How to notarize a degree when studying abroad in the Philippines?

A degree is issued by an institution of higher learning authorized by the state. It is a kind of academic title or academic honorary title awarded to an individual, indicating the degree of education or the level of education that has been reached in a certain subject field, generally including bachelor, master, and doctor. Three types indicate what level of academic qualifications or professional knowledge learning qualifications they have. However, when the degree (education) certificate needs to be used abroad (or returned from studying abroad, the degree certificate abroad is used at home), it needs to be notarized before it is recognized!

What is degree notarization?

Degree notarization is an activity of the state notary organ to prove the authenticity of its learning experience or degree certificate according to the application of the party concerned. It is one of the essential procedures for studying abroad.

The following certificates and materials must be provided for notarization of academic degrees:

(1) The party's identity card, account book or other identification certificate;

(2) A number of graduation certificates, graduation certificates and corresponding photocopies that the parties need to notarize;

(3) If the party concerned loses the original degree (education) certificate, he shall apply to the original school for reissue. If it cannot be reissued, the original school shall issue the education certificate and the applicant's personnel file department shall issue the relevant certificate. If the original school has been sold, the certificate issued by the superior competent authority of the original school shall be provided.

(4) Other materials that the notary believes should be provided.

Note: If the party concerned cannot go to the notary office in person, the agent shall submit the power of attorney and his resident ID card and its copy.

The difference between academic qualifications and degree notarization

1. The elements of the notarized certificate of academic qualifications include the name of the educational institution, the starting and ending time of study, the content of study, the category of academic qualifications, the form of completion of study, the system of schooling, etc. The elements of a notarized degree certificate include the institution that awarded the degree, the time when the degree was obtained, and the type of degree.

2. The notarial certificate of academic qualifications must be affixed with a two-inch photo of the applicant. In principle, the degree notarial certificate does not attach the applicant's photo. If the applicant requires, it can be affixed without affecting the use of the notarial certificate.

3. Some countries such as Italy, Nigeria, Kuwait and Zimbabwe only accept notarization of photocopies of academic certificates in conformity with the original, but do not accept notarization of academic qualifications of entities.

Precautions

1. If a foreign degree (education) certificate is to be used in China, it needs to be notarized and certified in that country first, and then consular certification by the Chinese embassy before it can be used in China (the procedures in different countries may be different, so it is recommended to consult the school or the corresponding visa agency first).

For example, the process of degree notarization and certification after studying in the United States: American International Notary Lawyer→U.S. Secretary of State Certification → Chinese Embassy in the United States for consular certification.

2. The notarial certificate issued by China that needs to be sent to foreign countries for use requires certification, usually including single certification and double certification, which shall be handled in accordance with the requirements of the country where the notarial certificate is used. Single certification is divided into Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification (generally certified by the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office) and embassy certification (generally certified by the embassy (consulate) of the country of use); double certification refers to the certification of the embassy after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification.

Note: The specific single certification or double certification is different from country to country. It is recommended to directly consult visa agencies or schools studying abroad for understanding.

Notarization fees for degree (education)

Notarization fees for studying abroad vary according to the types of notarization. Notarization for studying abroad is not only a degree (education) notarization, but also a degree notarization, birth notarization, kinship notarization, marital status notarization, work experience notarization, etc. Notarization is only one of them.