other visa requirements — a passport, an application form, medical documents, and, where necessary, separate financial proof.

Even with a full scholarship, the consulate or immigration service may request a letter from the scholarship program as part of the package confirming that the expenses have been covered, but the application procedure and the list of documents are not reduced.

When to start visa preparation

Start familiarizing yourself with the country’s and consulate’s requirements in advance, before the final admission. This will help you understand which documents to collect in parallel with the admission process. You can start submitting the application for a visa only after receiving the necessary document from the university — COE, Certificate of Admission, Admission Notice with the JW form, or confirmation via SOLAR — since the application will not be accepted in any of the four countries without it.

Why a student visa might be denied or delayed

  • An incomplete package of documents or the absence of a mandatory document from the university (COE, Admission Notice, JW forms, etc.).
  • Weak or unconvincing financial proof.
  • Errors or inconsistencies in the questionnaire — including discrepancies between the university’s documents and passport data.
  • An unclear or contradictory stated purpose of the trip.
  • Late submission, which leaves no time for processing or submitting the documents.
  • Different data (name, dates) in different documents in the package.

How SelfStartGlobal helps with the visa process

At SelfStartGlobal, we provide partial visa support: we compile a checklist of documents tailored to a specific country and program type, coordinate deadlines with the admission stage, check the logic and completeness of the package before submission, explain the sequence of stages, and remind you of key deadlines.

If you have already received or are expecting an Admission letter and want to understand the visa process, come to a consultation — we’ll go over your specific case.

Asian Student Visa FAQ

Is it possible to apply for a visa without an Admission letter? Плюсик

No, in none of the four countries: in all cases, a visa or permit is issued based on an official document confirming enrollment from the university.

How long does the process take? Плюсик

It varies: in Japan, processing the visa itself after obtaining a COE takes about a week, but obtaining a COE through a university may take longer; in Korea, China, and Singapore, the timeframes also depend on the consulate/immigration service and the workload during a particular period.

Do you need insurance? Плюсик

Yes, health insurance is usually required as part of the visa or subsequent immigration package. The specific conditions vary by country.

Do I need proof of funds for a full scholarship? Плюсик

Usually, yes. A scholarship letter helps, but it does not fully replace the other visa requirements, including, in some cases, separate financial proof.

Is it possible to work on a student visa? Плюсик

In some countries, this is possible with restrictions on the number of hours and subject to obtaining permission. The exact conditions need to be clarified for each country and visa type separately.

What should I do if my university documents are delayed? Плюсик

Contact the university’s international office as soon as possible and clarify the status of the COE, Admission Notice, JW forms, or application via SOLAR. Most delays at this stage can be resolved through prompt clarification, rather than by taking independent action at the consulate.

Popular universities

Korea University
South Korea
Korea University is one of the leading private universities in South Korea, founded in 1905. It is included in the unofficial top three of SKY – the association of three of the country’s most prestigious universities together with Seoul National University and Yonsei University. It attracts foreign students with strong programs in engineering, computer science, […]
Bachelor's degree: from $7,550 to $10,160 per hourMaster's degree: $9,000 to $13,000 per hourDoctoral studies: from $8,000 to $12,000 per hour
National University of Singapore
Singapore
The National University of Singapore is Singapore’s flagship university and the best university in Asia according to QS and THE. NUS is the only Asian university in the global QS top 10. Instruction is in English at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD. With 16 faculties and schools and 28 subject areas ranked in the […]
Bachelor's degree: from 33,400 to 190,150 SGD per yearMaster's degree: from 37,900 to 75,210 SGD per yearDoctoral degree: from 40,300 SGD per year
Seoul National University
South Korea
Seoul National University is South Korea’s leading national university, founded in 1946 by the merger of ten educational institutions in Seoul. It is part of the unofficial SKY trio, along with Korea University and Yonsei University. It attracts international students with strong programs in engineering, computer science, natural sciences, pharmacy, and international studies.
Bachelor's degree: $4,700 to $6,500 per yearMaster's degree: from $5,500 to $8,000 per yearDoctoral studies: from $4,500 to $7,000 per year
Yonsei University
South Korea
Bachelor's degree: $6,400 to $11,800 per yearMaster's degree: from $8,000 to $14,000 per yearDoctoral studies: from $7,000 to $12,000 per year
Fudan University
China
Fudan University is one of the leading universities in China and Asia, founded in 1905. It is part of the C9 League, an elite association of nine leading Chinese universities, which is often compared to the American Ivy League. For foreign applicants, Fudan in Shanghai is a combination of a high academic level, an international […]
Undergraduate: 23,000 to 40,000 RMB per hour (about 3,200-5,500 USD)Master's degree: about 28,000 to 50,000 RMB per hour (about 3,900-7,000 USD)Doctoral studies: about 30,000 to 55,000 RMB per hour (about 4,100-7,600 USD)
Подобрать университет

Countries

China
Chinese universities are rapidly rising in world rankings, and the country has turned into one of the largest educational hubs on the planet. Diplomas from leading Chinese universities are recognized by employers around the world, the cost of education is lower than in Great Britain or the USA, and the government actively finances foreign students. On this page - everything you need for admission: universities, cost, scholarships, documents and student visa.
Read more ➜
Japan
Japan is one of the most unconventional destinations for studying abroad. Japanese diplomas are highly valued in the international job market, universities are ranked among the top in the world, and students work with technologies that have not yet been mass-produced in other countries. If you are ready to immerse yourself in a unique culture and a systematic approach to knowledge, this is the right choice for you.
Read more ➜
Singapore
Read more ➜
South Korea
Read more ➜
Выбрать страну

Our services

MentoringA personal mentor at every stage of preparation. A clear plan, oversight of every step, and predictable results.
Full supportA turnkey international application process: a customized strategy, document preparation, and visa support—all in one service, guaranteeing you admission to a university abroad.
Personal brand in a yearIn 12 months, we'll build your strong personal brand for international study: we'll formulate a strategy, select activities, and identify achievements that will increase your chances of admission and scholarship awards.
Selection of activities for Personal brandA personal brand is the foundation for applying for a scholarship. Get a list of activities that will enhance your profile and distinguish you from other applicants.
Universal supportAccelerated preparation for admission: save money and time without compromising results.
Consultation with an expertAn in-depth 60-minute consultation: we'll discuss your admissions chances, financing options, develop a personalized strategy, and answer all your questions.
Consultation with a career guidance specialistWe'll help you identify your strengths and inclinations, choose the right field of study, and build a successful career.
Getting a student visa from the USAWe'll help you obtain a student visa without stress or errors, and we'll also assist you if your application is rejected.
Selection of universities and scholarshipsWe'll create a list of universities and programs that are right for you—with a realistic chance of admission and scholarships.
Admission to Foundation Programme AbroadWe'll help you enroll in the Foundation Program, a program that allows you to transfer to a bachelor's degree abroad without losing a year. We'll select suitable options, prepare your documents, and develop a strategy.
Preparation of documentationStrong documents make a strong candidate. We'll help you prepare your application package based on both formal and informal university requirements.

Related articles

How much does it cost to study abroad in 2026?Studying abroad in 2026 involves various costs, from tuition fees to living expenses. Understanding these costs helps students plan their budget more effectively.
Время чтения:
0 мин
Scholarships for Studying in Asia: Full List 2026-2027
Время чтения:
0 мин
Studying in Japan: Admission, Fees, and Scholarships for Foreigners
Время чтения:
0 мин
Resources for free preparation for international exams
Время чтения:
0 мин
Top 8 universities where you can study for free or almost for free
Время чтения:
0 мин
Studying in China: How to Apply to a University and Get a Scholarship
Время чтения:
0 мин
Top 7 Universities in the World: How to Enter a Prestigious UniversityТоповые университеты мира — мечта или переоцененный миф? Рассказываем, как поступить в престижный вуз, что на самом деле дают громкие имена, и стоит ли гнаться за рейтингами любой ценой.
Время чтения:
0 мин