Country-Specific Document Requirements
Applicants whose degrees have been awarded in certain countries need to pay special attention to the documentation before submitting it. In addition to the standard document requirements, educational documents from certain countries must be submitted in a certain way.
These country-specific requirements must be followed first and foremost, before any regular requirements for attesting documents.
Please check if your degree awarding country is listed below and then follow the given instructions. University Admissions Finland makes no exceptions to these requirements.
The countries with specific documentation requirements in the application period 2015-2016 are listed below:
Australia
If you have completed or are completing your degree in Australia, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have 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 have completed or are completing your degree in Bangladesh, you must submit the education documentation awarded by your university. Degree certificates, transcripts, mark sheets and result cards must always be awarded by the 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 each attempt to complete a course as well as the years. A consolidated statement of marks is not accepted.
Please note that the degree certificate and transcript of records must be officially certified (attested) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, more specifically by the Consular and Welfare Wing. 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 have 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. Alternatively, the notary public can also use a unifying element, meaning that the pages are attached together in a way that certifies them all; in this case only one page must carry the notary public’s original stamp 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 have completed or are completing your degree in Cameroon, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have completed or are completing your degree in Canada, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have completed or are completing your degree in China, your transcript of records and degree certificate 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 and degree certificate. Reports concerning these two documents (in English) and the transcript of records (in English) must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the CDGDC.
2. You must submit a copy of your degree certificate in the original language to University Admissions Finland. The copy of the degree certificate does not need to be officially certified or translated.
Please note that you do not need to submit a copy of your graduation certificate to UAF at all.
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 (both in English) must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the CDGDC.
Further information can be found on the CDGDC website (www.cdgdc.edu.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.
Eritrea
If you have completed or are completing your degree in Eritrea, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have completed or are completing your degree in Ethiopia, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have completed or are completing your degree in Ghana, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have completed or are completing your degree in India, an official transcript, mark sheet or result card indicating each attempt to complete a course as well as the years must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The document must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution.
If your university or college in India is unable to send the transcript, mark sheet or result card to University Admissions Finland, please request that the attested documents be placed in an officially sealed envelope with the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. Have the envelope returned to you to forward to University Admissions Finland. The official transcript, mark sheet or result card must in this case be attested by the Controller of Examinations or the Registrar’s Office, and the envelope must be sealed with the attesting office’s stamp across the back flap.
Transcripts, mark sheets and result cards must be awarded either by the main university or a college (autonomous or affiliated). 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).
University Admissions Finland also accepts electronic transcripts submitted through a few recognized sources, such as Truecopy. For information on which electronic transcript sending services are accepted by University Admissions Finland, please see Electronic Transcripts. If your institution uses one of the acceptable services, you can request for your official transcript of records to be electronically sent to University Admissions Finland. Please note that when using an official electronic service like Truecopy, University Admissions Finland only needs to receive the transcript once, contrary to normal document requirements.
Degree certificates must always be awarded by the main university. 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 have completed or are completing your degree in Indonesia, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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.
Ireland
If you have 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. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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.
University Admissions Finland also accepts electronic transcripts submitted through a few recognized sources, such as Digitary. For information on which electronic transcript sending services are accepted by University Admissions Finland, please see Electronic Transcripts. If your institution uses one of the acceptable services, you can request for your official transcript of records to be electronically sent to University Admissions Finland. Please note that when using an official electronic service like Digitary, University Admissions Finland only needs to receive the transcript once, contrary to normal document requirements.
Iran
If you have 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.
Italy
If you have completed your degree in Italy but have not yet received your final degree certificate, a Certificato di Laurea is sufficient to prove your educational background. Please note that the document must contain all the same information as a degree certificate and a transcript of records (more information about what these documents should include can be found on the Educational Documents page). The copy of your educational document must be officially certified by either the awarding institution or the notary public, with stamps and signatures of the certifying officer on each page.
Kazakhstan
If you have 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 have completed or are completing your degree in Kenya, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have completed your degree in Kyrgyzstan, you must submit an officially certified copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.
Malaysia
If you have completed or are completing your degree in Malaysia, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have completed or are completing your degree in Nepal, an official transcript, mark sheet or result card indicating each attempt to complete a course as well as the years must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The document must come to University Admissions Finland directly from the awarding institution.
If your university in Nepal is unable to send the transcript, mark sheet or result card to University Admissions Finland, please request that the attested documents be placed in an officially sealed envelope with the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. Have the envelope returned to you to forward to University Admissions Finland. The official transcript, mark sheet or result card must in this case be attested by the Controller of Examinations or the Registrar’s Office, and the envelope must be sealed with the attesting office’s stamp across the back flap.
Transcripts, mark sheets and result cards must always be awarded by the main university or a college with degree-awarding status, and documents granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted. 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 have 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. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have completed or are completing your degree in Nigeria, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have 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 the 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. Copies certified before September 20, 2009 are not accepted, as the copies must be verifiable from HEC’s online service.
Further information can be found on the HEC website (www.hec.gov.pk).
Russia
If you have completed your degree in Russia, you must submit a copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript of records (приложение к диплому). The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the authorised 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. Please note that the copy of the official government-granted degree certificate must include copies of both sides of the first page. The copies submitted must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. Alternatively, the notary public can also use a unifying element, meaning that the pages are attached together in a way that certifies them all; in this case only one page must carry the notary public’s original stamp 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 have 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. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have completed or are completing your degree in Sudan, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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.
Syria
If you have completed or are completing your degree in Syria, please note that a Syrian Bachelor’s degree alone does not give eligibility for Master’s level studies. In order to be eligible, you will also need to have completed a Diploma of Higher Studies (also known as a Postgraduate Diploma, دبلوم الدراسات العليا). You are required to submit officially certified copies of the following educational documents:
– Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript of records
– Diploma of Higher Studies and transcript of records
Tajikistan
If you have completed your degree in the Republic of Tajikistan, you must submit an officially certified copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.
Tanzania
If you have completed or are completing your degree in Tanzania, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have completed your degree in Turkmenistan, you must submit an officially certified copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.
Uganda
If you have completed or are completing your degree in Uganda, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University Admissions Finland by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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 have 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. Alternatively, the notary public can also use a unifying element, meaning that the pages are attached together in a way that certifies them all; in this case only one page must carry the notary public’s original stamp 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 have 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. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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.
University Admissions Finland also accepts electronic transcripts submitted through a few recognized sources, such as Digitary. For information on which electronic transcript sending services are accepted by University Admissions Finland, please see Electronic Transcripts. If your institution uses one of the acceptable services, you can request for your official transcript of records to be electronically sent to University Admissions Finland. Please note that when using a service like Digitary, University Admissions Finland only needs to receive the transcript once, contrary to normal document requirements.
USA
If you have 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. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. 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.
University Admissions Finland also accepts electronic transcripts submitted through a few recognized sources, such as Parchment Exchange. For information on which electronic transcript sending services are accepted by University Admissions Finland, please see Electronic Transcripts. If your institution uses one of the acceptable services, you can request for your official transcript of records to be electronically sent to University Admissions Finland. Please note that when using a service like Parchment Exchange, University Admissions Finland only needs to receive the transcript once, contrary to normal document requirements.
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 have completed your degree in Uzbekistan, you must submit an officially certified copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.