비전 아포코리아By document · Academic records
Where Can I Apostille My Korean University Diploma?
Short answer: when a foreign authority asks for a “diploma,” the easiest route in Korea is to get an apostille on a freshly issued certificate of graduation or certificate of degree from your school. If you are asked for the original diploma itself (the document handed to you at graduation), first consider notarizing a copy and getting a Ministry of Justice apostille rather than sending your one-and-only original.
At a glance
- The diploma is a document you receive only once, at graduation; certificates of graduation and certificates of degree are issued anew whenever you need them.
- Since June 1, 2024, original academic records issued by national universities can be apostilled without notarization; documents issued by private universities are notarized first and then apostilled.
- If the original diploma is required, consider the notarized copy → Ministry of Justice apostille route, and check with the Overseas Koreans Agency in advance whether the original qualifies for the exception.
- Authorities in English-speaking countries often accept the school's English-language certificate, so a translation may not be needed.
How is a diploma different from a certificate of graduation?
The diploma (degree diploma) is a commemorative document handed out at the graduation ceremony; it is hard to get reissued and is usually written only in Korean. Certificates of graduation and certificates of degree can be issued anew whenever you need them from the school office or its online certificate system, and many schools also issue them in English.
The word “diploma” used by foreign authorities is understood broadly and varies by country; in practice it often means any document that officially proves you graduated. So the starting point is to check whether the original diploma is truly required, or whether a school-issued certificate will do.
| Document | Issuance | Apostille route |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of graduation / degree (national university) | Issued by the school on request | Original issued for submission → Overseas Koreans Agency apostille without notarization |
| Certificate of graduation / degree (private university) | Issued by the school on request | Notarization → Ministry of Justice apostille |
| Elementary, middle, or high school certificate of graduation | School / Government24 | Eligible for e-Apostille (free) |
| Copy of the diploma | Single original | Notarized copy → Ministry of Justice apostille |
| Original diploma | Single original | Check with the Overseas Koreans Agency in advance whether the original qualifies for the exception |
Based on the Overseas Koreans Agency's “Apostille Issuance Procedure” page and the e-Apostille eligible-document list (checked 2026-10-03).
Can I get an apostille directly on my original diploma?
The Overseas Koreans Agency accepts documents issued by national and local governments and original academic records from national universities, among others, without notarization, and asks that all other documents be notarized first. Private-university diplomas must be notarized, and whether an original national-university diploma falls under the “original academic records” exception can depend on the form of the document, so it is safest to check with the Overseas Koreans Agency (02-6747-0404) before visiting.
Another point to consider: once an original is sent abroad, it is hard to get back. Because an original diploma is difficult to obtain again, it is better to submit a certificate or a notarized copy unless the authority insists on the original.
How does the notarized-copy route work?
Prepare a copy of the diploma → Notarize the copy at a notary office → Ministry of Justice apostille at the Overseas Koreans Agency's Integrated Civil Service Center → (if needed) translation and notarized translation → Submit
Once notarized, the document becomes a notarial document and is eligible for a Ministry of Justice apostille. Check the notarization method and fee with each notary office; fees follow the Notary Public Fee Rules (Ministry of Justice ordinance).
What if I don't have an English-language certificate?
If your school issues an English certificate of graduation, authorities in English-speaking countries often do not ask for a separate translation. If English issuance isn't available or another language is needed, prepare a translation and have it notarized; if the authority requires it, get an apostille on that notarized translation as well.
What if the destination country is not a party to the Convention?
For non-party countries such as the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, you go through consular confirmation at the Overseas Koreans Agency → embassy legalization at that country's embassy in Korea instead of an apostille. Only the route differs; whether notarization is needed (national vs. private university) is decided the same way.
Check before preparing your academic documents
- Whether the authority strictly requires the original diploma or accepts a certificate instead
- Whether your school is national or private
- Whether the school can issue English-language certificates
- Whether a transcript is also required
- Whether the Convention is in force for the destination country
- Whether the English name in your passport matches the English name used by your school
If the authority's instructions only say “diploma,” we can review them with you.
Consult about academic documentsDiploma or certificate — which way to go?
We'll sort it out according to the receiving authority's requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- If I'm asked for a “diploma,” do I have to send my original diploma?
- In most cases, a school-issued certificate of graduation or certificate of degree can be used instead. Check first with the receiving authority whether the original is truly required.
- Can I get an apostille on my original diploma, too?
- Private-university diplomas must be notarized first. Whether an original national-university diploma qualifies for the “original academic records of national universities” exception may depend on the form of the document, so it is safest to check with the Overseas Koreans Agency in advance.
- How do I get an apostille on a copy of my diploma?
- Have the copy notarized at a notary office; it then becomes a notarial document and you can apply for a Ministry of Justice apostille. Applications are filed at the Overseas Koreans Agency's Integrated Civil Service Center.
- Can a university certificate of graduation get an e-Apostille?
- No. The Ministry of Education items on e-Apostille cover only elementary, middle, and high school documents and high school equivalency exam documents. University documents are submitted in person or by mail.
- If I have an English certificate of graduation, do I still need a translation?
- Authorities in English-speaking countries often accept the English certificate as is. However, whether a translation is needed, and in which language, is up to the receiving authority, so check first.
- How much is the government fee?
- An apostille costs KRW 1,000 per document (electronic revenue stamp), and documents eligible for e-Apostille are free (Overseas Koreans Agency guidance, checked 2026-10-03). Notarization fees follow the Notary Public Fee Rules (Ministry of Justice ordinance).
Official referencesOverseas Koreans Agency – Apostille Issuance Procedure · e-Apostille & Consular Confirmation Service · HCCH Apostille Convention status table
⚠️ This article is for general information only. Acceptance criteria, eligible documents, and fees may change, so be sure to check the official guidance of the Overseas Koreans Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the receiving authority at the time you apply. Vision ApoKorea (Vision Administrative Agency) is a private agency service, not a government body.