Notarising University Documents in England: A Guide for International Use

Students, graduates, academics, and professionals are increasingly required to use their UK university documents overseas. Whether you are applying for employment abroad, pursuing further studies, obtaining a visa, registering with a foreign professional body, or relocating internationally, foreign authorities will often require your academic documents to be notarised and legalised before they are accepted. 

At Staple Inn Notaries and International Lawyers, we regularly assist UK and international clients with the notarisation and legalisation of university documents for use worldwide, including in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Spain, Italy, France, the United States of America, and many other jurisdictions. 

What Does “Notarising a University Document” Mean? 

In England and Wales, notarisation is the formal legal process by which a Notary verifies the authenticity of a document or confirms certain facts relating to it for international use. 

A university document may include: 

• Degree certificates 

• Academic transcripts 

• Letters of enrolment 

• Confirmation of award letters 

• Professional training certificates 

• Diplomas 

• Teaching qualifications 

• PhD documentation 

• Academic references 

The Notary’s role is to ensure that the document can be relied upon internationally by foreign governments, embassies, universities, courts, employers, and professional regulators. 

In England and Wales, however, a Notary is a highly trained specialist lawyer with international authority and responsibilities. The office of a Notary is one of the oldest legal professions in the world, and notarised documents are recognised internationally. 

Why Would a University Document Need to Be Notarised? 

There are many situations where foreign authorities require notarised academic documents, including: 

Employment Overseas 

Many overseas employers require notarised and apostilled degree certificates before issuing employment contracts or work permits. 

This is particularly common in: 

• UAE 

• Saudi Arabia 

• Qatar 

• Kuwait 

• China 

• Vietnam 

Immigration and Visa Applications 

Immigration authorities may require evidence of academic qualifications when processing: 

• Skilled worker visas 

• Residency permits 

• Professional licensing applications 

• Investor visas 

Further Education Abroad 

Foreign universities may request notarised degree certificates and transcripts before accepting applications or granting equivalency recognition. 

Professional Registration 

Doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, accountants, and other professionals often need notarised qualifications to register with foreign regulatory bodies. 

Can a Notary Certify a University Degree Certificate? 

Yes. A Notary may certify a university degree certificate in several ways depending on the circumstances and the requirements of the receiving country. 

This may involve: 

• Certifying a copy of the original degree certificate 

• Notarising the original document itself 

• Verifying the authenticity of the qualification directly with the university 

• Preparing a notarial certificate confirming verification 

Where appropriate, the Notary may contact the university directly or rely upon official verification systems operated by the institution. 

University Verification Before Notarisation 

In many cases, particularly for international legalisation purposes, the Notary may need to independently verify the authenticity of the degree certificate with the issuing university. 

This additional verification process helps protect against fraud and provides greater evidential weight internationally. 

The wording commonly used by an English Notary may include confirmation that: 

“The authenticity of this degree certificate has been verified directly with the issuing university.” 

Foreign authorities and embassies often place significant reliance on such verification. 

What Documents Should You Bring to a Notary Appointment? 

When attending a notarial appointment for university documents, clients are usually asked to bring: 

1. The Original University Document 

This may include the original degree certificate or transcript. 

2. Valid Identification 

Usually: 

• Passport 

• Driving licence 

• National identity card 

3. Proof of Address 

Typically dated within the last 3 months: 

• Bank statement 

• Utility bill 

• Council tax letter 

4. Any Instructions from the Foreign Authority 

If possible, clients should provide: 

• Embassy requirements 

• Employer instructions 

• University guidance 

• Foreign lawyer correspondence 

This helps ensure the notarisation complies with the requirements of the receiving country. 

Apostille and Embassy Legalisation 

After notarisation, the document may also require: 

Apostille 

An Apostille is issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office under the Hague Convention. 

The Apostille confirms the authenticity of the Notary’s signature and seal. 

Embassy Legalisation 

Some countries additionally require embassy legalisation after the Apostille stage. 

This commonly applies to: 

• UAE 

• Qatar 

• Kuwait 

• Egypt 

• China 

At Staple Inn Notaries and International Lawyers, we can usually arrange the entire process from notarisation through to Apostille and embassy legalisation. 

How Long Does the Process Take? 

Timescales vary depending on: 

• Whether university verification is required 

• Apostille requirements 

• Embassy processing times 

• Urgency of the matter 

In many straightforward cases, notarisation can be completed on the same day. 

Common Problems With University Documents 

We frequently assist clients where: 

• The university certificate has been damaged 

• Names differ between passport and degree certificate 

• The original certificate has been lost 

• The receiving country requests unusual wording 

• The embassy rejects solicitor-certified copies 

• Translation requirements apply 

An experienced Notary can often help resolve these issues efficiently before they become costly delays. 

Why Use a Specialist International Notary? 

International document requirements vary significantly between countries. 

Using a specialist Central London Notary experienced in international documentation helps ensure: 

• Compliance with foreign requirements 

• Correct notarial wording 

• Proper identity verification 

• Smooth Apostille processing 

• Embassy acceptance 

At Staple Inn Notaries and International Lawyers, we regularly assist: 

• Students 

• Academics 

• Professionals 

• International companies 

• Overseas lawyers 

• Immigration advisers 

with complex international document requirements. 

Central London Notary Appointments 

We offer: 

• Same-day appointments (subject to availability) 

• Walk-in notary appointments 

• Central London office appointments 

• Assistance with Apostille and embassy legalisation 

• International document guidance 

Our office is conveniently located in Central London for clients travelling from: 

• Holborn 

• Chancery Lane 

• King’s Cross 

• Farringdon 

• The City of London 

About Sheikh Najam TEP 

Sheikh Najam TEP is a Central London Notary, European Attorney, STEP-qualified Private Wealth Lawyer, accredited mediator, and arbitrator. 

He advises UK and international clients on cross-border legal documentation, international private client matters, trusts, estates, tax, and dispute resolution. 

He is authorised to practise law throughout England and Wales and acts for high-net-worth and international clients requiring sophisticated international legal solutions. 

Contact Staple Inn Notaries and International Lawyers 

For assistance with notarising university documents for international use, contact: 

Staple Inn Notaries and International Lawyers 

Appointments are available in Central London.