How do I get an apostille so my home-country diploma works in Korea?
I'm applying to a graduate school in Korea, and I'm told I can't just submit my home-country diploma and transcript as is — they need to be authenticated. People mention getting an apostille, but I'm confused about whether I must do it back home in advance or can handle it in Korea. I'd also like to know what to do if my country isn't part of the apostille convention.
1 Answer
Your home-country diploma and transcript usually need to be apostilled in the country that issued them — Korea can't do it for you. If your country is part of the Apostille Convention, you get the apostille from that country's foreign ministry or designated authority, and Korea accepts it directly. If your country isn't a member, you instead need consular legalization: the document is verified by your home foreign ministry and then legalized at the Korean embassy or consulate there. Some schools also require a notarized Korean or English translation, so check exactly what form of authentication your target graduate school wants before you start.