Document guide
Legalisation and apostille
Government confirmation that a public document is genuine, for use abroad. Usually needed after admission, not at application.
What it is
- Apostille: a certificate attached to a public document under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, confirming the signature and stamp are genuine. Used between countries that are both parties to the convention.
- Legalisation: a chain of certifications (often by your foreign ministry and then the destination country's embassy or consulate) for countries where the apostille does not apply.
Neither confirms the content of the document, only that it was issued by the authority it claims.
Why programmes ask for it
Universities in some countries must verify foreign degrees before enrolment or before awarding their own degree. Examples from official pages: JMPMB asks for the degree with an apostille or Spanish-embassy legalisation; IMSOGLO asks admitted students for legalised copies (scans by 31 May 2027); AquaH and emPLANT+ ask for legalised copies only after selection.
Who issues it
The competent authority in the country that issued the document: often a ministry of foreign affairs, ministry of education, court or designated office; for legalisation, also the destination country's embassy or consulate.
What it usually contains
An official stamp or certificate on or attached to the document, with a reference number that can often be verified online.
How to prepare it
- For each programme, find out whether legalisation is needed, which documents, which form (apostille or embassy legalisation) and by when.
- Find out whether your country and the destination country are both parties to the Apostille Convention.
- Check whether the translation must also be legalised, and in which order (legalise the original, then translate, or the reverse).
- Wait until you are admitted unless the programme requires it at application. It can be costly.
- Keep receipts and reference numbers.
Common mistakes
- Paying for legalisation before it is required.
- Legalising a copy when the original was required, or vice versa.
- Getting an apostille when the destination country requires embassy legalisation.
Quality-control checklist
- Correct form (apostille or legalisation) for the destination country.
- Correct documents, in the correct order with translations.
- Ready by the programme's stated date.
Lead time (planning estimate)
Two to eight weeks for an apostille, depending on the country; longer for embassy legalisation chains.
Commonly useful or programme-dependent?
Programme-dependent and country-dependent. Most programmes in our sample that mention it ask for it after admission.