Updated October 2025.
A University Diploma (Bachelor’s) is a requirement by the Korean government to teach English in South Korea. Applicants will need to obtain an apostilled photocopy of their bachelor’s diploma to submit with their Final Documents Package for each program.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
The Bachelor’s Degree must be obtained from a 3-4 year bachelor’s degree program at an accredited College or University. Bachelor’s Degrees obtained from an online university are accepted as long as it is an accredited school.
Undergraduates & Individuals Completing their Degree
Those who have not graduated can still apply to the teaching programs in South Korea. You must, however, obtain a Letter of Graduation/Expected Graduation from their university’s admissions office. The letter must be printed on official school letterhead, state your anticipated graduation date, state the expected date that you will receive your diploma, and have a signature by an office official or an official school stamp. It is better if you can submit the original physical letter, but a digital copy of the letter generally is ok.
Photocopy, Notorization, & Apostille
Only a copy of your diploma is needed and not the original certificate. Do not submit the original diploma for apostille, as it will not be returned to you after submitting it to your program.
The apostille process varies depending on which country you live in.
Please check our EPIK FAQ/Checklist here for more information/instructions on how best to get the apostille for each country. The process for getting apostilles is the same, regardless of whether you’re applying for EPIK or a hagwon, so don’t worry if you’re not going for EPIK!
Hello,
I have been told by the staff at the school which hired me that I need to send my original diploma with an apostille. However, I have only one and from my research (including this post) have gathered that the original is not nescessary for immigration. How should I handle the situation since my school insists on the original? Thanks!
Hi Rachel,
We believe your school meant to obtain an apostille stamp on a copy of diploma. Please try to contact Korvia recruiter so he/she can explain about the regulations.
Best way to get diploma notarized while living in Korea without traveling home to do so? ^^
Hi, I was wondering the same thing as Brad above. How do you get your diploma appstille while in Korea without having to go back to the states? Does the U.S consulate in Korea handle such cases?
Hi Grace,
We suggest you contact Monument Visa service, they can help you to obtain Apostille while you are in South Korea.
https://www.monumentvisa.com/korvia-consulting.html
Hi,
my university is being a pain and won’t alllow me to get my degree until after the deadline to submit for EPIK (I will be graduating this year). I was wondering if EPIK and other programs needs it at a certain time because of the visa or are there other reasons?? I’ve already obtained my f4 Visa. I can still get the diploma to them but just not by the deadline.
Hi,
This is probably a silly question but a lot of recruiters have been giving me the run around with a direct answer so I’m still extremely confused. I’m from South Africa and I have a Diploma, unfortunately there is no degree option for my exact course so I cannot study it further. Could you please tell me what else I can do to come to Korea?
Thank You
Hello,
I just noticed that my diploma has the wrong date for the graduation. However the transcript has the right one. Will this be a problem?
My notary signed and notarized that it was a legitimate copy of my diploma.
As for my “sworn oath” is that a separate document I have to sign or is my sworn oath signature on the copy of the diploma its self?
thanks
thanks for sharing this such an amazing post
Hello,
I have a question about the Sworn Oath form. Is this separate form that has to be notarized or can I just write something above where the notary stamps? Does the notary have to sign this sworn oath separately from their notary check?
Does the sentence need to say “This is a notarized copy of my real and authentic diploma from “University Name”
Thank you
Hello LW,
Please notarize on your photocopy of the diploma only. Immigration office does not require notarization on your original diploma.
Hi,
I am a bit confused on starting the notorization of my diploma. I read elsewhere that I need to have the copy of my diploma certified by an official at my educational institution attesting that the document is an official record or true copy first. Here and other places it says to start the process by getting the copy notarized at a notary public. Which way do I start the process?
Thank you!
Muna! Hi, I just did this yesterday. And so far it seems you just need to bring your original (I also brought photocopies of it that I got at Office Depot for $0.71 a copy). I brought that to a UPS store that does notarizing. The guy made his own photocopy however and notarized that one. I’m getting it apostilled at my State Secretary today. I called ahead and for my state all I need to bring is the original and the notarized copy. The lady I spoke with also told me that they can do it same day right in front of you and it’ll cost me around $15. Soooo beware! There are a lot of third party places that say they can do this for you, for a sizable fee. Call ahead once you’re ready to get it apostilled and you might save yourself some time and money :). God bless you I hope your process goes well!
Hello!
I have 2 questions regarding my degree certificate.
I studied a Ba hons and passed. However my degree was a 2-year ‘accelerated’ degree, meaning I did the same number of units as a regular 3-year course, but condensed into 2 years. Will this suffice?
Also, on my certificate I have a shortened first name. Will this be a problem?
Thanks in advance!
Hello!
I am currently in my final year of university. Due to how my university processes diplomas, I will only receive my physical diploma further down the line.
My university is able to provide a Letter of Completion. Would this still be acceptable or would it be recommended to wait until I receive the physical and official diploma?
Thank you for your time!
Due to visa rules and regulations, you are required to submit an apostille of your university diploma.
If you will not be getting your physical diploma until later on, we recommend waiting to apply for a teaching position until you have been able to secure the letter the diploma.
Hello, Do I have to have a bachelor degree from specific countries? I am a citizen of Canada but my bachelor degree is from another country….. would that be accepted? Would it be possible to get an equivalent here in Canada? Thank you for your time and reply.
Hello I hope you’re well.
I have a letter of completion for my degree but have outstanding payments and can have my degree by April 2026. Can I still apply?
Hello Hope,
No, you will have to wait until you receive your diploma and degree before applying. You should try for the Fall 2026 intake.