A degree certificate is a private document, not a public one, so it cannot go straight to the FCDO. It first has to be certified by a UK solicitor or notary, and then the apostille is added to that certification.
The usual steps
- A UK notary or solicitor certifies a copy of your degree certificate
- The certified copy is sent to the FCDO Legalisation Office for the apostille
- If needed, the document is translated for the receiving country
Verification with your university
Some countries ask for more than a certified copy. For example, Italian consulates in the UK usually want a notary to verify the qualification with the awarding body and to say so in the certification. Check what the receiving authority needs before you order.
Is your university recognised?
Check that your university or college is allowed to award UK degrees, using the checker on GOV.UK, because certificates from institutions that are not recognised can be refused.
Several certificates?
If you need to apostille more than one certificate or a transcript, ask whether they can be certified together as a single bound set. That can mean fewer apostilles.
Cost and timing
Our apostille price is £100 per document. This includes the FCDO fee and tracked return, and we aim to finish within 2 working days of your documents arriving at our office.
Notarisation or solicitor certification and translation are not included and are quoted separately before you pay.
See our pricing, how it works and FAQ. Related guides: Apostille for Italy, Apostille for China, UAE document legalisation.
Sources and review
Reviewed on 30 October 2026. Requirements can change, so check current official guidance and the receiving authority’s instructions before you order.
Apostille Help is a private service and is not affiliated with the UK Government or the FCDO. Requirements vary by receiving authority and can change, so please check with them before you order.