Hongik University Diploma & Transcript: Guide for International Students

H1: Hongik University Diploma & Transcript: A Complete Guide for International Students

For international students who have graduated or are planning to graduate from Hongik University, understanding the details of official diplomas and transcripts is crucial. These documents are not only proof of academic achievement but also essential for pursuing further education, securing employment, or completing immigration procedures in countries around the world. As a prestigious private university in Seoul, South Korea, Hongik University follows strict standardized procedures for issuing, authenticating, and verifying academic documents. This guide covers everything international students need to know about their Hongik University diploma and transcript, from official issuance methods to global recognition processes.

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H2: 1. Official Issuance of Hongik University Diploma and Transcript

Hongik University provides formal, standardized academic documents to all graduating students and alumni. These documents are issued directly by the university’s administrative departments, ensuring their authenticity and academic validity. The university offers multiple convenient issuance methods to meet the needs of students and alumni, whether they are residing in South Korea or abroad.

H3: 1.1 Types of Official Academic Documents

Hongik University issues two core academic documents that are most critical for international students: the diploma (degree certificate) and the official academic transcript.

The diploma is the official certificate awarded to students upon successful completion of all degree requirements, including coursework, credits, and graduation theses. It serves as formal, legal proof of degree conferral. For undergraduate students, the diploma is issued on the official graduation ceremony date—typically in February or August each year—after the university confirms all graduation requirements have been met. For graduate students (master’s or doctoral), the diploma is only issued after the final thesis defense and official academic review are fully completed.

The official academic transcript is a comprehensive, detailed record of a student’s entire academic performance at Hongik University. It lists all courses taken each semester, the grades earned for each course, the number of credits completed per course, and the total cumulative credits earned throughout the program. Unlike the diploma, which is a one-time certificate, the transcript reflects a student’s full academic journey and is often required as a supporting document for job applications, further degree programs, and immigration procedures. For international students, the university can issue official transcripts in both Korean and English—English-language transcripts are specifically tailored to meet the document submission requirements of global employers and academic institutions.

H3: 1.2 How to Apply for Diploma and Transcript Issuance

Hongik University offers four convenient, accessible issuance methods to accommodate students and alumni both domestically and internationally. Each method follows a clear, standardized process to ensure documents are delivered safely and efficiently.

The first and most popular method is online issuance. Students and alumni can apply for documents directly through the university’s official academic information portal or the dedicated Certpia online certification system. To use this service, applicants need to log in to the portal, navigate to the “certificate issuance” menu, select the type of document they need (diploma or transcript), and complete the online payment. Once the payment is processed, applicants can either receive a digital, officially certified copy of the document or request a physical copy be mailed to their designated address.

The second method is in-person issuance. Applicants can visit the administrative office of their respective campus (the Seoul campus or the Sejong campus) to submit an application in person. The Seoul campus’s administrative office is located in the Mun-Heon Hall Building 1F, and the Sejong campus’s administrative office is located in the Gaon Hall (Building A) 1F. Applicants need to present their physical passport or alien registration card (ARC) for identity verification when picking up documents. This method is recommended for students who need documents urgently or have special authentication requirements.

The third method is postal mail issuance. Applicants can submit an application online or by mail and request the university to send the official documents directly to a specified address—including international addresses. To apply via mail, applicants need to fill out a mail application form at the post office, enclose a self-addressed stamped return envelope and the required processing fee, and send it to the university’s official mailing address: Academic Services Team, Hongik University, 94 Wausan-ro (Sangsu-dong), Mapo-gu, Seoul, 04066, South Korea. For domestic mail within South Korea, the university uses registered express post to ensure secure delivery. For international mail, the university partners with global courier services such as DHL. Applicants are required to provide a precise, accurate recipient address and contact phone number to avoid delivery delays or loss.

The fourth method is fax issuance. This method is only available for domestic applicants within South Korea. Applicants can visit any local administrative welfare (resident) center, submit a fax application form, and complete the payment process. The university will process the application and fax the official documents to the designated administrative center, where applicants can pick them up in person. This method is not available for international applicants or those needing international delivery.

H3: 1.3 Issuance Fees and Processing Time

Hongik University charges a reasonable, standardized processing fee for official diploma and transcript issuance. The fee varies depending on the applicant’s status (current student or graduate) and the language of the document.

For graduates, the fee is 1,000 Korean won per copy for Korean-language documents and 1,500 Korean won per copy for English-language documents. For current students, the fee is 500 Korean won per copy for Korean-language documents and 1,000 Korean won per copy for English-language documents. These fees cover the basic processing and issuance costs of the documents, and do not include additional fees for special services such as express mailing or apostille authentication.

The university’s standard processing time for diploma and transcript issuance is 3 to 5 business days, regardless of the issuance method selected by the applicant. This processing time refers to the time it takes for the university to prepare the official documents after receiving a complete, valid application. It does not include the time required for mailing or courier delivery, which varies depending on the destination address.

During peak periods—such as the end of each semester (June and December), the university’s graduation ceremony season (February and August), or the Korean national holiday season— the processing time may be extended by an additional 3 to 5 business days. To avoid any delays, international students are strongly advised to submit their document applications well in advance of any official submission deadlines (such as university application deadlines or immigration document submission deadlines).

H2: 2. International Recognition of Hongik University Diploma and Transcript

A Hongik University diploma and transcript are widely recognized and respected by higher education institutions, employers, and governments around the world. This global recognition is backed by the university’s rigorous academic accreditation, consistent high rankings, and membership in international higher education qualification recognition conventions.

H3: 2.1 Official Accreditation and Global Recognition

Hongik University’s academic programs and degrees are formally accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea—the highest national authority responsible for regulating and accrediting all formal higher education institutions in South Korea. This ministry-level accreditation confirms that all degree programs at Hongik University meet or exceed the national academic quality standards set by the Korean government.

Furthermore, Hongik University is an active member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Convention on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications. This international convention is designed to promote the cross-border recognition of academic degrees and qualifications. As a member institution, Hongik University’s diplomas and transcripts are more easily recognized by academic institutions, employers, and governments in all other signatory countries—simplifying the document submission process for international students pursuing further education or careers abroad.

For international students, one of the most important aspects of this global recognition is the fact that Hongik University is included on the official list of recognized overseas universities published by the Chinese Ministry of Education. This means that the university’s 正规 academic degrees (including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees) are officially recognized in China. Graduates can complete the official overseas degree authentication process through the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE)—the official agency under the Chinese Ministry of Education responsible for verifying international academic credentials. Once authenticated, the Hongik University degree will be considered equivalent to a similar degree from a Chinese domestic institution, making it valid for employment, further education, or other official purposes in China.

H3: 2.2 Credit Transfer and Global Employer Acceptance

Hongik University has established formal academic partnership agreements with more than 160 leading universities and higher education institutions across over 40 countries worldwide. These partnerships include official student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and credit transfer agreements—all of which are designed to ensure the global compatibility and recognition of Hongik’s academic credits and degrees.

For international students who participate in Hongik University’s exchange programs or international summer programs, the university provides official, sealed transcripts directly to the student’s home institution upon completion of the program. The vast majority of Hongik’s partner universities—including institutions in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and across Europe—formally accept these transcripts and recognize the academic credits earned at Hongik as equivalent to their own in-house credits. This allows students to transfer their earned credits back to their home institution without any academic loss or complication.

In the global job market, Hongik University diplomas and transcripts are highly valued and respected by multinational corporations, global employers, and leading industry organizations. The university’s strong global academic reputation, combined with its extensive industry partnerships in South Korea and around the world, ensures that its graduates are recognized for their rigorous academic training, practical industry skills, and cross-cultural communication abilities. Many of the university’s academic programs—particularly in fields such as art, design, engineering, and business administration—have been specifically developed to align with the current needs of global industries. This industry-focused curriculum design means that Hongik University graduates are well-prepared to meet the professional requirements of employers in South Korea, their home countries, and the broader global job market.

H2: 3. Document Authentication: Apostille and Consular Legalization

For international students planning to use their Hongik University diploma or transcript in a foreign country—whether for further education, employment, or immigration purposes—simple issuance of the official document by the university is not sufficient. Most governments, academic institutions, and employers require additional official authentication to confirm the legitimacy and legal validity of the document. The two most widely accepted authentication methods are apostille certification and consular legalization.

H3: 3.1 Apostille Certification (For Hague Convention Member Countries)

The Apostille Convention, formally known as the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, is an international treaty that simplifies the process of authenticating public documents for use in member countries. As of November 2023, South Korea is a full member of this convention, along with more than 120 other countries—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and China. For international students from or planning to use their documents in any of these member countries, apostille certification is the standard, most streamlined authentication method available.

As a private university in South Korea, Hongik University’s academic documents (including diplomas and transcripts) are classified as private documents, not government-issued public documents. This means they must complete a two-step apostille authentication process to be recognized internationally.

The first step is notarization. Students need to bring the original official diploma or transcript issued by Hongik University to a licensed, registered notary public office in South Korea. The notary public will verify the authenticity of the university’s official seal and the signature of the university’s authorized administrative staff on the document, as well as confirm the identity of the document holder. Once the verification is complete, the notary public will affix their official seal and signature to the document, confirming that it is a true, unaltered copy of the original.

The second step is apostille issuance. After notarization, students must submit the notarized document to the Overseas Koreans Service Support Center—the official government agency responsible for issuing apostille certifications in South Korea. This agency operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is the only authorized body to issue apostille certifications for academic documents in South Korea. Students need to submit the notarized original document, a clear photocopy of their valid passport or alien registration card (ARC), and the required processing fee (1,000 Korean won per document, payable in cash at the office). The agency will review the notarized document and, if everything is in order, affix an official apostille stamp to the document. This apostille stamp serves as a form of international authentication: it confirms that the document is legitimate and legally valid for official use in any other Hague Convention member country.

H3: 3.2 Consular Legalization (For Non-Hague Convention Member Countries)

For international students from or planning to use their Hongik University diploma or transcript in a country that is not a member of the Hague Convention—such as Vietnam, India, and several others—apostille certification is not recognized or accepted. Instead, these countries require a more traditional, multi-step authentication process known as consular legalization. This process involves additional verification steps conducted by the embassy or consulate of the destination country located in South Korea.

The consular legalization process for Hongik University diplomas and transcripts consists of four core mandatory steps. First, applicants must obtain the original official diploma or transcript directly from Hongik University—following the issuance process outlined in Section 1 of this guide. Second, the original document must be notarized by a licensed notary public in South Korea—this step is identical to the first step of the apostille process. Third, the notarized document must undergo additional verification by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This ministry-level verification confirms the authenticity of the notary public’s seal and signature on the document. Fourth, and finally, applicants must submit the notarized and ministry-verified document to the embassy or consulate of the destination country (the country where the document will be used) that is located in South Korea. The embassy or consulate will conduct its own review of the document and, if all requirements are met, affix an official consular seal to the document. This consular seal confirms that the document is legally valid and recognized for official use in the destination country.

It is important to note that the specific requirements for consular legalization—including required supporting documents, applicable fees, and processing timelines—can vary significantly depending on the embassy or consulate of the destination country. International students are strongly advised to contact the embassy or consulate of their destination country in South Korea well in advance to confirm the exact requirements and processing timeline.

H2: 4. Diploma and Transcript Verification Process

For official purposes such as further education applications, overseas employment, or immigration procedures, it is common for universities, employers, or government agencies to require formal verification of a Hongik University diploma or transcript. This verification process is designed to confirm that the document is authentic, was genuinely issued by Hongik University, and has not been altered in any way. Hongik University offers two official, secure methods for verifying academic documents: direct university verification and third-party agency verification.

H3: 4.1 Direct Verification by Hongik University

The most reliable, secure, and cost-effective method for verifying a Hongik University diploma or transcript is to submit a verification request directly to the university’s administrative department—specifically to the Academic Services Team or the Office of International Affairs. These two departments are exclusively responsible for handling all official academic document verification requests on behalf of the university.

To submit a direct verification request, the requesting institution or agency must provide the following mandatory information and documents:

A clear, full-color photocopy of the official diploma or transcript that requires verification.
A completed, signed official verification application form—this form can be downloaded directly from the university’s official website or obtained in person from the Academic Services Team.
An official authorization letter—this letter must be signed by the document holder and explicitly confirm that the university is authorized to release academic information to the requesting third party (such as an employer or university).
Payment of the official verification processing fee— the exact fee amount is determined by the university and is subject to periodic updates. The current fee can be confirmed by contacting the Academic Services Team directly.

Once a complete verification request is submitted, the university’s administrative staff will conduct a thorough, detailed review of the submitted documents. They will cross-check the information on the submitted diploma or transcript against the student’s official academic records stored in the university’s centralized academic system. This review includes confirming the authenticity of the university’s official seal and the signature of the university’s authorized administrative staff on the document. If the information on the document fully matches the university’s official records, the university will issue an official, signed verification letter or complete a verification form issued by the requesting third party. This official verification document will then be sent directly from Hongik University to the requesting institution or agency—either via secure international courier or official encrypted email. To ensure the security and validity of the verification, the university does not return verification documents to the applicant or send them to any unauthorized third party.

H3: 4.2 Third-Party Verification Services

In some cases, a requesting institution or agency may not accept direct university verification and instead require that the verification process be conducted by an official, authorized third-party verification service provider. This requirement is particularly common for large multinational corporations, top-tier academic institutions, and government immigration agencies—many of which have established formal partnerships with global third-party verification service providers. These third-party providers are tasked with verifying the authenticity of academic documents on behalf of their client institutions.

Hongik University maintains official, collaborative partnerships with several leading global third-party verification service providers. These partnerships allow the university to formally verify the authenticity of its diplomas and transcripts through these authorized providers. Some of the most widely used third-party verification services for Hongik University academic documents include:

National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) : A leading nonprofit verification service provider based in the United States. The NSC maintains a vast, centralized database of student academic records from more than 3,600 accredited colleges and universities across the United States and around the world. Through its DegreeVerify service, the NSC can formally verify the authenticity of Hongik University diplomas and transcripts.
FACTS Transcripts : A globally recognized professional verification service provider that specializes in providing secure, reliable academic document verification services. The company has established formal partnership agreements with thousands of high education institutions worldwide, including Hongik University. It can handle the entire verification process on behalf of students or alumni, eliminating the need for applicants to directly contact the university’s administrative departments.
World Document Services : A professional verification service provider that focuses on providing authentication and verification services for international academic documents. The company has extensive experience in handling Korean university academic document verification, including diplomas and transcripts issued by Hongik University. It can also assist with additional document authentication services such as apostille certification and consular legalization.

The specific process for third-party verification can vary depending on the service provider and the requirements of the requesting institution. In general, the steps are as follows: the applicant submits a verification request directly to the third-party service provider, pays the required verification processing fee, and provides the provider with a clear photocopy of the diploma or transcript that needs to be verified. After receiving the applicant’s request and supporting documents, the third-party service provider will submit an official verification request to Hongik University—following the university’s official verification procedures. The university will then review the request, confirm the authenticity of the document, and send an official verification response directly to the third-party service provider. Once the verification is complete, the third-party service provider will compile an official, comprehensive verification report and send it directly to the requesting institution or agency. This entire process typically takes between 7 and 21 business days—depending on the processing speed of the university, the third-party service provider, and the complexity of the verification request.

H2: 5. Essential Tips for International Students

To ensure that their Hongik University diplomas and transcripts remain valid, secure, and usable for official purposes, international students should follow a set of important, practical guidelines when applying for, authenticating, and storing these critical academic documents.

H3: 5.1 Apply for Documents in Advance

International students are strongly advised to submit their application for official diplomas and transcripts—along with any required authentication services such as apostille certification or consular legalization—as early as possible, well in advance of any official deadline (such as a university application deadline, employment start date, or immigration submission date). The processing time for document issuance, authentication, and verification can vary significantly depending on several factors: the issuance method selected by the applicant, the current workload of the university’s administrative departments, the type of authentication required, and the mailing or courier delivery service selected by the applicant.

In general, the core processing timelines for each step are as follows:

University issuance of diplomas and transcripts: This typically takes between 3 and 5 business days. The exact processing time depends on the issuance method chosen by the applicant—online issuance is generally faster than in-person or mail-in issuance—and the current workload of the university’s administrative departments.
Apostille certification or consular legalization: This typically takes between 7 and 21 business days. The exact processing time depends on the type of authentication required, the workload of the Korean Ministry of Justice or Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the processing speed of the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
Third-party verification services: This typically takes between 7 and 21 business days. The exact processing time depends on the workload of the third-party service provider and the response time of Hongik University’s administrative department.

During peak periods—such as the end of each semester (June and December), the university’s graduation ceremony season (February and August), or the Korean national holiday season— the processing time for all of the above steps may be extended by an additional 3 to 5 business days. To avoid missing critical deadlines, international students should submit their document applications as early as possible—ideally at least 2 to 3 months before the date by which the final authenticated documents are due. This advanced planning ensures that there is sufficient time to handle any unforeseen delays or issues that may arise during the process.

H3: 5.2 Secure and Back Up Official Documents

Official diplomas and transcripts issued by Hongik University are irreplaceable legal documents—losing or damaging these original documents can cause significant delays and complications for future academic, professional, or immigration-related procedures. To mitigate this risk, international students must take proper precautions to securely store and back up their official academic documents.

Specifically, students should complete the following steps immediately after receiving their official diplomas and transcripts from the university:

Make high-quality digital scans of all official documents: Students should use a high-resolution scanner to create clear, color digital copies of the front and back of the original diploma, all pages of the official transcript, and any other supporting official documents (such as apostille certificates or consular legalization documents). These digital scans should be saved in a secure, widely compatible file format such as PDF, and the file names should be clearly labeled (e.g., “Hongik University Diploma – John Doe.pdf”).
Store the digital copies in multiple secure locations: To prevent the loss of these digital files due to device failure or other issues, students should store the scanned copies in at least two separate secure digital locations. For example, students can save a copy to a secure cloud storage service (such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive) with end-to-end encryption, and also save a copy to a secure, portable external hard drive or USB flash drive that is stored in a safe, dry place.
Make physical photocopies of all official documents: Students should make several sets of clear, double-sided photocopies of the original diploma and transcript. These photocopies should be stored in a separate, secure location from the original documents—for example, in a safe deposit box at a local bank or in a secure, locked file cabinet at home.
Confirm document requirements with the requesting institution in advance: Before submitting any original documents or photocopies to a university, employer, or government agency, students should first confirm the exact document submission requirements with the requesting institution directly. Some institutions require the submission of official, sealed documents directly from the university, while others accept notarized photocopies or digitally certified copies. By confirming these requirements in advance, students can avoid unnecessary delays or issues caused by submitting the wrong type of document.

H2: 6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

H3: 6.1 Can I receive a digital copy of my Hongik University diploma or transcript?

Yes, Hongik University provides official, digitally certified electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts to students and alumni upon request. These digital copies are issued in a secure, encrypted PDF format that includes the university’s official electronic seal and the digital signature of the university’s authorized administrative staff. This digital seal and signature confirm that the document is authentic, unaltered, and equivalent in legal validity to a physical paper copy of the same document. To apply for a digital copy of your diploma or transcript, you can log in to the university’s official academic information portal or the dedicated Certpia online certification system, navigate to the “certificate issuance” menu, and select the “digital copy” option. Please note that while many institutions and organizations worldwide accept these digitally certified documents for official submission, some may still require the submission of an official physical copy—either in a sealed envelope from the university or with additional authentication such as apostille certification or consular legalization. You should always confirm the specific document requirements with the requesting institution or organization in advance.

H3: 6.2 How long does it take to receive an apostille for my Hongik University diploma?

The total processing time for apostille certification of a Hongik University diploma or transcript typically ranges from 7 to 21 business days. This timeline consists of three core steps: first, the processing time for the university to issue the official original document (3 to 5 business days); second, the processing time for a licensed notary public in South Korea to notarize the original document (1 to 3 business days); third, the processing time for the Overseas Koreans Service Support Center to review the notarized document and issue the official apostille certification (3 to 7 business days). However, this processing timeline is not guaranteed—during peak periods (such as the end of the semester or the graduation season), the workload of the apostille office may increase significantly, leading to processing delays of 3 to 5 additional business days. To ensure you receive your apostille-certified documents in time for your deadline, you should submit your application for apostille certification as early as possible—ideally at least 1 to 2 months before the date the documents are due.

H3: 6.3 Does Hongik University verify diplomas and transcripts directly?

Yes, Hongik University offers an official, direct verification service for all its academic documents—including diplomas and transcripts. This service is managed exclusively by the university’s Academic Services Team and the Office of International Students. These two departments are responsible for handling all official verification requests submitted by third parties—such as universities, employers, and government agencies. To request direct verification, the requesting institution or agency must submit a formal, signed verification request form along with a clear photocopy of the document to be verified. The request can be submitted via official sealed mail, official encrypted email, or in person at the Academic Services Team office. The university’s administrative staff will then conduct a thorough review of the submitted document, cross-checking the information against the student’s official academic records in the university’s centralized system. If the document is verified as authentic, the university will issue an official, signed verification letter or form and send it directly to the requesting institution. This direct verification service is free of charge for the first two verification requests submitted by a student or alumnus; additional requests may be subject to a small processing fee, as determined by the university’s official fee schedule.

H3: 6.4 What should I do if there is an error on my Hongik University transcript?

If you discover any errors or incorrect information on your official Hongik University transcript—such as an incorrect course title, an incorrect grade, a missing course or credit, or a misspelled name—you should contact the university’s Academic Services Team immediately to request a transcript correction. The process for correcting a transcript error is as follows: first, you must complete the official “Academic Record Correction Form”—this form can be downloaded directly from the university’s official website or obtained in person from the Academic Services Team. Next, you need to gather all necessary supporting documents to prove the error on your transcript—such as a copy of your course registration certificate, a copy of the course syllabus, an exam paper or assignment with the correct grade, or any other relevant academic record. You will then submit the completed correction form and all supporting documents to the Academic Services Team—either in person, via official sealed mail, or via the university’s official online academic information portal. The university’s administrative staff will review your submission and cross-check the information against the student’s official academic records stored in the university’s centralized system. If the error is confirmed to be a mistake made by the university’s administrative staff, the university will correct the error and issue a new, corrected official transcript free of charge. If the error is caused by incorrect information provided by the student or another third party, you may be required to pay a small transcript reissuance fee, as determined by the university’s official fee schedule. The entire transcript correction process typically takes between 5 and 10 business days to complete.

H3: 6.5 Can I order a replacement diploma if my original one is lost or damaged?

Yes, if your original Hongik University diploma is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement diploma from the university’s Academic Services Team. To apply for a replacement diploma, you must submit the following documents to the Academic Services Team: first, a completed, signed official “Replacement Diploma Application Form”—this form can be downloaded from the university’s official website or obtained in person from the office. Second, a clear photocopy of your valid government-issued photo identification document—such as a passport, alien registration card (ARC), or national ID card. Third, a formal, signed written statement explaining the reason for the replacement request—for example, if the original diploma was lost, you need to provide a detailed explanation of when and where the diploma was lost; if the original diploma was damaged, you need to submit the damaged diploma along with your application. Fourth, payment of the official replacement diploma processing fee—the exact amount of this fee is determined by the university and can be confirmed by contacting the Academic Services Team directly. The entire replacement diploma application process typically takes between 2 and 4 weeks to complete. It is important to note that the university’s replacement diploma will be issued with the same date of conferral as the original diploma. However, for security and record-keeping purposes, the replacement diploma will be clearly marked as a “reissued diploma” on its official seal.

H3: 6.6 Is a Hongik University diploma recognized in China?

Yes, a Hongik University diploma is officially recognized and formally accepted in China. Hongik University is included on the official list of recognized overseas universities published by the Chinese Ministry of Education—this list confirms that the institution is accredited by its home country’s national education authority and that its degrees are valid for official use in China. Hongik University diplomas are also formally recognized by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE)—the official agency under the Chinese Ministry of Education that is responsible for verifying and authenticating overseas academic degrees for use in China. To use a Hongik University diploma for official purposes in China—such as for further education applications, employment, or professional qualification registration—you must first complete the CSCSE’s official overseas degree authentication process. This process requires you to submit the following documents to the CSCSE: the original Hongik University diploma and transcript, a valid passport, a copy of your alien registration card (ARC) from your time in South Korea, an official apostille certificate or consular legalization document for your diploma and transcript, and a completed CSCSE application form. The CSCSE will review these documents and verify the authenticity of your Hongik University degree with the university’s administrative department. If all documents are in order, the CSCSE will issue an official degree authentication report—this report serves as formal proof that your Hongik University degree is recognized and valid for official use in China.

H3: 6.7 What is the difference between a transcript and a diploma?

A diploma and a transcript are both official academic documents issued by a university, but they serve distinct, different purposes and contain different types of information. A diploma (also known as a degree certificate) is an official, formal certificate awarded to a student by a university upon the successful completion of all required degree program requirements. It serves as legal, formal proof that the student has officially earned a specific academic degree—such as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, or Doctor of Philosophy. The diploma includes key information such as the student’s full legal name, the exact title of the degree earned, the student’s major or field of study, the official date of degree conferral, and the official seal of the university and the signature of the university’s president or other authorized administrative staff. A transcript (also known as an academic record) is a detailed, comprehensive, and permanent record of a student’s entire academic performance at a university. It lists all the courses the student took during each semester or academic year of their program, the number of credits earned for each course, the final grade received for each course, and the total cumulative credits earned for the entire degree program. The transcript also includes the university’s official grading scale, which explains the meaning of each grade (e.g., what letter grades correspond to what GPA values). Unlike the diploma, which is a one-time certificate issued only once upon graduation, the transcript provides a complete, detailed, and itemized account of the student’s entire academic journey throughout their degree program. For most official purposes—such as further education applications, employment, or immigration procedures—both the diploma and the transcript are required as supporting documents.

H3: 6.8 How can I contact Hongik University for more questions about diplomas and transcripts?

If you have any additional questions about diplomas, transcripts, or related academic document procedures, you can contact the university’s administrative departments directly using the following contact information:

Academic Services Team (Seoul Campus) : Located in the Mun-Heon Hall Building 1F; available by phone at 02-320-1026~7 or by email at support@hongik.ac.kr.
Academic Affairs and Admission Team (Sejong Campus) : Located in the Gaon Hall (Building A) 1F; available by phone at 044-xxx-xxxx or by email at sejongclass@hongik.ac.kr.
Office of International Affairs : Available by phone at 02-320-3222~3 or by email at oia@hongik.ac.kr.

The university’s official office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Korea Standard Time). The office is closed on weekends and Korean national holidays. When contacting the university, please provide your full legal name, student ID number, date of birth, and a detailed description of your question or request. This will help the administrative staff verify your identity and assist you more efficiently.

H2: Take the Next Step with Your Hongik University Diploma

Your Hongik University diploma and transcript are valuable, lifelong academic credentials that open doors to further education, career advancement, and global professional opportunities. Properly managing these documents—from applying for issuance and completing necessary authentication to understanding the verification process—is critical to leveraging their full value in the global job market or for further academic pursuits.

If you are a current student or recent graduate of Hongik University, we recommend taking the following actions to protect and use your academic documents effectively:

Review your official academic records in the university’s online portal : Log in to Hongik University’s official academic information portal or the dedicated Certpia online certification system to review your personal information, course history, grades, and completed credits. Confirm that all the information listed on your academic records is accurate and up-to-date. If you notice any errors or incorrect information, contact the Academic Services Team immediately to request a correction.
Plan ahead for document issuance and authentication : Confirm the document submission deadlines for your intended further education program, job application, or immigration procedure. Based on these deadlines, create a detailed timeline for completing document issuance, apostille certification or consular legalization, and verification. Submit your applications for these services as early as possible to avoid missing your deadlines.
Store your official documents securely : Once you receive your official diploma and transcript from the university, store the original documents in a safe, secure, and dry place—such as a fireproof safe or a safe deposit box at a local bank. Make multiple digital scans and physical photocopies of all your official documents, and store these copies in separate, secure locations. Do not send or share the original documents with any institution or organization unless it is absolutely necessary.
Consult with the relevant institution or agency about document requirements : Before submitting your diploma or transcript to a university, employer, or government agency, contact the receiving institution directly to confirm their exact document submission requirements. For example, confirm whether they require an official sealed transcript directly from the university, a notarized photocopy of the diploma, or a digitally certified electronic copy. This will help you avoid unnecessary delays or issues caused by submitting the wrong type of document.

For more detailed, personalized information about Hongik University diplomas, transcripts, and related official procedures, please visit the university’s Official Academic Certifications Website or contact the Academic Services Team directly at +82-2-320-1026~7. The university’s dedicated staff is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your academic documents.

Konkuk University Diploma & Transcript: Complete Guide for International Students