Is this your situation?
- I recently arrived in Korea and do not know how to enrol.
- I studied abroad and do not know which grade I belong in.
- My Korean is weak and I worry about following lessons.
- I was told I cannot go to school because of my visa status.
Rights you should know
The right to education does not depend on nationality
Young people living in Korea can attend school even if they are foreign nationals. An unstable visa status does not remove the right to education itself.
There is a process to recognise previous study
Study completed abroad is reviewed by the school to decide your grade. Transcripts and enrolment certificates help a lot.
Korean language support is available
Many areas run Korean language classes, preparatory schools or after-school Korean lessons. Ask the school or the district education office.
There are routes outside mainstream school
If regular school is difficult, qualification exams and alternative education institutions can also lead to a recognised certificate.
Try this
- 1.
Gather as many documents as you can
Passport, alien registration card, and transcripts or certificates from your previous school. A local Family Center can help with translation.
- 2.
Contact the district office of education where you live
They can tell you most accurately which school to apply to and what documents are needed.
- 3.
Ask the Rainbow Youth Center
Call 02-733-7587 for combined advice on enrolment, Korean language and future study.
- 4.
Use the Danuri Call Center if you need interpretation
Call 1577-1366 for guidance in several languages.
Please note
Grade placement and required documents vary by region and school. Confirm with your district education office or the Ministry of Education.
Where to get help
Ministry of Education
How they can help
The government ministry with official information on school admission, transfer and recognition of prior study.
- Languages
- 한국어 · English
Reviewed 6 September 2026
Rainbow Youth Center for Migrant Youth
How they can help
A specialist centre supporting migrant-background youth with study, careers, Korean language and counselling.
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
- Languages
- 한국어
Reviewed 6 September 2026
Local Family Center (Multicultural Family Support)
How they can help
Local centres offering Korean lessons, interpretation and study support. Find your nearest one on the Danuri portal.
- Languages
- 한국어 · English · 中文 · Tiếng Việt · +
Danuri Call Center 1577-1366
Emergency lineHow they can help
A 24-hour multilingual call center for migrants, covering daily-life questions and violence support.
- Opening hours
- 24 hours
- Languages
- 한국어 · English · 中文 · Tiếng Việt · +
Government Complaints Hotline 110 (e-People)
How they can help
A single government window that tells you which office handles your issue, and lets you file a complaint.
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
- Languages
- 한국어 · English
Sources for this page
- 교육부 · 교육부 공식 누리집
- 여성가족부 · 다누리 포털 (다문화가족 지원 정보)
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