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What documents are required to apply to a university in Korea?

This FAQ summarizes the list of documents commonly required when applying to Korean universities through the international student admissions process, along with important considerations for preparing them.

Key Points

  • The core international-admissions file: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a graduation or expected-graduation certificate, a transcript, a personal statement or statement of purpose, 1-2 recommendation letters, and a TOPIK score report.
  • The required TOPIK level varies by university and major, and some schools may waive the recommendation-letter requirement entirely.
  • Graduation certificates and transcripts often need notarization or an Apostille, and any document not in Korean or English must come with a notarized translation.
  • Graduate applicants typically add a research proposal, and some programs also require written confirmation of prior contact with a prospective advisor.
What documents are required to apply to a university in Korea?
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Q. What documents are required when applying to a university in Korea?

Although specific requirements vary by university, there is a list of documents commonly requested for international student admissions.

Common Required Documents

  1. Copy of passport — Must be valid for at least 6 months
  2. Certificate of graduation (or expected graduation) from the highest level of education completed — Issued by your previous school; notarization requirements vary by university
  3. Transcript — For all academic years or the most recent academic year (submit in English or with a Korean translation)
  4. Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose — Written in Korean or English
  5. Letters of Recommendation — 1–2 letters (written by a professor or guidance counselor; some universities may waive this requirement)
  6. Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) Score Report — Required level varies by university and major

Important Notes When Preparing Documents

  • Notarization and Apostille: Notarization or an Apostille is often required for graduation certificates and transcripts.
  • Translations: Documents in languages other than Korean or English must be submitted along with a notarized translation.
  • Deadlines: Check whether the document submission deadline is based on the date of postal receipt or the date of email submission.

Additional Documents for Graduate School

  • Research Proposal
  • Letter of Confirmation of Prior Contact with the Advisor (for some graduate programs)

Before applying, check the latest announcements on the official website of each university’s International Affairs Office.

FAQs

What documents are required when applying to a university in Korea?

Although specific requirements vary by university, there is a list of documents commonly requested for international student admissions. Common Required Documents 1. Copy of passport — Must be valid for at least 6 months 2. Certificate of graduation (or expected graduation) from the highest level of education completed — Issued by your previous school; notarization requirements vary by university 3. Transcript — For all academic years or the most recent academic year (submit in English or with a Korean translation) 4. Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose — Written in Korean or English 5. Letters of Recommendation — 1–2 letters (written by a professor or guidance counselor; some universities may waive this requirement) 6. Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) Score Report — Required level varies by university and major Important Notes When Preparing Documents - Notarization and Apostille: Notarization or an Apostille is often required for graduation certificates and transcripts. - Translations: Documents in languages other than Korean or English must be submitted along with a notarized translation. - Deadlines: Check whether the document submission deadline is based on the date of postal receipt or the date of email submission. Additional Documents for Graduate School - Research Proposal - Letter of Confirmation of Prior Contact with the Advisor (for some graduate programs) Before applying, check the latest announcements on the official website of each…

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