Do I Need My Educational Documents Notarised Before Getting an Apostille?

If you’re planning to work, study, or migrate overseas, you may be asked to provide educational documents with an Apostille. This internationally recognised certification confirms that your Australian academic records—such as your degree, testamur, transcript, or enrolment letter—are genuine and legally valid abroad.

A common question we hear is:

“Do I need to have my educational document notarised before it can be apostilled?”

The short answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no—depending on how your document can be verified.

**When Notarisation Is Not Needed**

In many situations, you can obtain an apostille without having your document notarised:

1. When You Provide the Original Document

DFAT often accepts original Australian university documents, especially when they include security features or can be verified directly with the institution.

2. When Your Document Is on My eQuals

Most Australian universities issue digital, certified academic documents through My eQuals.
If DFAT can verify authenticity through the My eQuals portal, no notarisation is required.

When Notarisation Is Needed

You will generally need notarisation if you intend to submit a copy instead of an original.

In this case:

A Notary Public must certify the document; and
The notary must verify your document with the issuing university, not just certify it as a “true copy.”

This verification is essential—simple JP certification is not accepted for Apostille purposes.

Why This Causes Confusion

Each university has different processes for document verification:

Some offer stamped “true and accurate” copies
Some rely entirely on My eQuals
Others require a special letter or form

This is why people often aren’t sure whether notarisation is necessary.

How Apostille Australia Online Can Assist

At Apostille Australia Online, we specialise in handling educational document legalisation.
We can:

Assess whether your document needs notarisation
Check if DFAT can verify it directly through My eQuals
Arrange notarisation if required
Manage the entire apostille process on your behalf

This ensures you avoid delays, unnecessary fees, and rejected applications.

Whether you have an original testamur, a My eQuals document, or a copy that may require notarisation—we can guide you through the correct process from start to finish.

Final Note

Requirements for Apostille and document verification may change. Always contact us at Apostille Australia Online for up-to-date guidance.