How many hours
Limits depend on whether you meet the Korean-language requirement — usually TOPIK level 3 for first- and second-year undergraduates and level 4 from the third year and for graduate students (English-track students can use an English score instead).
| During the semester, weekdays | Requirement met | Not met |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (D-2) | 25 hours a week — up to 30 at some schools | 10 hours a week |
| Master’s or PhD (D-2) | 30 hours a week — up to 35 at some schools | 15 hours a week |
University guides published in 2025–2026 give different maximums (some include extra hours for students with good grades), and students who meet the requirement can generally work more on weekends and during vacations. Your school’s international office signs your application and will tell you your exact limit. Language-course (D-4) students have their own, lower limits.
Jobs you cannot do
Delivery riding, courier and taxi work, and door-to-door or insurance sales are not allowed. Factory work is restricted unless you have a higher Korean level.
How to apply
- Get a job offer and a standard employment contract (표준근로계약서).
- Get the part-time work confirmation form signed by your school’s international office.
- Apply on Hi Korea (e-application). Typical documents: passport, residence card, transcript, TOPIK or English score, employment contract, a copy of the employer’s business registration and the confirmation form.
- Start work only once the permit is approved.
For your pay, use the part-time pay calculator — the 2026 minimum wage and weekly holiday pay apply to students too.
Official websites
- Hi Korea (하이코리아) www.hikorea.go.kr
We link only to official sites and re-check these guides, but fees, rules and screens change and can differ between offices. Before you go, confirm on the official site or call the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 (multilingual).