Translating and legalising Afghan academic documents for foreign universities

Afghan students often face challenges that students from other countries do not: many European embassies do not operate in Kabul, some certifications are no longer easily accepted, and many students live outside Afghanistan. This guide explains the general route and practical options.

Afghanistan is not part of the Apostille Convention

Like Iran, Afghanistan is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Afghan documents therefore usually need consular legalisation: certification by domestic authorities and then, if required, by the destination country's mission.

General route

1. Verification by the issuing education authority (Ministry of Education for school certificates, higher-education authorities for university degrees).
2. Official translation into English or the destination language.
3. Foreign Ministry certification.
4. Legalisation by the destination country's mission, if the country or university requires it.

Current challenges

• Many European countries have no operating embassy in Kabul, so legalisation must be done at their missions in neighbouring countries or where the applicant lives.
• Some universities and embassies ask more questions about documents or certifications issued after 2021, or check them separately.
• If you live outside Afghanistan, accessing originals or issuing offices may be difficult.

Practical options

1. Ask the university first: many accept scanned copies and translations for the initial application and require full legalisation later.
2. Credential evaluation: some countries have evaluation services (e.g. anabin and uni-assist for Germany) that assess your qualification.
3. If you legally reside in Iran or Pakistan, check whether the destination's mission there legalises Afghan documents.
4. Document everything: keep certified copies, full transcripts and any proof of your academic history.

Rules and options for Afghan nationals change quickly. Before acting, check the official page of the destination mission and the university.

Important tips

• Keep your name spelling identical across translations, matching your passport or tazkira (and the Latin passport spelling).
• Keep high-quality digital copies of your documents.
• Avoid agents promising "instant certification" or stamps without visiting the office; a fake document can lead to an entry ban.

Frequently asked questions