What is the Hague Apostille and how is it obtained?

Created by Departamento Atención al Alumno, Modified on Wed, 14 May, 2025 at 9:43 AM by Departamento Atención al Alumno

The Hague Apostille is an international procedure that authenticates a public document to be legally recognized in another country. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the circulation of documents among countries that are part of the Hague Convention.

This process is necessary when an official document, such as a diploma or a transcript of records, is presented in another country that is a member of the convention. The apostille certifies that the document was issued by a competent authority and is valid abroad.

If you studied at a university or school outside the European Union, you must legalize your documents before submitting them. Check whether your country is part of the Hague Convention, the institutions where the procedure can be carried out, and the necessary steps through this link.

Which Documents Require the Apostille?

The following documents must have the Hague Apostille:

Diploma of the degree granting access to the master’s program. If you do not yet have the original diploma, you can request an official letter from the university stating that the issuance process is underway and that you have paid the required fees.
Transcript of records (or certificate of grades). This document reflects the courses taken, grades obtained, and associated credits.

How is the Hague Apostille Obtained?

The apostille process varies by country. Generally, it is handled by government entities or official agencies, such as ministries of foreign affairs, ministries of justice, or notaries. You can find the exact location and steps to apostille your documents through this link.

For detailed information on the accreditation process for master’s or postgraduate degrees, consult our Instruction Manual, where you will find a step-by-step guide to complete the procedure.