What Is an Apostille?

An apostille refers to a certificate used in attesting that the public document presented is authentic.

1. It verifies the signature, seal or stamp on your document
2. It does not verify the content of the document
3. It is recognized by many countries around the world
4. One certificate replaces the old multi-step embassy legalization

Where Is an Apostille Accepted?

Not every country recognizes an apostille. Only members of the Hague Apostille Convention do, and that includes more than 120 countries. The good news is that most top study destinations are on the list:

1. Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain
2. North America: USA, Canada (since 2024)
3. Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China (since 2023)
4. Middle East: UAE (since 2024), Oman, Bahrain

Apostille for Students Going Abroad

Universities and visa offices often ask for apostilled documents, especially in countries like Germany, France, and Italy.

Documents students usually need:

1. Degree certificate, mark sheets and transcripts
2. Birth certificate
3. Police clearance certificate
4. Affidavits (such as a financial or parental consent affidavit)

Quick tips:

1. Ask your university exactly which documents need an apostille
2. Start early, as processing can take weeks
3. Keep a few extra copies
4. Check whether a certified translation is required

Step-by-Step Process to Get an Apostille

1. Confirm the requirement. Check with your university, visa office, or embassy whether an apostille is needed.
2. Get the original document. Make sure it is a valid, original public document.
3. Complete local verification. Documents like degree certificates must first be verified by the state education or home department.
4. Notarize if required. Private documents like affidavits usually need notarization first.
5. Submit to the competent authority. Apply for the apostille with the required forms and fees.
6. Collect your document. The apostille is attached to the document as either a stamp or a certificate.
7. Translate if needed. Obtain a certified translation if requested by the destination country.

Who Issues Apostilles?

Every member country appoints its own “competent authority.” You need to apply to the authority in the country where your document was issued. For most of our students, that is India.

1. India: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), usually after state-level verification for documents like degree certificates
2. Other countries (for reference): the foreign ministry or Secretary of State’s office, depending on the country

Final Thoughts

Documents are the biggest reasons for delays in admissions and visas. Start early and get in touch with your university to know the documents required, and make sure that the country you're going to accept apostilles. Need help? As a leading abroad study consultancy in Kerala, Bright team will be glad to help you out.