Dutch diploma with DUO legalisation for South Korea
A Dutch diploma used for university admission, a South Korean visa or the Global Korea Scholarship may need more than an apostille. Education documents commonly pass through DUO before a Dutch court can issue the apostille.
Check the document route before sending the original
A Dutch diploma is not normally sent directly to the court when DUO legalisation is required. DUO first verifies the recognised educational signature. The legalised diploma can then proceed to a Dutch court for an apostille.
Apostille Assist can review the likely route, coordinate agreed Dutch steps and help arrange a sworn translation or international return delivery. See services and pricing or start with the document route check.
When this document route may apply
The receiving institution’s written instructions remain decisive. These are common situations in which the Dutch route should be checked.
Your Korean university requests an apostilled diploma
This is a common reason to check the route before sending originals.
You are applying for GKS or another scholarship
The required Dutch authority depends on the document and signature.
The original diploma is still held by your Dutch university
Collection, legalisation and apostille may need to be coordinated in sequence.
A certified English or Korean translation is also requested
Translation requirements should be confirmed before the final document package is prepared.
From Dutch diploma to South Korean use
This is not an automatic four-step procedure. The route depends on the diploma, its signature and the receiving institution’s instructions.
Correct Dutch diploma
Start with the original version accepted by the Korean university, employer or scholarship body.
Check DUO eligibility
Determine whether the diploma and recognised educational signature can be legalised by DUO.
Apostille where required
After any necessary DUO legalisation, the eligible document may proceed to a Dutch court.
Prepare for South Korea
Add only the translation, copies and delivery method requested by the receiving organisation.
Related South Korea document guides
Use the page that matches the specific document requested by the university, scholarship provider or visa authority.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Dutch diploma go directly to the court?
Usually not when the diploma requires DUO legalisation. DUO generally verifies the educational signature before the apostille stage.
Can you collect my diploma from my university?
This may be possible when the institution permits authorised collection. Use the Diploma Collection Route Check if the original is still held by the university.
Do Korean universities always require an apostille?
No. Requirements vary by university, programme, scholarship and visa route. Always follow the current written instructions.
Can the diploma be translated into English or Korean?
A sworn translation can be coordinated when the receiving authority requests one. Confirm whether translation should happen before or after apostille.
Need help preparing this Dutch document for South Korea?
Send the document type, destination institution and written requirements. The likely Dutch legalisation, apostille and translation route can then be assessed.
