Degree and Graduation Documents
- Degree Certificate
- Graduation Certificate
- Diploma
What Is a China Degree Apostille?
A China degree apostille is an authentication certificate used when an eligible Chinese academic document will be presented in a country or territory that accepts the Hague Apostille Convention route. It generally authenticates the relevant signature, seal, stamp or official capacity attached to the public or notarized document.
An apostille does not verify the academic qualification itself and does not confirm that every statement in the underlying document is true. The receiving organization determines whether an apostille, degree verification, translation, notarized copy or another document format is required.
When May a Degree Apostille Be Required?
A degree apostille may be requested when a Chinese academic document is submitted for overseas employment, professional licensing, university admission, immigration, company compliance or another international purpose. It is generally relevant only when the destination and receiving authority accept the apostille route for that document and use.
Where the Apostille Convention is in force between China and the destination and applies to the document's intended use, an Apostille is generally used. For a destination where the Convention does not apply, consular legalization may still be required. Check the HCCH Apostille Convention status table, then confirm the current route with the destination and receiving organization. See our Embassy and Consular Legalization guidance when the Apostille route does not apply.
Requirements vary by destination, institution and document type. Confirm the recipient's current instructions before arranging notarization, translation or apostille.
Academic Documents We Can Assist With
Eligibility and preparation depend on the document, issuing institution and receiving authority.
Academic Records
- China Academic Transcript Apostille
- Enrollment Certificate
- Attendance Certificate
Professional Credentials
- Professional Qualification Certificate
- Supporting academic records, where applicable
Before requesting service, review the difference between a Chinese Graduation Certificate and Degree Certificate and confirm which record the overseas recipient requires.
Degree Verification vs Degree Apostille
These processes serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Degree Verification
Verification checks information about the credential, institution or study record through an appropriate academic verification source. It is used to confirm academic information rather than authenticate a document's official signature or seal.
Degree Apostille
An apostille authenticates the relevant signature, seal, stamp or official capacity connected with an eligible public or notarized document. It does not replace academic verification when the receiving organization requests verification separately.
Typical Process
The exact sequence may vary depending on the document and authority.
Confirm the Requirement
Check the destination country, intended use and receiving authority's instructions.
Review the Document
Identify the academic record, issuing institution and available original or copy.
Choose the Preparation Route
For graduation or diploma documents, degree certificates and transcripts issued by Chinese educational institutions, arrange prior notarization. Confirm the precise notarial form, supporting evidence and whether an acceptable copy or verification is needed.
Arrange Translation
Prepare a certified or notarized translation when the recipient requires one.
Coordinate the Apostille
Submit the eligible public or notarized document through the applicable channel.
Check and Return
Review visible certificate details before arranging document return or delivery.
Before Requesting a Degree Apostille Review
Prepare the information needed for an initial case assessment. Providing it does not guarantee that an Apostille can be issued or that the receiving organization will accept the completed document.
- Whether you hold a Degree Certificate, Graduation Certificate or both
- The issuing university or institution and graduation year
- The destination country or territory
- The intended use and receiving organization
- Whether the original document is available
- Any written requirements supplied by the receiving organization
- Whether notarization or translation has already been completed
- Your expected document-use deadline
For an initial enquiry, do not send your full passport number, national identity number or unredacted academic documents. Wait for secure submission instructions if supporting records are required.
Translation and Notarization
Current China MFA guidance requires graduation or diploma documents, degree certificates and academic transcripts issued by Chinese educational institutions to undergo notarization in China before the eligible foreign-related notarial certificate proceeds to Apostille. The precise notarial form, supporting evidence and translation requirements may depend on the document and receiving organization's requirements.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the competent authority for issuing Apostilles in China. Local Foreign Affairs Offices authorized by the Ministry may also issue Apostilles within the scope of their authorization, as recorded in China's official declaration to the HCCH.
The receiving organization may request a certified translation, notarized translation or a specific language and format. The correct sequence depends on the academic document, destination and submission instructions.
Processing Time
The estimated processing time may vary depending on the document type, issuing location, notarization and translation requirements, authority review and whether additional records are requested.
Public holidays and courier delivery may add time. After reviewing the case, Global Attest can provide an estimated schedule, but the final timeline remains subject to the relevant authorities.
Degree Apostille Sample
These eight redacted pages show a degree document, its translations and notarial certificates, and the accompanying China apostille. Select any image to open the full-size version.
Notarial Certificate Cover
Chinese Degree Certificate
English Degree Translation
Chinese Degree Notarial Certificate
English Degree Notarial Certificate
Chinese Translation Notarial Certificate
English Translation Notarial Certificate
China Apostille Certificate
Image Copyright
These redacted sample images were prepared and published by Global Attest for reference purposes.
You may reference these images for informational purposes provided that:
- Global Attest is clearly credited.
- A clickable link points back to the original page.
- Watermarks are not removed.
- Images are not modified in a misleading way.
Commercial redistribution is prohibited without permission.
© Global Attest — image scan, redaction, arrangement and publication. Underlying document rights remain with their respective issuing authorities or rights holders.
Related Resources
Use these focused pages to understand the relevant service, verification or document route.
China Hague Apostille Services
Review apostille assistance for eligible personal, academic and commercial Chinese documents.
China Apostille Samples
View additional certificate examples and common apostille details.
Degree Verification
Learn about verification of Chinese degrees and academic transcripts.
CHSI Verification Resources
Understand CHSI and CSSD academic verification reports and terminology.
Document Legalization Guide
Review apostille, legalization, notarization and translation support.
Embassy Authentication Guide
Understand when embassy or consular legalization may be required.
WES Evaluation Guide
Prepare Chinese degree and transcript documents for WES evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a China degree apostille?
A China degree apostille is an authentication certificate used when an eligible Chinese academic document will be presented in a destination that accepts the Hague Apostille Convention route. It generally authenticates the relevant signature, seal or official capacity attached to the document. It does not verify the academic qualification itself or guarantee acceptance by the receiving institution.
Which academic documents can be apostilled?
Graduation or diploma documents, degree certificates and academic transcripts issued by Chinese educational institutions can be prepared through the applicable notarization-first route. Current China MFA guidance requires these records to undergo notarization in China before the eligible resulting foreign-related notarial certificate proceeds to Apostille. Enrollment or attendance certificates, professional qualifications and other academic records require separate assessment.
Is degree verification the same as apostille?
No. Degree verification checks information about the academic credential, institution or study record through an appropriate verification source. An apostille authenticates a relevant signature, seal or official capacity on an eligible public or notarized document for international use. A receiving authority may request one process, both processes or additional documentation, depending on its purpose.
Does notarization come first?
Yes, for the Chinese educational records covered by current China MFA guidance, including graduation or diploma documents, degree certificates and transcripts issued by Chinese educational institutions. These documents must first undergo notarization in China, after which the eligible foreign-related notarial certificate may proceed to Apostille. The precise notarial form and supporting requirements can still vary by document and receiving organization.
Is translation included?
Translation is a separate service and is not automatically included in an apostille. The receiving organization may request an English or destination-language translation, a certified translation or a notarized translation. Translation timing can also vary by procedure. Global Attest can coordinate suitable translation preparation after reviewing the document and the recipient's instructions.
How long does it take?
The estimated timeline may vary depending on the academic document, issuing location, notarization needs, translation, authority review and whether additional records are requested. Public holidays and courier delivery can add time. After reviewing the available documents and destination requirements, Global Attest can provide an estimated schedule, but processing remains subject to the relevant authorities.
Can I apply after leaving China?
In some cases, an academic document apostille can be coordinated after the holder has left China through an authorized representative or document assistance process. Availability depends on the original document, issuing location, notarization requirements and local authority rules. Original documents, identification or authorization materials may be required, and not every part of every case can be completed remotely.
Does WES require apostille?
WES document requirements depend on the evaluation type, credential, issuing institution and current submission instructions. An apostille should not be assumed to replace degree verification, transcript delivery or other WES requirements. Applicants should check the latest WES instructions for their case and prepare the academic documents in the exact format and submission channel requested.
China Degree Apostille Support
Global Attest is an independent document support provider. We are not the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a local Foreign Affairs Office, a university or a receiving organization. The relevant authorities determine the applicable procedure and issuance, while the receiving organization determines final acceptance. Apostille, notarization, translation and academic document requirements may vary by destination and document type.
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