Title
Apostille Korea handles documents for qualification examination applications Applying for the qualification examination requires proof of final educational attainment, and because the required document differs by background, applicants with overseas schooling need a longer run-up.
- Related countries
- 한국
Content
Apostille Korea said it is running a dedicated operation for the application period of the primary, middle and high school qualification examinations. Issued files are delivered as PDFs so they can be submitted immediately without further work. Translation and notarisation, apostille and embassy legalisation of academic records issued abroad are handled as well.
- The qualification examination is held twice a year, with notice and applications in early February and early June and the exams in April and August.
- Applicants must show proof of their final educational attainment, and the required document differs by type of background.
- Any document in a foreign language must be translated into Korean and notarised before submission.
- Returnees from countries outside the Apostille Convention must submit an original endorsed by a Korean mission abroad under Article 30 of the Act on Notarial Acts at Overseas Missions.
The required document changes with the applicant background
According to the government petition portal, applying for the qualification examination requires proof of final educational attainment, and the form that proof takes depends on the individual record. Someone who left middle or high school before completing it submits a certificate of removal from the school register. Among pupils under compulsory primary and middle school education, those managed outside the enrolment quota submit the corresponding certificate, and those granted exemption submit a certificate of exemption. Graduates, completers and prospective graduates of three year civic high schools, schools equivalent to middle and high schools, and vocational training institutes submit a graduation, prospective graduation or completion certificate. The examination is held twice a year, with notice and applications in early February and early June and the exams in April and August. Because the application window is short, it is safer to confirm which certificate applies before it opens.
Overseas records need translation, notarisation and legalisation first
For a returnee, the identity of the person named on the document must be clearly verified, and every document in a foreign language, English included, must be translated into Korean and notarised before it is filed. If the country that issued the record is not party to the Apostille Convention, one more step is added. Under Article 30 of the Act on Notarial Acts at Overseas Missions, the original must carry an endorsement from the Korean embassy or consulate in that country. The chain of translation, notarisation and apostille or consular confirmation can take more than a month, so work has to start well before the application window. Apostille Korea covers the full set of application documents and delivers the issued files as PDFs ready for immediate submission. The aim is to keep candidates who need their time for study from being held up by paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Which academic document do I need to apply?
It depends on your final educational record. A school leaver submits a certificate of removal from the register, a pupil managed outside the enrolment quota submits the matching certificate, and an exempted pupil submits a certificate of exemption.
Can I submit a foreign academic document as it is?
No. Documents in a foreign language must be translated into Korean and notarised, and the identity of the person named must be clearly verified.
How long does preparing the documents take?
Translation, notarisation and apostille or consular confirmation can take more than a month. Documents from countries outside the Apostille Convention need an additional endorsement from a Korean mission, so allow more time.
Source: 시민일보 · 2019-06-18