Apostille vs Attestation vs Notarisation: What Indian Students Need for Studying Abroad

Applying to a foreign university can involve several document-related instructions:

• Submit a notarised copy
• Upload a certified true copy
• Obtain an apostille
• Complete MEA attestation
• Get embassy legalisation
• Provide a certified translation
• Submit an authenticated degree certificate

These terms are frequently treated as if they mean the same thing.

They do not.

Notarisation, apostille and attestation are different levels of document verification, performed by different authorities for different purposes.

A university may accept a scanned copy during the initial application but later request a notarised or institution-certified copy.

A visa or residence authority may require a birth certificate or police clearance certificate with an apostille.

A country outside the Hague Apostille Convention may require normal attestation followed by embassy or consular legalisation.

Using the wrong process can cause:

• University application delays
• Rejection of documents
• Additional courier expenses
• Missed enrolment deadlines
• Visa or residence-permit delays
• Repeated translation and certification costs

The correct process depends on:

1. The country where the document was issued
2. The country where it will be used
3. The type of document
4. The purpose of submission
5. The exact instructions of the receiving authority

The Ministry of External Affairs currently provides two primary international authentication routes for Indian documents: apostille for countries where the Hague Apostille Convention applies and normal attestation for countries where it does not apply or where an apostille is not accepted.

This guide explains how Indian students can identify the correct process before submitting documents for university admission, visas, residence permits and enrolment abroad.

Apostille vs Attestation vs Notarisation at a Glance

Process	Usually Performed By	What It Confirms	Common Use
Notarisation	Authorised notary public	A copy, signature, declaration or affidavit has been witnessed or certified	University copies, affidavits and declarations
Apostille	Ministry of External Affairs or authorised process	Origin of a public document for use where the Hague Convention applies	Degrees, birth certificates, marriage certificates and PCCs
Normal attestation	State or designated authority, MEA and possibly destination-country embassy	Authentication for countries where apostille is not accepted	Educational, personal and commercial documents
Certified translation	Sworn, court-certified or otherwise authorised translator	Accurate translation of the original document	Documents not issued in the accepted application language
University-certified copy	Issuing university or authorised official	Copy corresponds to the university’s original record	Transcripts, degrees and provisional certificates

What Is Notarisation?

Notarisation is generally the first and most basic level of certification.

A notary public may:

• Witness a signature
• Certify that a photocopy matches the original presented
• Attest an affidavit or declaration
• Confirm that a person signed a document before the notary
• Apply an official signature, stamp and registration details

An authorised notary performs specific public functions relating to the attestation and certification of documents. The role is intended to give formal credibility to signatures, copies and declarations.

Common Student Documents That May Be Notarised

Students may be asked for notarised copies of:

• Passport
• Degree certificate
• Provisional degree certificate
• Transcripts
• Mark sheets
• School certificates
• Birth certificate
• Sponsorship declaration
• Affidavit of support
• Name-discrepancy affidavit
• Gap explanation
• Accommodation declaration
• Power of attorney

What Does a Notary Actually Confirm?

When certifying a photocopy, the notary usually confirms that the copy presented corresponds with the original document shown.

The notary does not normally conduct an academic investigation into:

• Whether the university is recognised
• Whether the marks are accurate
• Whether the degree is academically equivalent abroad
• Whether the qualification permits admission
• Whether the document meets immigration requirements

Notarisation therefore does not automatically authenticate the issuing university.

It also does not replace an apostille when the destination authority specifically requests one.

When Is Notarisation Enough?

Notarisation may be sufficient when a university asks for:

• Notarised copies
• Certified true copies
• A witnessed declaration
• A notarised passport copy
• A notarised affidavit

It may also be one step within a longer authentication process.

However, a university can define “certified copy” differently. Some institutions accept copies certified by a notary, while others accept only certification from:

• The issuing university
• A government authority
• A court
• An embassy
• A specifically authorised professional

Read the institution’s definition rather than assuming that every notarised copy will be accepted.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an international certificate used to authenticate the origin of a public document under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.

The Convention replaces the longer traditional legalisation chain with a single apostille certificate issued by the competent authority in the country where the document originated. It currently has 130 contracting parties, although students must check whether it is in force between the two particular countries involved.

In India, the designated competent authority is the Ministry of External Affairs.

Documents Commonly Apostilled by Students

These can include:

Educational Documents

• Degree certificate
• Diploma
• Provisional certificate
• School-leaving certificate
• Class 10 certificate
• Class 12 certificate
• Selected academic records

Personal Documents

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Police clearance certificate
• Affidavit
• Power of attorney
• Name-change document
• Adoption-related document
• Medical certificate where applicable

MEA confirms that apostille services cover personal documents such as birth, death and marriage certificates, affidavits and powers of attorney, as well as educational documents such as degrees, diplomas and school certificates.

What Does an Apostille Confirm?

An apostille confirms:

• Authenticity of the signature
• Capacity in which the signatory acted
• Identity of the seal or stamp on the document
• Origin of the public document

It does not certify:

• Accuracy of the document’s content
• Academic quality of the qualification
• University recognition
• Degree equivalence
• Eligibility for admission
• Professional licensing
• Visa approval

The official e-Sanad guidance clearly states that an apostille certifies the origin, signature, seal and capacity of the official involved, not the content of the underlying document.

For example, an apostille on a degree certificate may verify the official signature and seal connected with the certificate.

It does not determine whether that degree is equivalent to a European bachelor’s degree or whether it satisfies the prerequisites for a particular master’s programme.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

An apostille may be required when all of the following conditions apply:

1. The document was issued in a country where the Apostille Convention applies
2. It will be used in another country where the Convention applies
3. The document is treated as a public document under the issuing country’s law
4. The receiving university, embassy or authority requires an apostille

The e-Sanad guidance also notes that an apostille may not be required when the destination authority has simplified or removed the legalisation requirement. Students should therefore ask the intended recipient whether it is necessary for the exact document and purpose.

Important: Hague Membership Alone Is Not Enough

Do not check only whether the destination country appears on a general Hague list.

Confirm:

• The Convention has entered into force for both countries
• It applies between India and the destination country
• Neither country has a continuing objection affecting the relationship
• The document falls within the Convention
• The receiving authority actually requests an apostille

The HCCH status table is the authoritative place to confirm the current contracting-party position and any declarations or objections.

What Is Attestation?

The word attestation is used in several ways.

At a basic level, it can mean that an authorised person verifies a document, copy or signature.

In the international-document context, normal attestation generally refers to the authentication and legalisation route used when an apostille is not applicable or accepted.

MEA states that normal attestation is used for countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention or where an apostille is not accepted.

A Typical Normal-Attestation Chain

Depending on the document and destination, the process may involve:

1. Verification by the issuing institution
2. Authentication by a designated state or regional authority
3. Attestation by the Ministry of External Affairs
4. Attestation or legalisation by the destination country’s embassy or consulate
5. Further authentication after arrival, where required

The precise route is country-specific.

Do not assume that every non-Hague destination follows exactly the same sequence.

Apostille vs Embassy Legalisation

The main practical difference is the destination-country framework.

Apostille Route

Commonly used when:

• India and the destination country are covered by the Hague Apostille Convention
• The receiving authority requires authentication
• The document qualifies as a public document

The apostille normally replaces additional embassy legalisation for Convention purposes.

Attestation and Embassy-Legalisation Route

Commonly used when:

• The destination country is not covered by the Convention
• The Convention does not operate between India and that country
• The destination authority does not accept an apostille
• The embassy requires its own authentication process

In this route, the document may need MEA attestation followed by legalisation from the destination-country embassy or consulate.

Students should obtain the current checklist directly from the destination authority because embassy procedures, fees and appointments can change.

Notarisation vs Apostille

These processes are not interchangeable.

Notarisation	Apostille
Performed by a notary public	Issued through the competent national authority
Often certifies a copy, signature or declaration	Authenticates the origin of a public document internationally
Mainly used domestically or as an initial certification step	Used for cross-border document acceptance under the Hague Convention
Does not automatically legalise a document abroad	Replaces traditional legalisation where the Convention applies
May be required before another authentication step	Usually represents the international authentication step

A document may require both.

For example, an affidavit may first be executed and notarised, after which it may be authenticated and apostilled for use abroad.

Attestation vs Apostille

Apostille	Normal Attestation
Used under the Hague Apostille Convention	Used when apostille is not applicable or accepted
Generally replaces the traditional embassy-legalisation chain	May require destination embassy or consulate legalisation
Issued by India’s designated competent authority	Can involve state authorities, MEA and foreign missions
Standardised Convention certificate	Format and process can vary by destination
Does not authenticate document content	Also authenticates signatures and seals, not academic merit

Certified Copy vs Notarised Copy

A certified copy is a photocopy confirmed by an authorised person or institution as corresponding with the original.

The authorised certifier may be:

• Notary
• University registrar
• School official
• Government authority
• Court
• Embassy official
• Another professional accepted by the receiving institution

A notarised copy is therefore one form of certified copy.

However, not every certified copy is notarised.

A university may specifically request copies certified by the issuing institution. In that case, ordinary notarisation may not satisfy the requirement.

Certified Translation vs Notarisation

Translation is a separate process.

A document may be:

• Notarised but untranslated
• Translated but not certified
• Apostilled but untranslated
• Apostilled and translated
• Translated before or after legalisation

German uni-assist universities generally require educational documents in their original language together with certified translations into German or English where necessary. Uni-assist does not accept ordinary translations from unauthorised translation agencies; translations must be produced by an authorised person, court-admissible translator or the appropriately authorised department of the issuing institution.

Should Translation Be Done Before or After Apostille?

This depends on the destination authority.

Certain authorities want legalisation completed first so that:

• Apostille text
• Authentication stamps
• Seals
• Endorsements

can also be included in the translation.

For Austrian student-residence applications, official guidance states that foreign documents may need legalisation and should then be translated into German by a sworn and court-certified interpreter where required. It also advises completing legalisation before translation because the seals and stamps may need to be translated.

Do not order expensive translations until the required order has been confirmed.

Which Documents Do Students Commonly Need to Legalise?

The answer varies by university, visa category and country.

University Application Stage

Commonly submitted documents include:

• Degree certificate
• Provisional degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Semester mark sheets
• School certificates
• English-language certificate
• Passport copy
• Curriculum or syllabus
• Grading-scale document

At this stage, many universities initially accept:

• Digital scans
• Official electronic records
• Institution-issued documents
• Certified copies

An apostille may not be necessary during the initial online application unless specifically requested.

For German applications processed through uni-assist, educational certificates must be official and may need certified translations. The platform advises applicants to upload education records in detail, beginning with the relevant school qualification and continuing through university study.

Enrolment Stage

After admission, the university may request:

• Original degree certificate
• Official transcript
• Certified copy
• Apostilled qualification
• Legalised educational documents
• Verified digital record

Do not assume the online-application format will also be accepted for final enrolment.

Visa or Residence-Permit Stage

The documents requiring apostille or legalisation are frequently personal or civil-status documents, such as:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Police clearance certificate
• Custody document
• Parental consent
• Affidavit
• Sponsorship document

Austria, for example, advises that foreign documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and police clearance certificates may need legalisation and translation for a student residence-permit application.

After Arrival

Students may later require authenticated documents for:

• Residence registration
• Family reunification
• Work-permit applications
• Professional licensing
• Marriage registration
• Qualification recognition
• Further university admission

Preserve the authenticated originals carefully.

How the Indian Apostille Process Works

The precise process depends on whether the document can be processed digitally through e-Sanad.

Route 1: e-Sanad

e-Sanad is an MEA initiative for online verification, attestation and apostille of personal, educational and commercial documents.

The system is intended to provide a:

• Contactless
• Faceless
• Cashless
• Paperless

authentication process.

The main requirement is that the document must be available through a participating digital repository or integrated Document Issuing Authority.

e-Sanad Process

The general stages include:

1. Registration
2. Document upload or retrieval
3. Fee payment
4. Verification by the issuing authority
5. Attestation or apostille through MEA
6. Delivery or access to the processed document

e-Sanad has been integrated with selected issuing authorities and repositories, but coverage is not universal. If the document is not available through a participating digital repository, the applicant must follow the applicable non-e-Sanad process.

Route 2: Documents Not Covered by e-Sanad

When the document is not available through e-Sanad, it may require prior authentication through the relevant state, regional or issuing authority before MEA processing.

The exact authentication authority depends on the document type.

Educational Documents

These may require verification through:

• Issuing university or board
• State education authority
• Regional Authentication Centre
• Another designated authority

Personal Documents

These may require authentication through:

• Home Department
• General Administration Department
• Sub-Divisional Magistrate route where permitted
• Issuing civil authority

Commercial Documents

These may first require authentication by a recognised Chamber of Commerce.

MEA legalises documents based on signatures of designated authorities from states, union territories or Chambers of Commerce.

How Much Does an Apostille Cost in India?

India’s apostille government fee is currently listed as ₹50 per document. Additional costs can apply for:

• Outsourced collection and delivery
• Scanning
• Postal delivery
• State authentication
• Notarisation
• Certified translation
• Courier services

The official HCCH record for India identifies MEA as the competent authority and lists the apostille price as ₹50.

Applicants should confirm the latest complete charges on the official MEA or e-Sanad route before submission.

Private agencies may charge significantly more for document collection, travel, coordination and expedited support. Their service charge is separate from the official government fee.

How Long Does Apostille or Attestation Take?

There is no single guaranteed timeline for every document.

Processing time can depend on:

• Document type
• Issuing state
• University responsiveness
• Availability in a digital repository
• State-level verification
• Embassy appointment availability
• Translation requirements
• Courier time
• Errors in names or seals

Documents that require university verification can take longer when:

• Records are old
• The institution has merged or closed
• The university does not respond promptly
• The name differs across records
• The document lacks a clear signature or seal

Begin the process as soon as the official requirement is known.

Do not wait until the final university-enrolment or residence-permit deadline.

A Step-by-Step Decision Process

Step 1: Ask Who Requires the Document

Identify whether it is needed by:

• University
• Application platform
• Embassy
• Immigration authority
• Residence authority
• Scholarship organisation
• Professional regulator

Different authorities may request different versions of the same document.

Step 2: Ask for the Exact Wording

Check whether the authority asks for:

• Scan
• Original
• Certified copy
• Notarised copy
• University-certified copy
• Apostilled original
• Legalised document
• Certified translation

Do not interpret these terms loosely.

Step 3: Check the Hague Convention

Confirm the status of:

• India
• Destination country
• Entry-into-force date
• Any applicable objection or declaration

Use the official HCCH status table.

Step 4: Identify the Document Type

Determine whether it is:

• Educational
• Personal
• Commercial
• Notarial
• Court-issued

This affects the authentication route.

Step 5: Confirm the Issuing Authority

Check whether the document was issued by:

• University
• Autonomous college
• School board
• Municipality
• State government
• Police authority
• Court
• Private institution

Step 6: Check e-Sanad Availability

Search whether the issuing authority or repository is integrated with e-Sanad.

A scanned document cannot automatically be processed through e-Sanad merely because it is available in DigiLocker. The relevant issuing authority and document type must be supported by the system.

Step 7: Complete Authentication

Follow the required state, issuing-authority or digital-verification process.

Step 8: Obtain Apostille or Normal Attestation

Use apostille where the Convention applies and normal attestation where it does not.

Step 9: Complete Embassy Legalisation Where Required

For non-Hague routes, follow the destination embassy’s current procedure.

Step 10: Translate in the Correct Order

Confirm:

• Accepted language
• Approved translator type
• Whether translation must happen after legalisation
• Whether both original and translation require certification

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: University Asks for a Notarised Degree Copy

The student should normally:

1. Carry the original degree and photocopy to an authorised notary
2. Obtain certification of the copy
3. Upload or send the notarised copy according to the university’s instructions

An apostille is unnecessary unless separately requested.

Scenario 2: Residence Authority Requests an Apostilled Birth Certificate

The student should:

1. Confirm the Convention applies
2. Obtain the correct original birth certificate
3. Complete the required Indian authentication route
4. Obtain the MEA apostille
5. Arrange certified translation where required

Scenario 3: Destination Is Outside the Applicable Apostille System

The student may need:

1. Issuing-authority or state authentication
2. MEA normal attestation
3. Destination-country embassy legalisation
4. Additional destination-country authentication after arrival

The exact route must be confirmed with the embassy.

Scenario 4: German University Requests Certified Translations

The student should provide:

• Original-language educational documents
• German or English translations prepared by an accepted authorised translator
• Certified copies where the university requires them

A general translation from an ordinary agency may not meet uni-assist standards.

Does Every Degree Certificate Need an Apostille?

No.

A degree may not need an apostille when:

• The university accepts a scan
• The university verifies the certificate electronically
• A university-certified copy is sufficient
• The destination has removed the requirement
• The apostille is required only at enrolment
• The qualification-recognition authority uses direct verification

Do not apostille every academic document automatically.

You may spend money authenticating documents that the university never asks for.

Do Transcripts Need an Apostille?

Sometimes, but not always.

Universities may request:

• Official transcript sent directly by the institution
• Sealed transcript
• Digitally verifiable transcript
• Certified copy
• Apostilled transcript
• Apostilled degree but ordinary transcript

A transcript consisting of several pages can also create practical questions about whether the apostille applies to the complete document bundle.

Confirm the requirement with the recipient before processing.

Does a Passport Need an Apostille?

Normally, university and visa applications require:

• A clear passport scan
• Notarised passport copy
• Embassy-certified copy in specific cases
• Original passport during the visa appointment

Apostilling a passport copy is not a routine requirement for most student applications.

Follow the exact checklist.

Does a Police Clearance Certificate Need an Apostille?

It may, particularly for:

• Residence permits
• Long-stay visas
• Professional registration
• Immigration applications

The authority may also impose rules regarding:

• How recently the PCC was issued
• Which Indian authority issued it
• Countries of previous residence
• Translation
• Original submission
• Legalisation

Do not obtain a PCC too early because validity periods can be limited by the receiving authority.

Does Apostille Mean the Degree Is Recognised?

No.

Apostille and academic recognition are separate.

An apostille authenticates the origin of the document.

Academic recognition may involve assessing:

• University status
• Qualification level
• Duration
• Credits
• Curriculum
• Admission requirements
• Learning outcomes

Apostilling an unrecognised or unsuitable qualification does not make it academically equivalent.

Common Mistakes Indian Students Make

1. Apostilling Every Document

Authenticate only documents required for a defined purpose.

2. Assuming Notarisation Equals Apostille

Notarisation is usually a local certification step, not international legalisation.

3. Checking Only Whether the Destination Is a Hague Member

Confirm that the Convention operates between India and the destination.

4. Translating Too Early

The apostille and other seals may also need translation.

5. Using an Unauthorised Translator

Universities may reject translations from ordinary agencies.

6. Apostilling a Photocopy When the Original Is Required

Confirm whether the authority accepts:

• Original
• True copy
• Notarial copy
• Digitally issued document

7. Ignoring Name Differences

Variations across the passport, degree and birth certificate can delay authentication.

8. Trusting an Agent’s Verbal Statement

Ask for the official university or government requirement.

9. Using an Unverified Private Agency

Check whether the provider is officially authorised or simply acting as a private courier and facilitator.

10. Starting Too Late

University and state verification can take longer than expected.

11. Confusing Legalisation with Recognition

Authentication does not establish academic equivalence.

12. Sending Original Documents Without Tracking

Use secure submission and preserve scans of every page.

Red Flags and Document Scams

Proceed carefully when an agency:

• Guarantees apostille without seeing the document
• Claims it can apostille any document within hours
• Requests payment to a personal account
• Refuses to provide a receipt
• Promises to alter names or marks
• Says university verification is unnecessary
• Offers a fake embassy stamp
• Cannot explain the official government fee
• Asks for your e-Sanad password
• Claims apostille guarantees admission or visa approval

An apostille can be verified against the relevant official register. The e-Sanad system provides an electronic register for verification of issued apostilles.

Document Preparation Checklist

Before Authentication

• Exact recipient confirmed
• Exact document requested
• Destination-country rule checked
• Hague status checked
• Original document available
• Name and date details reviewed
• Issuing authority identified
• Translation order confirmed
• Deadline recorded

During Processing

• Official route selected
• e-Sanad eligibility checked
• State authentication completed where required
• Payment receipt saved
• Application number saved
• Document scans retained
• Courier tracking retained

After Processing

• Apostille or attestation details checked
• Name and document number checked
• Stamp and signature visible
• Online verification completed
• Certified translation arranged
• Copies securely stored
• Original packed safely for travel

How SPAN International Helps Students with Documentation

Study-abroad document requirements can differ across countries, universities and residence authorities.

SPAN International supports eligible students with:

• University-document checklist review
• Apostille and attestation requirement guidance
• Notarised-copy planning
• e-Sanad process guidance
• Educational-document preparation
• Certified-translation requirement checks
• University and programme verification
• Visa and residence-permit documentation
• Name-discrepancy and affidavit guidance
• Application deadline management
• Offer and enrolment support
• Pre-departure document preparation

Our team helps students identify which documents need basic certification, which require international legalisation and which can be submitted as official digital records.

Final Thoughts

Apostille, attestation and notarisation serve different purposes.

Use notarisation when an authorised professional must certify a copy, witness a signature or attest an affidavit.

Use an apostille when an Indian public document must be used in a country where the Hague Apostille Convention applies and the receiving authority requires authentication.

Use normal attestation and embassy legalisation when the apostille system does not apply or is not accepted.

Before beginning any process, confirm:

1. Who requires the document
2. Which exact document is required
3. Whether an original or copy is accepted
4. Whether the Hague Convention applies
5. Whether e-Sanad can process it
6. Whether state authentication is necessary
7. Whether embassy legalisation is required
8. Whether translation must follow legalisation

The safest rule is:

Do not notarise, apostille, attest or translate a document merely because another student did it. Follow the official requirement for your own country, programme and visa process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between apostille and notarisation?

Notarisation certifies a copy, signature or declaration through a notary. An apostille authenticates the origin of a public document for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention.

Is notarisation required before apostille?

It depends on the document. An affidavit may need notarisation before authentication, while an original university degree may follow an educational-document verification route.

Is apostille the same as MEA attestation?

No. MEA provides both apostille and normal attestation. Apostille is used where the Hague Convention applies, while normal attestation is used for countries where apostille is not accepted.

Who issues apostilles in India?

The Ministry of External Affairs is India’s designated competent authority under the Apostille Convention.

How much is the official apostille fee?

The official apostille fee is currently listed as ₹50 per document. Additional service, scanning, state-verification, courier and translation charges may apply.

Can I apply for an apostille online?

Eligible documents available through participating digital repositories or integrated issuing authorities can be processed through e-Sanad. Documents not covered by the system must follow the applicable alternative procedure.

Is every DigiLocker document eligible for e-Sanad?

No. The relevant document type and issuing authority must be integrated with e-Sanad.

Do I need to apostille my degree for every European university?

No. Many universities initially accept scans, official digital records or certified copies. Apostille the degree only when the university, enrolment office or another authority requests it.

Does an apostille confirm that my degree is recognised?

No. It confirms the origin, signature and seal connected with the document. Academic recognition and equivalence are separate assessments.

Does an apostille expire?

An apostille does not generally carry a standard expiry date of its own. However, the underlying document may be considered too old for a particular purpose. Police clearance certificates and certain civil documents may need to be recently issued.

Do transcripts need an apostille?

Only when the receiving authority specifically requires it. Some universities instead ask for official transcripts sent directly by the institution.

Can a notary certify my academic transcript?

A notary may certify a copy when the university accepts notarised copies. Some universities require certification by the issuing institution instead.

Is a certified translation the same as a notarised translation?

Not necessarily. A certified translation must be completed by a translator or institution accepted by the receiving authority. A notary stamp alone may not make the translator authorised.

Should I translate a document before apostille?

Confirm the destination’s rule. Some authorities prefer legalisation first so that the apostille and other official seals can also be translated.

Do English-language documents need translation?

Usually not when English is accepted by the university or authority. A destination authority may still request translation into its national language.

Do I need an apostille for a student visa?

It depends on the destination and document. Certain residence or long-stay applications may require apostilled birth certificates, marriage certificates or police clearance certificates.

Does a passport need apostille?

Apostille is not normally required for an ordinary passport copy in a student application. A notarised or certified copy may be requested.

Can the embassy apostille an Indian document?

India’s designated competent authority issues apostilles for Indian documents. Embassies may handle legalisation or attestation under a non-Hague route.

Is embassy attestation required after apostille?

Normally not for the Convention authentication process when the apostille is valid and applicable. However, always follow the receiving authority’s exact instructions.

What happens when the destination is not covered by the Hague Convention?

The document may require normal attestation through MEA and legalisation through the destination country’s embassy or consulate.

Can SPAN International guide students through document legalisation?

Yes. SPAN International assists eligible students with university-document requirements, apostille and attestation guidance, certified translations, applications, visa documentation and pre-departure preparation.