Apostille for Degrees and Academic Certificates
What is an Apostille for Academic Certificates?
An apostille is an official document issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). It authenticates the signature, seal or stamp on a UK degree or academic certificate so that it is legally recognised abroad. An apostille is only required when a British document – created, signed or issued in the UK – is needed overseas. If the same document is being used inside the UK there is no requirement for an apostille.
Academic certificates often need apostilles to prove authenticity to foreign authorities, employers or educational institutions. Without an apostille, UK degrees or educational documents may be refused abroad. Because rules differ by country and by purpose, it’s recommended that you work with an experienced Apostille company who will be able to confirm the receiving authority’s exact requirements before you start.
When You Need an Apostille for Academic Certificates
Applying for Postgraduate Study Abroad
Most universities outside the UK require applicants to submit apostilled academic documents as part of their admissions process. This often covers both the degree certificate and the official transcripts or mark sheets. For example, students applying to medical programmes in Europe or teacher training in Australia may be asked for an apostille on each document.
Securing Employment Overseas
Employers overseas frequently request apostilled educational certificates to verify qualifications before employment. This is common in regulated professions such as teaching, engineering, medicine and law where formal proof of credentials is mandatory. Individuals moving abroad with their families often need apostilles on a set of different documents at once, such as marriage or birth certificates alongside their academic qualifications.
Registering with Professional Bodies
Professional organisations in other countries, such as local accountancy bodies, legal societies or medical councils, usually insist on apostilled academic documents for membership or licensing. An apostille confirms that the qualification comes from a legitimate UK institution.
Types of Academic Documents That Can Be Apostilled
UK University Degrees and Diplomas
All degrees issued by recognised UK universities can be apostilled, including Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate qualifications. The FCDO does not check academic level; they only verify the authenticity of the signature or seal on the certificate.
Academic Transcripts and Mark Sheets
Transcripts showing grades, course titles and completion dates can also be apostilled. Some countries require transcripts and certificates to be bound together under one apostille; others insist on separate apostilles for each. Our team will advise you on your specific documents and country requirements.
Professional Qualifications
Professional certificates issued by UK bodies such as ACCA, City & Guilds or other accredited organisations can be apostilled. The issuing institution must be recognised by an appropriate UK regulator.
Overseas Qualifications
Foreign qualifications can only receive a UK apostille in limited situations. A UK Notary must first verify authenticity with the issuing institution abroad. This process is usually slower and more expensive than obtaining an apostille from the country of origin but our team will be on hand to offer advice, support and guidance on the best course of action depending on your circumstances.
Step-by-Step Apostille Process
1. Obtain Your Original Document
Make sure you have the original certificate or an official certified copy. Universities will normally issue replacements if needed, though this can take time. Documents must bear an original registered signature or seal. The FCDO will not issue apostilles to laminated documents or documents bearing only electronic or copy signatures.
2. Notary Public Certification
Before the FCDO can issue an apostille, your academic document must be certified by a UK Notary Public. Only a Notary’s certification is acceptable for use outside the UK. The Notary will add a certifying statement, date, sign and apply a seal and emboss to the document. This confirms that the copy corresponds with the original or that the original has been properly executed.
3. Submit to FCDO
Once certified, you can apply for the apostille onour site. We will then ensure the document is submitted to theFCDO Legalisation Office. The FCDO checks the Notary’s signature against their database and attaches the apostille certificate if everything is in order.
4. Receive Your Apostilled Document
The apostille certificate is permanently attached to your academic document. You can receive either the original document with the apostille or a certified copy with the apostille, depending on your preference and what the receiving authority requires.
Additional Things to Consider
Translation Requirements
Documents in languages other than English may need a certified translation before apostilling. The apostille itself is issued in English, French and Spanish, but the underlying document may have to be translated depending on the destination country’s rules.
Original vs Certified Copies
Many people prefer certified copies to preserve their originals because the apostille process involves a permanent attachment to the certificate. However, some countries specifically require apostilles on originals. We will check and advise you accordingly before submitting your document.
Non-Hague Convention Countries
Countries not party to the Hague Convention, such as the UAE, Qatar and Vietnam, require additional embassy or consular legalisation after the apostille. This involves submitting your apostilled document to the relevant embassy for further authentication. We provide this service, and our agent will be able to discuss the process and requirements with you.
Timeframes and Costs for Obtaining an Apostille
Our Pricing
Our aim is to ensure our pricing is transparent and easy to understand. You can see our common costs below, or contact us for more detailed or complex queries.
Common apostille costs:
Apostille: £40 per document
Embassy Handling: £30 per document
DHL Domestic: £12.50 per order
DHL International: £55 per order
Translations: price on application
FCDO Services
We offer two services: a next working day service and a same-day service with a strict qualification process.
Processing Times
If documents and instructions are in order and payment is made promptly, documents received in the morning can often be ready to despatch the next working day in the afternoon. Average processing time from receipt to despatch is two to three working days.
Degree Apostille Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apostille a photocopy of my degree certificate?
Yes, but only if it’s certified as a true copy by a UK Notary Public.
Does my university need to verify the document first?
Not necessarily if you submit the original. If you only have a copy or digital version, the Notary may need to verify authenticity with your university before certification. This can add time to the process.
Can academic transcripts also be apostilled?
Yes, transcripts can be apostilled using the same process as degree certificates. Depending on the destination country, they may be bound together with your degree certificate or processed separately.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact our team of specialists for advice and help in obtaining your apostille.