What is legalisation?

Before a public document (like a diploma) can be used in a country other than the one where it was issued, the origin of the document must be authenticated.

It is required by the Belgian government to include a legalised copy of your diploma and transcripts in your application for a study programme at Ghent University.

Which documents?

• For a valid application you need to submit a legalised copy of the basic diploma and the transcripts.
• The diploma and its transcripts must be translated by a sworn translator into either Dutch, French, German or English, if they were drafted up in any other language.

Which legalisation applies to my documents?

List of countries per legalisation method: To check which legalisation applies to you

Belgian Embassy

A standard fee of 15€ is charged per legalisation. Website Foreign Affairs: legalisation

Apostille

Your country has signed the "Hague Treaty" (The convention abolishing the requirement of legalisation of foreign public documents, 1961)

Agreement

The country where the diploma was issued has an agreement with Belgium concerning the exemption from legalisation (see p.3 of the list).

Remarks / exceptions

Cameroon, Nigeria

Unfortunately, we receive false documents on a regular basis from these countries. We see ourselves forced to impose stricter conditions.  In addition to the legalisation by the Belgian Embassy or Consulate, the institution where you have obtained your basic diploma must send us a copy of your diploma and transcripts under a stamped and sealed envelope.

Ghana

The legalisation is done at the Belgian Embassy in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Check the website for more information and contact details.

Unfortunately, we receive false documents on a regular basis from Ghana. We see ourselves forced to impose stricter conditions.  In addition to the legalisation by the Belgian Embassy or Consulate, the institution where you have obtained your basic diploma must send us a copy of your diploma and transcripts under a stamped and sealed envelope.

China

An original APS certificate must be submitted in the application package. Then you are exempt from submitting a legalised copy of your basic diploma and transcripts.

France

Diplomas and transcripts issued by a recognised educational institution in France can be certified by the institution.

The Netherlands / Germany / Luxembourg

Either the original or a certified true copy must be presented when applying or enrolling.