Country-specific requirements – legalizing your documents

The University of Helsinki, together with other Finnish Universities employing the services of University Admissions Finland (UAF), requires that applicants from certain countries legalize their application enclosures as described in the entries below.

Please follow the country-specific requirements if your educational degree has been awarded in one of the countries listed underneath. In addition to these, check the general information about application documents and language skills.

If the country where you received your education is not included in the list below, follow the general requirements for application documents.

 

Australia

If you completed or are completing your degree in Australia, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Azerbaijan

If you completed your degree in Azerbaijan, you must submit a copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript. The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Copies of the apostille-verified original documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies submitted must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer.

If you have not yet graduated, you must submit a copy of your official transcript of records. The transcript of records must be officially certified either by the awarding institution or a notary public.

Bangladesh

If you completed or are completing your degree in Bangladesh, you must submit the educational documentation awarded by your university. Degree certificates, transcripts, mark sheets and result cards must always be awarded by a main university or a college that has a degree-awarding status. Educational documents granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted.

You must submit a separate transcript, mark sheet or result card awarded by your university indicating the years, and each attempt to complete a course. A consolidated statement of marks is not accepted.

The degree certificate and transcript of records must be certified (attested) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. Each page of the transcript of records and the degree certificate must carry the original stamp and signature of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.

Further information can be found on the Ministry’s website (www.mofa.gov.bd).

Belarus

If you completed your degree in Belarus, you must submit a copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript. The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus. Copies of the apostille-verified original documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies submitted must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer.

If you have not yet graduated, you must submit a copy of your official transcript of records. The transcript of records must be officially certified either by the awarding institution or a notary public.

Cameroon

If you completed or are completing your degree in Cameroon, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Canada

If you completed or are completing your degree in Canada, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

You are not required to submit a copy of your degree certificate if your transcript of records includes the following information: name of the institution that awarded the degree, the date of issue, the name of the person to whom the degree was awarded and what title/degree it was.

China

If you completed or are completing your degree in China, your educational documents must be submitted to the CDGDC (China Academic Degree and Graduate Education Development Center, 教育部学位与研究生教育发展中心) for verification.

If you have graduated:

1. The CDGDC must verify the authenticity of your transcript of records, graduation certificate and degree certificate. Reports on these three documents (in English) and the transcript of records (in English) must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the CDGDC.
2. You must submit copies of your graduation certificate and degree certificate in the original language to University Admissions Finland. These copies do not need to be officially certified or translated.

If you have not yet graduated:

The CDGDC must verify the authenticity of your latest transcript of records.  The transcript of records and its report from the CDGDC (both in English) must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the CDGDC.

Further information can be found on the CDGDC website (http://cqv.chinadegrees.cn/cn/). You should submit your documents to the CDGDC well in advance. Please note that the Chinese New Year is in the middle of many application periods and the holiday season might affect the processing of your documents in the CDGDC.

CDGDC should send the documents directly to:

University Admissions Finland (UAF)
Yliopistonkatu 2
FI-00170 Helsinki
Finland

Eritrea

If you completed or are completing your degree in Eritrea, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Ethiopia

If you completed or are completing your degree in Ethiopia, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Ghana

If you completed or are completing your degree in Ghana, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

India

If you completed or are completing your degree in India, an official transcript, mark sheet or result card indicating the years, and each attempt to complete a course must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp.

Transcripts, mark sheets and result cards must be awarded either by a main university or a college (autonomous or affiliated). The document must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with a transcript of records (or mark sheet or result card).

Degree certificates must always be awarded by the main university or a college with degree-awarding status. Degree certificates granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted. The copy of the degree certificate must be officially certified and can be submitted by the applicant.

Indonesia

If you completed or are completing your degree in Indonesia, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Iran

If you completed or are completing your degree in Iran, copies of the educational documents must be legalized by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Embassy in Tehran. Official translations of educational documents must be certified by the Ministry of Justice. Copies of copies will not be accepted. All the copies must have the original stamp given by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Embassy in Tehran.

Ireland

If you completed or are completing your degree in the Republic of Ireland, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Kazakhstan

If you completed your degree in Kazakhstan, you must submit a copy the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript. The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Copies of the apostille-verified original documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies submitted must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer.

If you have not yet graduated, you must submit a copy of your official transcript of records. The transcript of records must be officially certified either by the awarding institution or a notary public.

Kenya

If you completed or are completing your degree in Kenya, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Kyrgyzstan

If you completed your degree in Kyrgyzstan, you must submit an officially certified copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.

Malaysia

If you completed or are completing your degree in Malaysia, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Nepal

If you completed or are completing your degree in Nepal, an official transcript, mark sheet or result card indicating the years, and each attempt to complete a course must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp.

Transcripts, mark sheets and result cards must always be awarded by a main university or a college with degree-awarding status, and documents granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted. The document must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records (or mark sheet or result card).

Degree certificates must always be awarded by the main university or a college with degree-awarding status. Degree certificates granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted. The copy of the degree certificate must be officially certified and can be submitted by the applicant.

New Zealand

If you completed or are completing your degree in New Zealand, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Nigeria

If you completed or are completing your degree in Nigeria, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Pakistan

If you completed or are completing your degree in Pakistan, you must submit the education documentation awarded by your university. Degree certificates and transcript of records must always be awarded by a main university or a college with degree-awarding status. Educational documents granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted.

The degree certificate and transcript of records must be certified (attested) by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Each page of the transcript of records and the degree certificate must be stamped and signed by the HEC. All copies must carry an original stamp by the HEC.

Further information can be found on the HEC website (www.hec.gov.pk).

Russia

If you completed your degree in Russia, you must submit a copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and diploma supplement (приложение к диплому). The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the authorized body of education of the Russian Federation in your region (Федеральная служба по надзору в сфере образования и науки (Рособрнадзор)). Copies of the apostille-verified original documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies submitted must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer.

If you have not yet graduated, you must submit a copy of your official transcript of records. The transcript of records must be officially certified either by the awarding institution or a notary public.

South Africa

If you completed or are completing your degree in South Africa, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Sudan

If you completed or are completing your degree in Sudan, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Tadzhikistan

If you completed your degree in Tadzhikistan, you must submit an officially certified copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.

Tanzania

If you completed or are completing your degree in Tanzania, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Turkmenistan

If you completed your degree in Turkmenistan, you must submit an officially certified copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.

Uganda

If you completed or are completing your degree in Uganda, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Ukraine

If you completed your degree in Ukraine, you must submit a copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript. The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the Information and Image Centre of the Ministry of Education and Science, Youth and Sport of Ukraine. Copies of the apostille-verified original documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies submitted must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer.

If you have not yet graduated, you must submit a copy of your official transcript of records. The transcript of records must be officially certified either by the awarding institution or a notary public.

United Kingdom

If you completed or are completing your degree in the United Kingdom, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

USA

If you completed or are completing your degree in the USA, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope bearing the awarding institution’s official stamp. The transcript of records must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant.

It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

You are not required to submit a copy of your degree certificate if your transcript of records includes the following information: name of the institution that awarded the degree, the date of issue, the name of the person to whom the degree was awarded and what title/degree it was.

University Admissions Finland uses a verification service for degrees completed in the USA.

Uzbekistan

If you completed your degree in Uzbekistan, you must submit an officially certified copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.


Updated September 25, 2013

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    Admission services

    admissions@helsinki.fi

    Tel. (+358-9-) 191 24140 (customer service)
    P.O.Box 3, FI-00014 University of Helsinki
    Street address: Fabianinkatu 33, 1st floor

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