International students must have a visa suitable for their programs.If you use an inappropriate visa (e.g., a "temporary visit" visa) while studying at the KAU, you can be severely punished. This is why there are strong calls for all international freshmen to enter the country with appropriate visas such as student visas (D-2) issued at the Korean Embassy or consulate in their home country.

Student visa (D-2) is the most common type of visa to study at KAU. Type F or E visas are also allowed for legal stay and degree seeking programs in Korea.

In Korea, group tours (C-3-2), medical tours (C-3-3-3), and general tours (C-3-9) visas cannot be changed to student visas (D-2). Students entering the country with such a visa must leave the country as soon as possible and obtain a student visa (D-2) at the embassy or consulate in their home country.