When applying to foreign universities, many students are asked to submit apostilled academic transcripts along with degree certificates. Transcript apostille confirms that your academic records issued in India are authentic and legally acceptable in Hague Convention countries.
This guide explains the complete transcript apostille process in India, expected cost, timeline, and common mistakes students should avoid.
An academic transcript is an official record issued by a university or college showing:
Subjects studied
Grades or marks obtained
Duration of the course
Transcript apostille is the process of legalizing these records through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, so they are accepted abroad.
To understand apostille in general, visit Apostille Services in India.
Transcript apostille is required for:
University admissions abroad
Credential evaluation (WES, ECA, IQAS, etc.)
Student visa applications
Credit transfer and course exemptions
Most universities in the USA, Germany, France, Italy, and Netherlands require apostilled transcripts.
You must first obtain original transcripts from the concerned university or college. Photocopies or online printouts are not accepted.
Educational transcripts must be verified by:
State Education Department, or
Issuing university (depending on the state)
This step confirms the authenticity of the academic record.
After verification, the Ministry of External Affairs affixes an apostille sticker on the transcript.
For a broader understanding, check Educational Certificate Attestation.
Original academic transcripts
Passport copy
Degree certificate copy (sometimes required)
Authorization letter (if applying through an agency)
Incorrect or incomplete documents can delay the process.
Transcript issuance: 7–20 working days (varies by university)
State verification: 5–15 working days
MEA apostille: 1–2 working days
Total timeline usually ranges between 10 to 30 working days, depending on the university and state.
The cost depends on:
Number of transcripts
University location
State verification requirements
Service type (standard or urgent)
Professional apostille services may charge additional handling fees for faster processing and document tracking.
Apostille is valid only for Hague Convention countries.
If you are applying to non-Hague countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or Kuwait, apostille will not be accepted.
In such cases, you must go for MEA and embassy attestation instead. Learn more at MEA Attestation.
Submitting photocopies instead of original transcripts
Applying apostille for non-Hague countries
Name mismatch between transcript and passport
Waiting until university deadlines
Planning early avoids unnecessary stress during admissions.
Students often choose professional services because they:
Coordinate with universities and state authorities
Reduce rejection risks
Save time during admission deadlines
Provide status tracking and doorstep delivery
You can also explore related services at Document Attestation Services.
Transcript apostille is a critical requirement for students planning to study abroad. Understanding the process, cost, and timeline helps you prepare documents correctly and meet university deadlines without last-minute pressure.
Starting early ensures a smooth academic journey overseas.