Written by: Pranjali Sorte | Edited by: Swapnil Vyawahare
Reviewed by: Professional Attestation & Apostille Consultants team of PEC Attestation
What is an Apostille? Understanding the Basics
Definition and Legal Framework
An apostille is an official certification that authenticates the signature, seal, or stamp of a public official on a document for international use. The term originates from French legal terminology and is governed by the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (also known as the Apostille Convention).
Key Point: Both India and South Korea are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention, which means:
- Indian documents apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are automatically recognized in South Korea
- No further embassy legalization is required
- The apostille serves as a single-sheet certification that validates your documents internationally
How Apostille Works
The apostille process involves:
- Authentication of the official's signature - The issuing authority verifies that the person who signed the document is indeed a public official
- Certification of the seal/stamp - The official seal or stamp on the document is authenticated
- Issuance of apostille certificate - A standardized certificate is attached to the document confirming its authenticity
Important: An apostille is NOT a translation. It's purely an authentication certificate. If your documents are in Hindi or another Indian language, you'll need a separate certified English or Korean translation.
Why Indian Students Need Apostille for South Korea
Legal Recognition Requirements
South Korean universities and immigration authorities require apostille certification for several critical reasons:
1. International Document Verification
South Korean institutions need to verify that your educational credentials are genuine and issued by legitimate authorities in India. The apostille serves as proof that:
- Your degree certificate was issued by an accredited Indian university
- Your 10th and 12th certificates are authentic
- Your mark sheets are legitimate records from recognized educational boards
2. D-2 Student Visa Requirements
If you're applying for a D-2 student visa (the standard visa for degree-seeking students in South Korea), the Korean immigration office requires apostilled documents to:
- Verify your educational background
- Confirm your eligibility for the program
- Ensure document authenticity before issuing the visa
3. University Admission Process
Major South Korean universities like Korea University, Seoul National University, and Yonsei University explicitly require apostille certification on all overseas academic documents. According to Korea University's 2026 Application Guide:
- All documents issued by overseas schools must have apostille or consular authentication
- Failure to submit apostilled documents by the deadline can result in admission revocation
- The apostille must be on the original document or on an original notarized copy
4. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Requirements
If you're applying for the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship, apostille certification is mandatory for:
- Degree certificates (UG, PG, Ph.D.)
- Academic transcripts
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Complete List of Documents Requiring Apostille
Educational Documents (Primary Requirements)
|
Document Type |
Required For |
Notes |
|
Bachelor's Degree Certificate |
All undergraduate applicants |
Must be original or notarized copy |
|
Master's Degree Certificate |
Graduate program applicants |
Required for postgraduate admissions |
|
Ph.D. Certificate |
Doctoral program applicants |
If applicable |
|
10th Grade Certificate |
All applicants |
Board certificate with marks |
|
12th Grade Certificate |
All applicants |
Board certificate with marks |
|
Mark Sheets (10th & 12th) |
All applicants |
Official mark sheets from board |
|
University Transcripts |
All applicants |
Official transcripts from all universities attended |
|
Diploma Certificates |
Diploma holders |
If applicable to your educational background |
Additional Documents (Conditional Requirements)
|
Document Type |
Required For |
Notes |
|
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) |
Visa and scholarship applications |
Mandatory for D-2 visa |
|
Birth Certificate |
Some universities and visa applications |
Check with specific institution |
|
Marriage Certificate |
If applicable |
For dependent visa applications |
|
Character Certificate |
Some scholarship programs |
Issued by educational institution |
Documents NOT Requiring Apostille
- Korean-issued documents - Only need a school stamp, not apostille
- Documents already apostilled - No need to re-apostille
- Notarized copies - If already notarized in India, only apostille is needed
Step-by-Step Apostille Process for Indian Students
Phase 1: Document Preparation (Week 1-2)
Step 1: Gather Original Documents
Collect all original documents from their issuing authorities:
- Contact your school/college/university for official certificates and transcripts
- Request original documents or certified true copies
- Ensure all documents have official seals and signatures
- Verify that documents are in English or get them translated
Pro Tip: Request multiple copies (at least 3-4) of each document. You'll need originals for apostille, and having extras prevents delays if one gets damaged.
Step 2: Get Documents Translated (If Necessary)
If your documents are in Hindi or another Indian language:
- Use a translation service recognized by the MEA or the South Korean Embassy/Consulate
- Translation must be into English or Korean
- Keep both original and translated versions
- Cost: Approximately ₹500-₹1,500 per document
Important: The translation itself must also be apostilled. You cannot use a translated document without apostille certification.
Step 3: State-Level Attestation (If Required)
Some states require state-level attestation before MEA apostille:
- Submit documents to your State Home Department or General Administration Department
- Alternatively, get attestation from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) if state attestation isn't required
- Include a photocopy of your passport
- Pay the state attestation fee (varies by state, typically ₹50-₹200)
- Processing time: 3-7 days
States with Specific Requirements:
- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu: Require state attestation before MEA apostille
- Delhi, Punjab: May not require state attestation; SDM attestation is acceptable
- Check with your state's Home Department for specific requirements
Phase 2: MEA Apostille Application (Week 3-4)
Step 4: Submit Documents to MEA-Approved Outsourced Agencies
Important Change (2024-2026): The MEA no longer accepts documents directly from individuals. All apostille applications must go through five designated outsourced agencies:
- BLS International Services Pvt. Ltd.
- Website: www.blsindia-apostille.in
- Locations: Multiple cities across India
- Service Fee: ₹90 per document + ₹3 per page (scanning)
- VFS Global
- Website: www.vfsglobal.com/apostille
- Locations: Pan-India presence
- Service Fee: ₹90 per document + ₹3 per page
- TCS iON
- Website: www.tcsion.com
- Locations: Major cities
- Service Fee: ₹90 per document + ₹3 per page
- Consular, Passport & Visa Division (CPV)
- Direct MEA office for specific cases
- Contact: 011-23387104
- Other Authorized Agencies
- Check MEA website for complete list
Step 5: Prepare Application Documents
For each document, prepare:
- Original document (or certified true copy)
- Photocopy of passport (first and last page)
- Completed apostille application form (provided by agency)
- Payment (₹50 MEA fee + agency service charges)
Step 6: Submit and Track
- Submit documents to your chosen agency
- Receive a tracking reference number
- Agency sends documents to MEA
- MEA processes and returns apostilled documents to agency
- Collect apostilled documents from agency
Processing Timeline:
- Normal processing: 7-10 working days
- Expedited processing: 3-5 working days (additional fee: ₹100-₹200)
Phase 3: Document Verification (Week 5)
Step 7: Verify Apostille Quality
Once you receive apostilled documents, verify:
- ✓ Apostille stamp is clearly visible
- ✓ All document details are correct
- ✓ Signature and seal are authentic
- ✓ No pages are missing
- ✓ Translation (if applicable) is also apostilled
Phase 4: Translation and Final Preparation (Week 6)
Step 8: Get Certified Korean Translation (If Required)
Most South Korean universities require documents in English or Korean:
- Use a certified translation service recognized by the Korean Embassy
- Cost: ₹1,000-₹3,000 per document
- The translation must also be apostilled
- Processing time: 5-7 days
Recommended Translation Services:
- Korean Embassy-approved translators in India
- Professional translation agencies with Korean language expertise
- Cost-effective option: ₹1,200-₹1,500 per document through specialized agencies
Step 9: Prepare Final Document Package
Create a comprehensive package containing:
- Original apostilled documents
- Certified English/Korean translations (apostilled)
- Photocopies of all documents
- Scanned digital copies (PDF format)
- Cover letter with your details and university name
Costs and Processing Timeline
Complete Cost Breakdown for Indian Students
|
Item |
Cost (₹) |
Notes |
|
State Attestation |
50-200 |
Varies by state; may not be required |
|
MEA Apostille Fee |
50 |
Per document |
|
Agency Service Fee |
90 |
Per document |
|
Scanning Fee |
3 |
Per page |
|
Translation (English) |
500-1,500 |
Per document |
|
Translation (Korean) |
1,000-3,000 |
Per document |
|
Certified Translation Apostille |
50 |
Per translation |
|
Courier/Shipping |
200-500 |
To university or embassy |
|
Total for 5 Documents |
2,500-8,000 |
Approximate range |
Timeline Summary
|
Phase |
Duration |
Key Activities |
|
Document Preparation |
1-2 weeks |
Collect originals, translate if needed |
|
State Attestation |
3-7 days |
Submit to state authority |
|
MEA Apostille |
7-10 days |
Normal; 3-5 days expedited |
|
Translation |
5-7 days |
Get certified Korean translation |
|
Final Verification |
2-3 days |
Check quality and completeness |
|
Total Timeline |
3-4 weeks |
From start to finish |
Pro Tip: Start the apostille process at least 2 months before your university application deadline to account for any delays or additional requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Submitting Unnotarized Photocopies
❌ Wrong: Sending photocopies without notarization
✅ Right: Get photocopies notarized as "Certified True Copies" before apostille
Mistake 2: Apostille on Notarized Documents
❌ Wrong: Notarizing a document, then apostilling it
✅ Right: Apostille is sufficient; notarization is only needed for copies
Mistake 3: Forgetting to Translate Documents
❌ Wrong: Sending Hindi/regional language documents without translation
✅ Right: Get certified English or Korean translation before apostille
Mistake 4: Not Apostilling the Translation
❌ Wrong: Apostille on original, but not on translation
✅ Right: Both original and translation must be apostilled
Mistake 5: Missing Deadline for University Submission
❌ Wrong: Submitting apostilled documents after university deadline
✅ Right: Submit at least 2 weeks before deadline; universities may revoke admission
Mistake 6: Using Unauthorized Translation Services
❌ Wrong: Using non-certified translators
✅ Right: Use MEA-recognized or Korean Embassy-approved translators
Mistake 7: Sending Original Documents Without Backup
❌ Wrong: Sending only one copy of apostilled documents
✅ Right: Keep digital copies and send via trackable courier
Mistake 8: Not Verifying University Requirements
❌ Wrong: Assuming all universities have same requirements
✅ Right: Check specific university's apostille requirements in advance
Contact Information and Resources
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) - India
Apostille Cell:
- Address: Jawahar Lal Nehru Bhawan, Janapath Marg, New Delhi-110011
- Phone: 011-49018403 (Attestation), 011-49018404 (Apostille)
- Fax: 011-49016638
- Email: sooi@mea.gov.in
- Website: www.mea.gov.in/apostille-menu.htm
CPV Division (Alternative):
- Address: Patiala House Annexe, Tilak Marg, New Delhi-110001
- Phone: 011-23387104
- Email: osdcpvrr@mea.gov.in
South Korean Embassy and Consulates in India
Embassy of South Korea (New Delhi):
- Address: 37-3, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04417, South Korea
- Phone: +82-2-3210-6000
- Website: www.korea.go.kr
Consulate General (Mumbai):
- Phone: +91-22-6650-2000
Consulate General (Chennai):
- Phone: +91-44-2811-0000
Indian Embassy in South Korea
Embassy of India, Seoul:
- Address: 37-3, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Phone: +82-2-3210-6000
- Website: www.indembassyseoul.gov.in
- Apostille Advisory: www.indembassyseoul.gov.in/advisory-apostille
Useful Online Resources
- Hague Apostille Convention: www.hcch.net
- South Korea e-Apostille Service: www.apostille.go.kr
- Global Korea Scholarship: www.studyinkorea.go.kr
- Korea University Admissions: www.korea.ac.kr
- Seoul National University: www.snu.ac.kr
- Yonsei University: www.yonsei.ac.kr
Expert Tips for Success
Tip 1: Start Early
Begin the apostille process at least 3 months before your application deadline. This gives you buffer time for:
- Unexpected delays
- Additional document requests
- Translation revisions
- Visa processing
Tip 2: Use Trackable Courier Services
When sending apostilled documents to universities or embassies:
- Use services like DHL, FedEx, or India Post Speed Post
- Get tracking numbers
- Maintain proof of delivery
- Send copies, not originals
Tip 3: Keep Digital Backups
Maintain digital copies of:
- Original documents (scanned)
- Apostilled documents (photographed)
- Translations (PDF)
- All correspondence with universities
- Receipts and tracking numbers
Tip 4: Verify University Requirements
Before starting apostille process:
- Contact your target university's international admissions office
- Ask for specific document requirements
- Confirm if apostille is on original or translation
- Get requirements in writing (email)
Tip 5: Consider Professional Services
If you're short on time, use specialized agencies:
- Learn Korean with Us (LKWU): ₹1,200 per document
- PEC Attestation: Comprehensive apostille services
- Korvia: Expert guidance on Korean requirements
- Cost: ₹1,200-₹2,000 per document (includes collection and delivery)
Tip 6: Maintain Communication
- Keep all emails from universities
- Document all phone conversations
- Get confirmation of document receipt
- Follow up 1 week after submission
Tip 7: Understand D-2 Visa Requirements
For student visa application, you'll need:
- Apostilled degree/diploma
- Apostilled transcripts
- Apostilled PCC
- Admission letter from university
- Financial proof (bank statements)
- Health insurance
- Passport
Tip 8: Plan for Translation Costs
Budget for professional translation:
- English translation: ₹500-₹1,500 per document
- Korean translation: ₹1,000-₹3,000 per document
- Certified translation apostille: ₹50 per document
- Total for 5 documents: ₹3,000-₹8,000
Conclusion: Your Roadmap to South Korean Education
Obtaining apostille certification is a crucial step in your journey to study in South Korea. While the process may seem complex, following this comprehensive guide will ensure:
✓ Smooth university admissions - All documents properly authenticated
✓ Hassle-free visa processing - No delays due to document issues
✓ Scholarship eligibility - Meet all GKS and other scholarship requirements
✓ Peace of mind - Professional handling of important documents
Action Items Checklist
- Gather all original documents from educational institutions
- Identify if state attestation is required in your state
- Get documents translated (if in Hindi/regional language)
- Submit to MEA-approved outsourced agency
- Track apostille processing status
- Verify apostille quality upon receipt
- Get certified Korean translation
- Prepare final document package
- Submit to university before deadline
- Apply for D-2 student visa
- Maintain digital backups of all documents
Timeline for 2026 Admissions
- January-February 2026: Start apostille process
- February-March 2026: Complete apostille and translation
- March-April 2026: Submit to universities
- April-May 2026: Receive admission letters
- May-June 2026: Apply for D-2 visa
- July-August 2026: Receive visa and prepare for departure
Additional Resources for Indian Students
Scholarship Opportunities
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): Full tuition + living expenses
- Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP): Competitive merit-based
- University-specific scholarships: Check individual university websites
Popular Universities for Indian Students
- Seoul National University - Top-ranked, diverse programs
- Korea University - Strong international student support
- Yonsei University - Excellent English-taught programs
- KAIST - Engineering and technology focus
- Ewha Womans University - Strong humanities programs
Cost of Living in South Korea (2026)
- Monthly expenses: ₹40,000-₹70,000 (₹480,000-₹840,000 annually)
- Tuition fees: ₹8,00,000-₹15,00,000 per year
- Accommodation: ₹15,000-₹30,000 per month
- Food: ₹10,000-₹15,000 per month
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Apostille and visa documents ready
- Health insurance arranged
- Bank account opened in South Korea
- Accommodation booked
- Korean language basics learned
- Travel insurance purchased
- Luggage packed and ready
posted on 15 Jan, 2026. Posted In apostille.