Hundreds of students suspected of using fake US diplomas to study abroad in South Korea

112 Chinese international students allegedly used diplomas from an unlicensed US college to enroll at Honam University.

South Korean immigration authorities launched an investigation into the matter earlier this month. The students enrolled last fall, initially entering South Korea on D-4 vocational training visas before switching to D-2 regular university student visas.

The student group's applications are suspected of including diplomas from US colleges that had their licenses revoked or were unrecognized as far back as 20 years ago. All 112 students involved have since left South Korea.

Under regulations, Chinese citizens must have their documents, such as diplomas and transcripts, notarized by consular services to apply for a student visa in South Korea. Immigration authorities declined to explain why they suspect the students' documents were falsified. The ongoing investigation will examine whether Honam University was involved or intentionally overlooked the suspicious applications from these international students.

A university official stated that they lack the authority to verify whether the documents were falsified.

"The students might have also been defrauded by parties impersonating recognized educational institutions in the US," the official said. "We are still working to precisely determine the context of the incident."

According to the Korea Institute for Educational Development, as of 4/2024, Honam University had 1,753 international students, with over 84% from China.

The university is also facing criticism for its 3+1 transfer program. This program allows Chinese students who have completed three years at partner colleges to obtain a bachelor's degree after just one additional year of study at Honam University.