Who issues an apostille for a school certificate?
The Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus issues apostilles for Belarusian education documents. This includes the certificate of general secondary education (11 school years), the certificate of general basic education (9 school years) and certificates of study. An apostille verifies the school's signature and seal. The certificate is then accepted in countries party to the 1961 Hague Convention without consular legalisation. A Belarusian school certificate cannot be apostilled abroad.
Admissions in Poland and other EU countries
Polish universities accept Belarusian school certificates with an apostille and a sworn translation. If the certificate was issued after 29 September 2005, the university also requests information from NAWA confirming that it entitles the holder to enter university; certificates issued before that date are treated as equivalent to a Polish secondary school leaving certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości). Germany, Lithuania and Czechia have their own procedures, but an apostille and translation are almost always required. Check the university's admission rules for the exact list, or send us a link.
Children at school abroad
If your child studied in Belarus, a school or college abroad may request an apostilled education certificate or certificate of study to place them in the appropriate school year. Schools in Poland also admit children without an apostille, but having one makes the placement decision easier. Ask the school whether it needs one, or send us its requirements.
Is a translation needed?
Almost always, yes. Poland requires a translation by a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły). The certificate must be translated together with the apostille, otherwise the apostille will remain untranslated. You can arrange a sworn translation through our partner as part of the same order.
If the school certificate is lost or damaged
School certificates are often lost or laminated “for safekeeping”. A duplicate helps in both cases: it is issued by the school or, if the school has closed, the education department. We will obtain a duplicate and arrange an apostille straight away, without you travelling.
Timeframes and what to prepare
A school certificate apostille is usually ready in 7–14 working days, or 5 with urgent service. A duplicate takes longer; we will give you an exact date in your quote. Keep university application deadlines in mind: it is best to start a month beforehand. For a quote, send photos of all sides of your certificate, the country and the date you need the document by.