Apostille for an overseas diploma: does nationality or document origin matter?

When preparing an overseas diploma for a Korean university, start with where the document originated and where it will be used. Your nationality, current country of residence and the country issuing your academic record can be different.

Start with the document's origin

HCCH explains that an Apostille is issued by a designated Competent Authority where the document originates; HCCH itself does not issue certificates. Korea's e-Apostille guidance describes Korean documents and its designated domestic authorities. HCCH introduction · Korean e-Apostille guidance

Living in Korea while holding a foreign school's document does not make it a Korean-issued document. Identify the issuer and document type, then find the responsible authority's process.

Separate nationality, residence and origin

Consider a preparation example: a Vietnamese national living in Korea holds a diploma issued by a US school for submission to a Korean university. Nationality is Vietnamese, residence is Korea, and the academic document originates in the United States. Start the original-document enquiry with its US origin, then narrow down the responsible authority by issuer and document form.

Check treaty application and the receiving authority separately

Use the HCCH status table to examine the countries involved, entry-into-force dates and relevant notifications. Then follow the Competent Authorities list to the responsible authority's instructions. A country appearing in a list does not mean every document uses the same counter or format.

Describe whether you have an original, a certified copy, a school-issued record or a separate notarial document. The actual item submitted for authentication matters. Ask separately about the original and translation, including preparation order and what must accompany each.

Confirm the university's final submission package

Copy the exact document names from the admission guidelines before starting the process. Record whether a diploma and transcript are both required, accepted languages, translation requirements, original or copy rules, and deadlines. Keep a separate line for each document rather than applying one answer to the entire package.

A focused question is easier to answer: “I will submit a diploma issued by institution A in the United States for this intake. Please confirm the authentication form, translation package and whether an original must arrive by post.” Save the reply and date alongside the relevant guidelines.

Compare the package before posting originals

Match the name, date of birth, institution, degree and issue date against the application and other certificates. Check that the authenticated item is the document actually being submitted. Keep the scan, dispatch record and receipt confirmation separately so that a later request can be linked to the correct document.

For GEA counselling, begin with the issuing country, school, document type, target university and intake, and your current preparation stage. The free study roadmap helps connect these tasks to your university application plan.

Related reading: Nationality and parent-relationship documents · Common admission-document errors

Sources: HCCH introduction · Competent Authorities · Treaty status · Korean e-Apostille. Sources checked: 24 October 2026 · Prepared by GEA