If you’ve earned a degree in China and plan to use it abroad for work, immigration, or further studies, you’ll likely need to have your degree certificate authenticated or apostilled.
This process ensures that your academic credentials are recognized as legitimate in the destination country.
In November 2023, China officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention, simplifying the process for many countries.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your Chinese degree apostilled or authenticated and explain how to obtain verification reports of your academic documents through the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHSI).
What Is Apostille or Authentication?
An apostille or authentication is a formal process that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country.
The specific process depends on whether the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention:
- Apostille: For countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents are apostilled, which is a simplified form of authentication. Since November 2023, China has been issuing apostilles for documents intended for Hague member countries.
- Authentication: For non-Hague countries, documents must go through a more complex authentication process involving multiple government agencies.
If your destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you can now benefit from the streamlined apostille process in China.
For non-Hague countries, the traditional authentication process still applies.
Steps to Apostille or Authenticate Your China Degree Certificate
The process for preparing your Chinese degree certificate depends on whether your destination country is a Hague member or not.
Below are the steps for both scenarios:
1. Obtain a Verification Report from CHSI
Before your degree certificate can be apostilled or authenticated, it must first be verified.
The China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHSI) is the official body responsible for verifying academic credentials in China.
To obtain a verification report:
- Visit the official CHSI website (www.chsi.com.cn/en/).
- Register for an account if you don’t already have one.
- Submit your degree certificate and academic transcript for verification.
- Pay the required fee and wait for the verification report to be issued.
The verification report confirms the authenticity of your degree and is a mandatory step in both the apostille and authentication processes.
2. For Hague Member Countries: Apostille Process
If your destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, follow these steps:
- Take your verified degree certificate and CHSI verification report to a designated Chinese authority that issues apostilles. In China, this is typically handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or its authorized offices. The list is available here.
- Tip: You can make an appointment through Alipay’s Consular Service Center mini-program (领事服务中心) and submit your application at the service window or by mail.
- Request an apostille for your documents. The apostille certifies the authenticity of the document for use in Hague member countries. The detailed process is available here.
- Once the apostille is issued, your document is ready for use abroad without further authentication.
- Tip: You can verify the apostille online by checking this link: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VERIFY/
3. For Non-Hague Countries: Authentication Process
If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, follow these steps:
- Notarization: Take your verified degree certificate and CHSI verification report to a Chinese notary office. The notary office will notarize your documents, confirming their authenticity.
- MFA Authentication: After notarization, your documents must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. This step ensures that the notarized documents are recognized by the Chinese government.
- Embassy or Consulate Authentication: Finally, have your documents authenticated by the embassy or consulate of the destination country. This step ensures that the destination country recognizes the documents as valid.
How to Obtain Verification Reports of Academic Documents by CHSI
The CHSI verification report is a crucial part of the apostille or authentication process.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to obtain it:
- Create an Account on CHSI: Go to the CHSI website (www.chsi.com.cn/en/) and register for an account. You’ll need to provide your personal details, including your name, ID number, and contact information.
- Submit Your Documents: Upload a scanned copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript. Ensure that the documents are clear and legible.
- Pay the Fee: CHSI charges a fee for issuing verification reports. Payment can usually be made online through the CHSI platform.
- Wait for Processing: The verification process typically takes a few business days. Once completed, you’ll receive a digital verification report that you can download.
- Request a Hard Copy (Optional): If required, you can request a hard copy of the verification report to be sent to your address.
The CHSI verification report is often required not only for apostille or authentication but also for job applications and university admissions abroad.
For more details, visit the CHSI official website (www.chsi.com.cn).
Why Is Apostille or Authentication Necessary?
Apostille or authentication ensures that your Chinese degree certificate is recognized as valid and legitimate in the destination country.
Without proper verification, your degree may not be accepted for purposes such as employment, immigration, or further education.
The process is especially important for countries with strict document verification requirements.
Tips for a Smooth Apostille or Authentication Process
- Start Early: The process can take several weeks, so begin as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- Check Destination Country Requirements: Different countries have different requirements for document verification. Verify whether your destination country accepts apostilles or requires full authentication.
- Use Professional Services: If you’re unsure about the process, consider hiring a professional agency that specializes in document apostille or authentication.
Useful Resources and Links
Here are some helpful resources to guide you through the process:
- CHSI Official Website: www.chsi.com.cn
The official platform for verifying Chinese academic credentials. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China: www.fmprc.gov.cn
Information on document apostille and authentication by the Chinese government. - Hague Apostille Convention Member List: www.hcch.net
Check if your destination country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. - Embassy and Consulate Directory: Visit the official website of the embassy or consulate of your destination country for specific authentication requirements.
Conclusion
With China’s accession to the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023, the process of verifying and legalizing Chinese degree certificates has become much simpler for Hague member countries.
Start by obtaining a CHSI verification report, then proceed with either the apostille or authentication process based on your destination country’s requirements.
By following the steps outlined above and using the provided resources, you can ensure your academic credentials are ready for international recognition.