University Degree
Academic credential awarded by a university upon completion of a degree program. Required for employment abroad, degree homologation, and graduate admissions.
What is a University Degree?
A university degree (diploma) is the official credential awarded by a higher education institution confirming completion of a degree program. For international recognition — whether for employment, graduate school admissions, or professional licensing — the degree typically must be apostilled (or legalized) and accompanied by certified or sworn translations. In some countries (particularly Spain and Germany), apostille alone is not sufficient: a formal homologation or equivalency process is also required.
Common uses internationally
Employers in regulated professions (engineering, medicine, law, teaching) require authenticated degrees to verify qualifications.
The Spanish Ministry of Education requires an apostilled degree plus a sworn translation as part of the homologation process for foreign degrees.
Universities in the US, Canada, and Europe typically require apostilled transcripts and degree certificates from international applicants.
Germany's skilled worker visa (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz), Canada's Express Entry, and similar programs require verified academic credentials.
Can this document be apostilled or legalized?
Yes — university degrees can be apostilled in Hague Convention countries. The apostille verifies the authenticity of the signature and seal on the degree. It does not automatically recognize or validate the degree's academic level in the destination country.
See apostille services →When the destination country is not a Hague Convention member, the same document requires full consular legalization instead of apostille.
See legalization services →Who issues this document?
The university that awarded the degree. The apostille is issued by the national or state authority designated for academic documents — varies by country.
Requirements at a glance
Common mistakes to avoid
- Apostilling the degree but not the transcripts — most universities and licensing boards require both.
- Confusing apostille with homologation — they are separate processes. Apostille authenticates; homologation recognizes the academic level.
- Using a regular translation where a sworn translation is required (especially in Spain and Germany).
- Not checking whether the destination country requires the transcript to show a specific grading scale conversion.
Countries where this document is commonly processed
Relevant services
Frequently asked questions
Is apostille enough for degree recognition in Spain?
No — apostille authenticates the document's origin but does not confer academic recognition. For Spain, you also need to go through the Ministry of Education's homologation process, which evaluates the degree's academic equivalence. We handle the apostille and translation; the homologation filing is a separate administrative process.
Do I need to apostille my transcripts separately from my degree?
Yes — the degree certificate and the academic transcripts (historial académico) are separate documents, each requiring its own apostille if both are needed. We handle them together to avoid delays.
My university closed or merged. Can I still get an apostille?
In most cases, yes. When a university closes, its academic records are transferred to a successor institution, the Ministry of Education, or a national archive. We locate the correct current authority for your specific case.
Reviewed by
Ana MartínezImmigration Advisor
Comprehensive guide for immigrants in regularization, visa, and permanent residence processes.
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