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Apostille for studying abroad

Enrolling at a foreign university or having a Canadian credential recognized abroad means proving your academic record. Here is what you usually apostille to study overseas, and how each document is routed.

The documents you'll usually need

Admissions and credential-recognition files lean on academic documents, with a couple of personal records added depending on the country.

Guide

Degree, diploma & transcript

The core of any study file. Ontario public post-secondary since 2019 apostilles directly; most others need a notarized certified true copy →

 Guide

Birth certificate

Sometimes required for enrolment, student visas or scholarships →

 Guide

Police / RCMP check

Some student visas and host institutions ask for a background check →

 By country

Your destination's rule

See whether your destination takes one apostille, or needs embassy legalization →
Translations matter here. Many institutions require a certified translation of the apostilled transcript and degree into the local language. The receiving institution or authority sets the rule; we flag it at pre-check.

Apostille or legalization? The destination decides

For a Hague Apostille destination, one apostille per document is enough. For a non-member, documents need authentication by Global Affairs Canada and then embassy legalization. The by-country overview shows which applies, and the degree & transcript guide covers the academic routing in detail.

Common questions
Should I apostille my degree or my transcript?
Whatever the institution asks for — often both. The transcript carries course detail for credential evaluation; the degree proves the credential. We confirm the set at pre-check.
Is the process different for Ontario universities?
Yes — Ontario public post-secondary degrees and transcripts issued since 2019 can be apostilled directly, with no notarization. Most other institutions need a notarized certified true copy. The degree guide explains it.
Apostille or embassy legalization?
It depends on the destination. Hague members accept one apostille; non-members need authentication at Global Affairs Canada plus embassy legalization.
Do I need a translation?
Frequently — many institutions want a certified translation of the apostilled academic documents. The receiving authority sets the rule, which we confirm at pre-check.

Authenticate your study documents

Tell us the country and institution — we'll confirm what to apostille, the routing, and a fixed all-in quote within one business day.

Free pre-check