Introduction
If you're planning to move abroad for higher education, employment, or permanent residency, ensuring your academic documents are legally accepted overseas is essential. One crucial step in this process is obtaining an apostille attestation for your degree certificate. Apostille authentication validates the authenticity of your educational documents in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
In this article, we will explore the complete breakdown of apostille attestation fees, the process, and key considerations when legalizing your degree certificate in India.
What Is Apostille Attestation?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India. It verifies the legitimacy of a public document, such as a degree or diploma, so it can be recognized in other countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.
Unlike traditional embassy attestation, apostille eliminates the need for further authentication by the foreign mission, simplifying the process for many countries.
When Do You Need Apostille for a Degree Certificate?
You’ll typically require apostille attestation for your degree certificate in the following cases:
Admission to foreign universities
Applying for a job overseas
Applying for a student, employment, or permanent residency visa
Presenting documents to government or private institutions abroad
Step-by-Step Apostille Process for Degree Certificates in India
Notarization – The document is first notarized by a public notary.
State Authentication – The degree certificate is then authenticated by the Human Resource Department (HRD) of the concerned state or university.
MEA Apostille – Once state-level verification is complete, the document is forwarded to the MEA for apostille attestation.
Fee Structure for Degree Certificate Apostille Attestation
The overall cost for apostille attestation involves both government and agency charges:
Component Approximate Fee
MEA Apostille Fee ₹50 per document
Authorized Agency Charges ₹300 – ₹1,500
Scanning/Handling Fee ₹3 – ₹20 per page
Total Estimated Cost ₹400 – ₹1,800 per certificate
Please note: The MEA does not accept documents directly from individuals. Apostille applications must be submitted through outsourced service Degree Certificate Apostille providers authorized by the government, such as VFS Global, Degree Certificate Apostille BLS International, etc.
Processing Time
Standard Processing: 5–7 business days
Express Service (if available): 2–3 business days (additional charges may apply)
Important Tips Before Submission
Make sure your degree certificate is issued in English or translated by a certified translator.
Verify if state-level HRD authentication is required before MEA apostille.
Ensure you carry original documents and supporting ID proofs during submission.
Conclusion
Obtaining an apostille for your degree certificate is a mandatory and non-negotiable step if you're heading abroad for academic or professional purposes. With affordable government fees and the support of authorized agencies, the process is now streamlined and more accessible than ever.
To avoid errors or delays, it’s advisable to work with experienced professionals who can guide you through each step of the apostille process with precision and efficiency.