Degrees, Diplomas, Trade Certificates, Matric Certificates & Transcripts
Using your South African qualifications overseas? Your documents must first be verified by the correct authority—SAQA for tertiary qualifications, Umalusi for matric certificates—before DIRCO can apostille them.
We handle the complete process.📞 087 001 0733 | ✉️ info@apostille.co.za [Contact Us for a Quote →]
DIRCO cannot apostille your degree or matric certificate directly. Foreign authorities need confirmation that your qualification is genuine and was issued by a recognised South African institution. This verification must come from the relevant South African authority:
Only after verification can the document proceed to DIRCO for apostille (Hague countries) or authentication (non-Hague countries).
Submitting an unverified qualification to DIRCO will be rejected.
SAQA verifies tertiary qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF):
SAQA issues a verification letter confirming your qualification is authentic and registered on the NQF. This letter is what gets apostilled—not your original degree certificate.
QCTO verifies trade certificates:
Not sure which authority handles your qualification? Contact us, and we'll advise.
Umalusi verifies school-leaving qualifications:
The Department of Basic Education verifies school-leaving qualifications:
Umalusi holds records from November 1992 onwards. For certificates issued before 1992, SAQA handles verification.
A SAQA verification letter confirms that your tertiary qualification:
This letter is essential for overseas employment, immigration, and applications for further study.
Typically 10-25 working days, depending on:
We monitor your application and will inform you immediately if SAQA encounters any issues.
Umalusi aims to complete verification within 24 working hours (approximately 3 days), though this is not guaranteed during busy periods.
Step 1: SAQA Verification (15-25 working days)
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Step 2: DIRCO Apostille/Authentication
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Step 3: Embassy Attestation (non-Hague countries only)Step 1: Umalusi Verification (1-3 working days)
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Step 2: DIRCO Apostille/Authentication
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Step 3: Embassy Attestation (non-Hague countries only)If your institution is not registered with SAQA or Umalusi (common with some private colleges and TEFL certificates), your qualification must follow the notarisation route:
Step 1: Notarisation by a Notary Public
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Step 2: High Court Apostille/Authentication
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Step 3: DIRCO Authentication (non-Hague countries)
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Step 4: Embassy Attestation (non-Hague countries)| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| SAQA verification (our facilitation) | R914 |
| SAQA government fee | R686 |
| DIRCO apostille | R1000 |
| Total per verificatio | R2,600 |
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Umalusi verification (our facilitation) | R400 |
| DIRCO apostille | R1000 |
| Total per qualification | R1,400 |
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Embassy attestation (non-Hague) | Quoted Separately |
| Notarisation (notarisation only - unregistered qualifications) | R180 |
| High Court apostille | R850 |
| Courier (local) | R250-R350 |
| Courier (international) | R800-R900 |
Start early
SAQA verification alone takes 15-25 working days. Add time for DIRCO and possible embassy attestation. Begin the process at least 6-8 weeks before you need your documents.
Keep your originals safe
Your original degree stays with you
For SAQA-verified qualifications, we apostille the SAQA verification letter, not your original degree certificate. Your original remains safe with you.
Outstanding university fees
If your institution has unpaid fees, it may refuse to verify your qualification with SAQA. Settle any outstanding accounts before starting the process.
Foreign qualifications
If your qualification was obtained outside South Africa, it cannot be apostilled in South Africa. You must have it authenticated in the country where it was issued.
How long does the entire process take?
For SAQA route: 4-6 weeks (SAQA 15-25 days + DIRCO). For Umalusi route: 1 - 4 working days. Add 1-2 weeks for embassy attestation if required.
Can I apostille my original degree certificate?
No. DIRCO apostilles the SAQA verification letter, not your original degree. This protects your original document.
Do I need to apostille my transcript as well?
Depends on your destination's requirements. Some countries want a degree + transcript, others only the degree. Contact us with your destination, and we'll confirm.
What if my university closed down?
SAQA may still be able to verify if they have records. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Can you help if I'm already overseas?
Yes. You can courier certified copies to us, and we handle everything in South Africa. We courier the final documents back to you internationally.
My TEFL certificate is from a private college—what do I do?
If the institution is not SAQA-registered, your certificate follows the notarisation route (Notary Public → High Court). See our TEFL Certificate page.
Is a notarised copy of my degree acceptable?
Some countries accept notarised copies via High Court apostille, others specifically require SAQA verification. We'll advise based on your destination country.
Don't risk delays or rejection. We navigate SAQA, Umalusi, DIRCO, and embassy requirements daily. Contact us with your qualification details and destination country for a complete quote.[Contact Us →]Get in touch:
