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Mundus Masterplan

Document guide

Bachelor's degree certificate or diploma

Proof that you hold the first-cycle degree that gives access to a master's. Often accompanied by a diploma supplement.

What it is

The official certificate your university issues when you complete your degree. In Europe it is often accompanied by a diploma supplement, a standard document that describes the degree, its level and the grading system.

Why programmes ask for it

Every Erasmus Mundus Joint Master requires a first higher education degree or a recognised equivalent by a date the programme sets. The certificate is the proof. Some programmes need it at application (EMLDS asks for the official diploma; MATHS-DISC asks for degrees obtained at the time of application); others accept final-year students and ask for it before enrolment.

Who issues it

Your university. Certified copies come from the university, a notary or a public office, depending on your country.

What it usually contains

Your name, the degree title, the field, the date of award, sometimes the final classification, and the university's seal and signatures.

How to prepare it

  1. If you have graduated, scan the original in colour. Request the diploma supplement if your university issues one; MIR asks for diploma supplements in a single file.
  2. If you have not graduated, prepare proof of expected graduation and check the programme's graduation cut-off date.
  3. Check whether the programme wants a certified copy, a notarised copy (DENSYS 2.0), an English translation (EUROPHOTONICS, Mundus MAPP), both language versions (IPCVai) or an apostille or legalisation (JMPMB).
  4. Check when each format is needed. Several programmes accept plain scans at application and ask for certified or legalised copies only after admission (IMSOGLO, emPLANT+, MUrCS). Do not pay for legalisation before you need it.

Common mistakes

  • Uploading a provisional certificate without saying so.
  • Paying for legalisation at application when the programme only needs it after admission.
  • Name on the diploma differing from the passport with no explanation (for example, after marriage). Add a supporting document.

Quality-control checklist

  • Scan of the original, all pages and the reverse if printed.
  • Diploma supplement included if available.
  • Translation, certification or legalisation in the form and at the stage the programme specifies.
  • Name consistent with passport, or explanation attached.

Lead time (planning estimate)

Immediate if you already hold it. Certified copies: a few days to two weeks. Legalisation or apostille: two to eight weeks depending on the country. Replacement diplomas can take months.

Commonly useful or programme-dependent?

Commonly useful: most programmes need either the certificate or proof of expected graduation. Certification, translation and legalisation rules are programme-dependent.