For many international students, the final weeks at Ewha Womans University are a mix of excitement and paperwork. You are finishing classes, saying goodbye to friends, and trying to make sure your diploma, transcript, and degree certification are all in order. These documents matter long after graduation. They affect job applications, visa plans, further study, and settlement back home.
This guide explains how Ewha handles diplomas, graduation certificates, transcripts, and degree certification. It also covers practical academic credential authentication tips so you can avoid delays after you leave Korea.
The Original Ewha Diploma Is Issued Only Once
Ewha Womans University, like most Korean universities, issues the original diploma or degree certificate only once. It is not a document that can be reprinted, replaced, or reissued if lost. The university makes this clear because the diploma is an original academic record, not a routine certificate.
That means your first task is simple: keep the original safe. Store it flat, away from moisture and direct sunlight. If you are traveling, carry it in hand luggage rather than checked baggage. A scanned digital copy is useful, but it does not replace the original for every official purpose.
What Happens If You Lose the Original Diploma
If the original diploma is lost, Ewha cannot issue a new original. However, you can request a graduation certificate, known in Korean as a 졸업증명서. This certificate confirms your graduation date, degree, major, and student information. It is widely accepted for jobs, further study, visa applications, and degree certification.
In practice, the diploma reissue process at Ewha is really a graduation certificate request process. You are not replacing the original piece of paper. You are obtaining an official document that proves the same academic fact.
How to Request a Graduation Certificate from Ewha
Ewha offers several ways to request graduation certificates and other academic documents. The best method depends on whether you are still in Korea, already back home, or applying through a family member.
Online Requests Through Ewha Home and the Website
Current students and graduates can use the Ewha Home app to request certificates. The app supports mobile certificate issuance, Japanese University Graduation Certificate Transcript and Korean University Graduation Certificate Transcript Processingwhich is convenient if you need a document quickly. You can also log in to the Ewha website and use the certificate issuance service.
Fees are usually 500 Korean won per copy for current students and 1,000 Korean won per copy for graduates. If you are on campus, self-service printers near ECC can also print certain certificates. These machines are useful when you need a document outside normal office hours.
Email and In-Person Requests
If you cannot use the app or website, contact the Student Service Center at ECC B303. For graduates living abroad, email is often the most practical option. Send your request to service@ewha.ac.kr with your full name, student number, date of birth, and the exact certificate you need.
The center will reply with the fee and payment instructions. After payment, you can ask for the document to be mailed internationally. Keep in mind that international shipping takes time, so apply early if a deadline is approaching.
Language Education Institute Graduates
If you studied at the Ewha Language Education Institute rather than a degree program, the process is slightly different. You usually need to deposit the certificate fee into the designated bank account, then email the receipt and request details. The office will confirm the pickup date or mailing arrangement.
Transcript Requests and What to Check
Your transcript is just as important as your graduation certificate. Ewha issues official transcripts that show courses, credits, grades, and GPA. For degree certification, employers, and graduate schools, you normally need an official transcript in Korean or English.
Official Transcripts vs. Student Copies
Do not confuse a student copy with an official transcript. A student copy may be acceptable for personal reference, but official procedures usually require a document issued directly by the university. If you open a sealed transcript before submitting it, some institutions may reject it.
Fees and Processing Time
Transcript fees are generally similar to certificate fees. On-campus self-service printing is often 500 Korean won per page. Email requests may take a few business days, depending on the office workload and whether you need English verification. During graduation season, processing can be slower, so plan ahead.
Degree Certification for International Students
For Chinese international students, degree certification usually means applying to the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, Japanese University Graduation Certificate Transcript and Korean University Graduation Certificate Transcript Processingor CSCSE. This certification confirms that your overseas degree is genuine and recognized. It is required by many employers, local governments, and universities in China.
Documents You Usually Need
Most applications require your diploma or graduation certificate, official transcript, passport personal information page, visa or residence records, and an authorization statement. Ewha’s English graduation certificate and official transcript are normally accepted. If your original diploma is unavailable, the graduation certificate can serve as the main proof of graduation.
Academic Credential Authentication Tips
Here are some academic credential authentication tips that save time. First, check whether your target institution wants CSCSE certification, CDGDC verification, or another format. Some Chinese organizations specifically ask for CDGDC rather than CHSI, and submitting the wrong one can delay your case.
Second, make sure your English name on all Ewha documents matches your passport exactly. If there is a mismatch, fix it before graduation through the EUREKA system. After the confirmation period closes, changing the name on a diploma becomes very difficult.
Third, keep digital scans of every document in cloud storage. If a courier loses a package or an employer asks for an extra copy, you will not need to start from zero.
Apostille and Translation Questions
If you plan to use your Ewha documents in another country, ask whether an apostille is needed. Korea is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so Korean public documents can usually be apostilled by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For non-Hague countries, consular authentication may be required instead.
If a translation is needed, use a certified translator or an official translation service. A casual translation by a friend is rarely accepted for degree certification or immigration purposes.
Common Problems Ewha Graduates Face
Name Mismatch on the Diploma
The most common problem is an English name that does not match the passport. Ewha allows students to confirm and correct their English name before graduation. Do not wait until the last week. Once the final confirmation period ends, the university generally cannot change the diploma.
Waiting Too Long to Request Documents
Another common issue is waiting until a job offer or university deadline is close. International mail can take weeks. Email replies may take several business days. Request your graduation certificate and transcript as soon as you know you will need them.
Using the Wrong Certificate Type
Not every situation accepts the same document. A graduation certificate is not always the same as a degree certificate. Some employers want a degree certificate, while others accept a graduation certificate. Read the requirements carefully before you pay for multiple copies.
A Small Reminder About Balance
Sorting out diploma, transcript, and degree certification can feel stressful, especially when you are also packing up your life in Seoul. If you are waiting for a document or a certification result, try not to spend every hour refreshing your email. A weekend with a simple outdoor camping tent near the Han River can give you a quiet break and help you return to the paperwork with a clearer mind.
Final Thoughts
Ewha Womans University cannot replace a lost original diploma, but it can issue graduation certificates and transcripts that carry official weight. The key is to request them early, check every name and date, and follow the exact requirements of the institution receiving them. If you are preparing to graduate, start with the Student Service Center and keep both digital and paper copies. If this guide helped, share it with a friend who is also organizing Ewha documents for degree certification.
