Getting Apostilles for Degree Authentication: A Practical Guide
If you plan to study, work, migrate, or practice a profession overseas, you may be asked to provide an apostilled copy of your university degree. Degree authentication through an apostille is a common requirement for employers, universities, professional bodies, and immigration authorities worldwide.
This article explains what an apostille is, when you need one for a degree, and how to obtain it efficiently.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued under the Hague Apostille Convention.
It confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document (such as a university degree) is authentic, allowing the document to be recognised in another Convention country without further embassy or consular legalisation.
An apostille does not verify the academic content of your degree — only the authenticity of the issuing authority or certifying official.
When Do You Need an Apostille for a Degree?
You will usually need an apostille if your degree is being used overseas for:
- 🎓 Admission to a foreign university or postgraduate program
- 💼 Employment or professional registration abroad
- 🛂 Skilled migration or visa applications
- 🧑⚕️ Licensing in regulated professions (law, medicine, engineering, teaching)
If the destination country is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, a full legalisation process (apostille + embassy authentication) may be required instead.
Which Degree Documents Can Be Apostilled?
Common education-related documents include:
- University degree or diploma certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Graduation letters or completion certificates
- Notarised copies of degrees
- Sworn affidavits confirming degree details (used where originals cannot be apostilled)
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Apostille for Your Degree
1. Confirm the Destination Country’s Requirements
- Check whether the country accepts apostilles.
- Confirm whether they require:
- The original degree, or
- A notarised or certified copy
2. Prepare the Degree for Apostille
Most apostille authorities cannot apostille a private document directly, so one of the following is required:
- Notarised copy of the degree (common in Australia, UK, US)
- University-issued certified copy
- Government certification (some countries require education department verification first)
3. Obtain the Apostille from the Competent Authority
The issuing authority depends on where the degree was issued:
Australia
- Apostilles are issued by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
- Degrees must usually be notarised or certified before submission
United States
- Apostilles are issued by:
- State Secretaries of State (for state-level notarisation), or
- The United States Department of State (for federal documents)
United Kingdom
- Apostilles are issued by the Legalisation Office (FCDO)
Processing times typically range from same day to 10 business days, depending on jurisdiction and service level.
4. Translation (If Required)
If the degree is not in the official language of the destination country, you may also need:
- A certified translation
- Apostille of the translation itself (some countries require both documents apostilled)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Sending the original degree when a notarised copy is required
❌ Not matching the apostille country to the document’s country of origin
❌ Assuming an apostille verifies academic equivalency
❌ Missing translation or secondary legalisation requirements
Apostille vs Credential Evaluation
An apostille does not replace:
- Academic equivalency assessments (e.g. WES, NARIC)
- Professional licensing evaluations
Many institutions require both an apostille and a credential assessment.
Should You Use a Professional Apostille Service?
Using a professional service can help if:
- You are overseas and cannot attend in person
- Multiple degrees or countries are involved
- You need urgent processing
- You want end-to-end handling (notary + apostille + courier)
For lawyers, notaries, migration agents, and professionals dealing with frequent cross-border document use, outsourcing apostilles can significantly reduce delays and errors.