How to verify your educational documents

All accepted students must verify their educational documents. If you do not verify your educational documents by the deadline, your study place will be cancelled!

Please also note that you must submit official translations of your educational documents if your original documents are issued in a language other than English, Finnish or Swedish.

Admission Services of the University of Oulu evaluates the eligibility and authenticity of your educational certificates. This means, for example, contacting your previous educational institution or the language test organiser. Any malpractice will be reported to your home institution and the appropriate authorities.

Please note that application documents are not returned to the applicants.

It means that we must receive proof that the educational documents you have uploaded on your electronic application are valid. Depending on your country of education, and the level of your degree, verification can and must be done in a few different ways (electronic systems, stamps on your documents, apostilles, etc.). Please read the following information carefully and find out how you must verify your documents.

You should verify the educational documents you used to prove your eligibility to our programmes.

1. Degree Certificate (higher education) /Upper Secondary Diploma (secondary education) AND
2. Transcript of Records

You must verify both documents. If country-specific requirements refer to only one of these documents, you must verify the other document using electronic, email, or general verification methods.

Please also note that you must submit official translations of your educational documents if your original documents are issued in a language other than English, Finnish or Swedish.

An official translation must be one of the following:

• issued by the awarding institution
• an officially certified copy issued by the awarding institution translated by an official translator
• an officially certified copy of a translation made by an official translator

Each page of an official translation must bear the translator’s stamp and/or signature. Official translations must be exact translations of the original documents. Translations done by the applicant themselves are not accepted.

If you have a diploma supplement, you may use it as an official translation. If you do this, you must verify your diploma supplement by the verification deadline of your programme, and use the same instructions as you use to verify your educational documents. Please note that a diploma supplement cannot be used to replace the original educational documents. You still must upload your degree certificate and transcript of records on your online application.

Please see our Deadlines pages for more information on when to verify your educational documents:

Bachelor's Programmes: https://www.oulu.fi/en/apply/how-apply/applying-bachelors-programmes/bachelors-admissions-deadlines

Master's Programmes: https://www.oulu.fi/en/apply/how-apply/applying-masters-programmes/deadlines

There are four main ways of verifying your documents:

1. Electronic verification services: If you are able to use one of the electronic verification services listed below to verify your educational documents, please use them as your first option for verification! If you can use these electronic verification services, you do not need to follow country-specific or general verification requirements.
2. By email straight from the awarding institution
   1. If your institution does not use any electronic credential services (such as Digitary, Parchment, MyEquals, CSSD/CHESICC, Truecopy etc.) to share official educational documents, you may ask that your institution sends your official electronic educational documents by email directly to the University of Oulu to the following email address: attachments(at)oulu.fi
   2. In order for the document to be accepted, certain requirements must be met:
      1. The email must be sent from the issuing institution’s official institutional email account
      2. The sending email must be verifiable on the institution’s public website
      3. The sending email must belong to a person or office that is responsible for issuing official educational documents, for example: registrar’s office, controller of examinations, awards and graduation department etc.
      4. The attached document must be in PDF format
      5. The email must include your application number as a reference number
   3. Documents sent by email that do not meet the above requirements are not accepted. Please give the above instructions to your institution's representative when requesting that they send your documents.
3. Country-specific requirements: For certain countries listed below on this web page, there are country-specific requirements that must be followed.
   1. Please note:
      1. If one of the electronic verifying systems we have listed below is at use in your country/institute of education, you can use those services to verify your documents instead of country-specific requirements.
      2. You may use email verification to verify your documents instead of country-specific requirements
4. General verification requirements: If your country of education is not on the list of country-specific requirements, and you are unable to use electronic and or email verification, your educational documents must be either:
   1. • officially certified (attested) by the awarding institution
      • OR carry an apostille
      • OR be otherwise legalised (see more information on Apostille and Legalisation below)
   2. Please note:
      1. If one of the electronic verifying systems we have listed below is at use in your country/institute of education, you can use those services to verify your documents instead of general verification requirements.
      2. You may use email verification to verify your documents instead of general verification requirements.

IB

• During the application period you must scan copies of your educational documents (transcript of records and upper secondary diploma) on your online application
• After you have been selected, you must order your grades to be sent to the University of Oulu using the electronic IB verification service
  • Intercultural Teacher Education deadline for verifying final diploma: April 30, 2024 at 15:00 / 3pm (GMT+3)
  • Digitalisation, Computing and Electronics AND International Business Management deadline for verying final diploma: June 10, 2024 at 15:00 / 3pm (GMT+3)
• If you are graduating after the application period (spring/summer 2024), you must order your final diploma to be sent to the University of Oulu through IB verification service by July 11, 2024, 15:00 / 3 pm (GMT+3).

EB, RP, and other international upper secondary degrees

• During the application period you must scan copies of your educational documents (transcript of records and upper secondary diploma) on your online application
• After you have been selected, you must verify your educational documents using either email verification or general verification methods listed below.

We accept verified educational documents electronically through certain international transcript services. When submitting your electronic educational documents through one of these services, please remember to direct the document to the University of Oulu. Please refer to the services’ own instructions for more details on how to use each service. Please note that if you can use an electronic verification service for only one of your educational documents (degree certificate OR transcript of records), you must verify the other document according to country-specific or general requirements (depending on your country of education).

If your educational documents are required in a sealed envelope according to a country-specific requirement, it is acceptable to submit the documents through an electronic transcript service instead.

List of accepted electronic document verification services:

• Gradintelligence (United Kingdom) https://gradintel.com
• Truecopy (India) http://www.electronictranscripts.com
• My eQuals (Australia, New Zealand) https://www.myequals.edu.au/students/
• CSSD (China; former CHESICC ) https://www.chsi.com.cn/en/
• National Student Clearinghouse (North America) https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/
• Digitary http://www.digitary.net/
• Parchment https://www.parchment.com

In some cases we may accept new electronic document services suggested by the applicant, if they meet our verification criteria. University of Oulu will uphold the right to make the final decision on whether we accept the new service or not.

1. By email straight from the awarding institution
   1. If your institution does not use any electronic credential services (such as Digitary, Parchment, MyEquals, CSSD/CHESICC, Truecopy etc.) to share official educational documents, you may ask that your institution sends your official electronic educational documents by email directly to the University of Oulu to the following email address: attachments(at)oulu.fi
   2. In order for the document to be accepted, certain requirements must be met:
      1. The email must be sent from the issuing institution’s official institutional email account
      2. The sending email must be verifiable on the institution’s public website
      3. The sending email must belong to a person or office that is responsible for issuing official educational documents, for example: registrar’s office, controller of examinations, awards and graduation department etc.
      4. The attached document must be in PDF format
      5. The email must include your application number as a reference number
   3. Documents sent by email that do not meet the above requirements are not accepted. Please give the above instructions to your institution's representative when requesting that they send your documents.

• If your country is available on the list, you may use electronic OR email verification to replace country-specific instructions.
• If your country is NOT available on the list, you may use electronic OR email OR general verirication.

Applicants, whose higher secondary qualifications or higher education degrees have been awarded in certain countries, need to pay special attention to the documentation before submitting it. The country-specific requirements must always be followed first and foremost, before any other requirements for attesting documents.

Please note that if your country-specific requirements only refer to the verification of one document (for example only mentions sending your transcript to us by post), you must verify your other educational documents (for example your degree certificate) using other verification methods (electronic OR email OR general verification methods).

An English, Finnish or Swedish translation (or an English-language Diploma Supplement concerning graduates from European universities) is also required if the document is not written in one of aforementioned languages.

If you are required to provide the educational documents directly from the awarding institution by post, please visit our Admissions Contact page to see where and how regular post/mail can be sent to us.

Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees: If you are admitted to a Bachelor's Degree at University of Oulu, please see country-specific information under "Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees".

Requirements for Master's Degrees:If you have been admitted to a Master's Degree at Universtiy of Oulu please see country-specific informaton under "Requirements for Master's Degrees".

OFFSHORE CAMPUSES

If your academic qualification was completed at an offshore campus, please follow the country-specific instructions for the country where the main university is located or accredited.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Send by post your upper secondary-level educational documents to Admissions Services of the University of Oulu in an envelope sealed by the diploma-awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed with the official stamp or seal of the educational institution or examination board across the back flap indicating that the envelope has not been opened after sealing. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

If your institution uses MyEquals to issue and share educational documents:

Please share your educational documents (Transcript and Degree Certificate) to the University of Oulu through MyEquals.

If your institution does not use MyEquals or offer other electronic verification methods:

Transcript of Records:

An official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Secondary Education Diploma:

Scan on your electronic application a copy of the official government-granted upper secondary-level diploma and transcript of records. The original educational documents must be verified with an apostille by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Copies of the apostille-verified documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. Alternatively, the notary public can also use a unifying element, meaning that the pages are attached together in a way that certifies them all; in this case only one page must carry the notary public’s original stamp and the signature of the certifying officer.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed your Bachelor's degree in Azerbaijan, you must upload to the electronic application a copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript. The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Copies of the apostille-verified original documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies submitted must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. If you have not yet graduated, you must scan on your eletrconic application a copy of your official transcript of records. The transcript of records must be either officially certified by the awarding institution, or carry an Apostille verification.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

The upper secondary-level educational documents must be officially certified (attested) by the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh, specifically the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education. You can upload the verified documents on your online application yourself.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed or are completing your Bachelor's degree in Bangladesh, you must scan to the electronic application the education documentation awarded by your university. Degree certificates, transcripts, mark sheets and result cards must always be awarded by the main university or a college that has a degree-awarding status. Educational documents granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted. You must submit a separate transcript, mark sheet or result card awarded by your university indicating each attempt to complete a course as well as the years. A consolidated statement of marks is not accepted. Please note that the degree certificate and transcript of records must be officially certified (attested) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, more specifically by the Consular and Welfare Wing. Each page of the transcript of records and the degree certificate must carry the original stamp and signature of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.

Further information can be found on the Ministry’s website.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Upload on your electronic application a copy of the official government-granted upper secondary-level diploma and transcript of records. The original educational documents must be verified with an apostille by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus. Copies of the apostille-verified documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. Alternatively, the notary public can also use a unifying element, meaning that the pages are attached together in a way that certifies them all; in this case only one page must carry the notary public’s original stamp and the signature of the certifying officer.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Recrods and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed your Bachelor's degree in Belarus, you must upload to the electronic application a copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript. The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus. Copies of the apostille-verified original documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies uploaded to the electronic application must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. If you have not yet graduated, you must upload on the electronic application a copy of your official transcript of records. The transcript of records must be either officially certified by the awarding institution, or legalised.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

The upper secondary educational documents must be sent by post to Admissions Services of the University of Oulu by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope. The envelope must be sealed with the official stamp or seal of the body awarding the document across the back flap indicating that the envelope has not been opened after sealing. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your Bachelor's degree in Cameroon, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

If your institution can send your official transcript to the University of Oulu through an electronic transcript service, or if they can use email verification by the awarding institution, please use that service to submit your educational documents (transcript and certificate).

If your institution does not provide these services:

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

The upper secondary educational documents must be sent by post to the Admissions Services of the University of Oulu by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope. The envelope must be sealed with the official stamp or seal of the body awarding the document across the back flap so that it is obvious that the envelope has not been opened after sealing. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your Bachelor's degree in Canada, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records. You are not required to submit a copy of your degree certificate if your transcript of records includes the following information: name of the institution that awarded the degree, the date of issue, the name of the person to whom the degree was awarded and what title/degree it was.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate. Please note: You are not required to send a copy of your degree certificate if your transcript of records includes the following information: name of the institution that awarded the degree, the date of issue, the name of the person to whom the degree was awarded and what title/degree it was.

If your institution can send your official transcript to the University of Oulu through an electronic transcript service, or if they can use email verification by the awarding institution, please use that service to submit your educational documents (transcript and certificate).

If your institution does not provide these services:

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational document with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education is a general upper secondary education certificate, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you can submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

Upload a copy of your degree certificate and transcript of records to the electronic application. If the document was issued in Chinese, an official translation into English must also be submitted. Apply to CSSD (this new service has replaced former CDGDC and CHESICC )(https://www.chsi.com.cn/) for verified documents in English. Send the verified documents in English to the following e-mail address: attachments@oulu.fi. If you have not graduated by the beginning of the application period, you do not need to submit a verification report or a copy of your degree certificate when applying.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you can submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your Bachelor's degree in Eritrea, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable that the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be sent with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you can submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Ethiopia, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be sent with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Please remember to ALWAYS

• Upload copies of your educational documents in the electronic application system, OR to
• Share your educational information via a link on your application in Studyinfo.

An applicant who has completed their secondary education in a Finnish educational institute does NOT have to submit verified secondary education certificate, if

• The applicant has completed a Finnish matriculation examination (ylioppilastutkinto) in 1990 or after, or if the matriculation examination will be completed in 2023. You also do not need to submit certificates of retakes or new added matriculation exams if they are completed in 1990 or after, or if they will be completed in 2023.
• The applicant has completed a Finnish vocational upper secondary education (ammatillinen perustutkinto) in 2017 or after, or if the education will be completed in 2023.
• The applicant has completed a Finnish further vocational qualification (ammattitutkinto) or a specialist vocational qualification (erityisammattitutkinto) in 2018 or after, or if the qualification will be completed in 2023.

University of Oulu will verify your educational information automatically in the national database.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

Please ALWAYS remember to either

• Upload copies of your educational documents in the electronic application system, OR
• Share your educational information via a link on your application in Studyinfo

An applicant who has completed or is completing their Bachelor's degree at one of the Finnish universities or universities of applied sciences do NOT need to submit verified educational documents by mail, as University of Oulu has electronic access to the required information if

• The applicant's degree was completed at the earliest on 1 January 2003, and they have a Finnish personal identification code.

University of Oulu will verify your educational information automatically in the national database.

If your degree was completed before 1 January 2003, or you do not have a Finnish personal identification code, you must submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Please note that all educational documents awarded by the following universities must be submitted following the general verification requirements:

• National Defence University (Maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu),
• Novia University of Applied Sciences (Yrkeshögskolan Novia)
• Åland University of Applied Sciences (Högskolan på Åland)

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your transcript of records.

Upper Secondary Diploma:

You must send by post the West African Senior Secondary Certificate (WASSC) granted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) together with an unscratched Access Card/Scratch Card. The code in the card is used to verify your diploma information using an online service.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Ghana, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

Send by post the Certification of Results to the Admissions Services of the University of Oulu in an envelope sealed by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). The envelope must be sealed with the official stamp or seal of the body awarding the document across the back flap indicating that the envelope has not been opened after sealing. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Upper Secondary Diploma:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your upper secondary diploma.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

There are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you can submit the required documents (transcript of records and degree certificate) using electronic/email/general verification methods.

If your institution uses an electronic service (e.g. TrueCopy) to issue and share educational documents:

Please share your educational documents (Transcript and Degree Certificate) to the University of Oulu through TrueCopy.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Send by post the upper secondary educational documents in an envelope sealed by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed with the official stamp or seal of the body awarding the document across the back flap indicating that the envelope has not been opened after sealing. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records

If you have completed or are completing your Bachelor's degree in India, an official transcript, mark sheet or result card indicating each attempt to complete a course as well as the years must be sent to University of Oulu by post by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The document must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official documents. If your university or college in India is unable to send the transcript, mark sheet or result card to University of Oulu, please request that the university-verified documents are placed in an officially sealed envelope with the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. Have the envelope returned to you and forward it to University of Oulu per post. The official transcript, mark sheet or result card must in this case be attested by the Controller of Examinations or the Registrar’s Office, and the envelope must be sealed with the attesting office’s stamp across the back flap. Transcripts, mark sheets and result cards must be awarded either by the main university or a college (autonomous or affiliated). It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with a transcript of records (or mark sheet or result card). Degree certificates must always be awarded by the main university. Degree certificates granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational document with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education is a general upper secondary education certificate, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you can submit the required documents as generally verified documents (see general verification instructions on this page)..

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Indonesia, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be sent with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Copies of your upper secondary educational documents must be legalised by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Embassy in Tehran. Official translations of the educational documents must be certified by the Ministry of Justice of Iran. Please note that photocopies of these certified documents will not be accepted: We must be able to see the original stamps and markings on the certified copies. All the copies and translations must bear the original stamps of both the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Ministry of Justice, and the Finnish Embassy in Tehran. Please upload the documents to the electronic application.

If you are not able to visit the Finnish Embassy in Tehran due to the COVID-19 situation, please request your home institution

• to stamp the educational documents that they have issued in the original language, and
• to seal the educational documents and their translations verified by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an institutional envelope with an institutional stamp across the back flap and to send the sealed envelope to the University of Oulu.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Iran, copies of the educational documents must be legalized by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Embassy in Tehran. Official translations of educational documents must be certified by the Ministry of Justice. Copies of copies will not be accepted. All the copies and translations must have the original stamp given by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Ministry of Justice, and the Finnish Embassy in Tehran. Please upload the documents to the electronic application.

If you are not able to visit the Finnish Embassy in Tehran due to the COVID-19 situation, please request your home institution

• to stamp the educational documents that they have issued in the original language, and
• to seal the educational documents and their translations verified by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an institutional envelope with an institutional stamp across the back flap and to send the sealed envelope to the University of Oulu.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Send by post the Leaving Certificate and Transcript of Records to Admissions Services of the University of Oulu in an envelope sealed by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed with the official stamp or seal of the awarding institution across the back flap indicating that the envelope has not been opened after sealing. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in the Republic of Ireland, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational document with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education is a general upper secondary education certificate, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Japan, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu in an envelope that has been sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The document can be sent to University of Oulu by the applicant or by the awarding institution.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Upload on your electronic application a copy of the official government-granted upper secondary-level diploma and your transcript of records. The original educational documents must be verified with an apostille by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Copies of the apostille-verified documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. Alternatively, the notary public can also use a unifying element, meaning that the pages are attached together in a way that certifies them all; in this case only one page must carry the notary public’s original stamp and the signature of the certifying officer.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcrtip of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed your degree in Kazakhstan, you must upload to the electronic application a copy the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript. The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Copies of the apostille-verified original documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies submitted must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. If you have not yet graduated, you must upload to the electronic application a copy of your official transcript of records. The transcript of records must be either officially certified by the awarding institution, or legalised.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your transcript of records.

Upper Secondary Diploma:

You must send by post the statement of examination results for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) to Admissions Services of the University of Oulu in an envelope sealed by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). The envelope must be sealed with the KNEC’s official stamp or seal across the back flap, indicating that the envelope has not been opened. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Kenya, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed your degree in Kyrgyzstan, you must upload to the electronic application a generally verified copy (see general verification instructions in a section below) of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Malaysia, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Nepal, an official transcript, mark sheet or result card indicating each attempt to complete a course as well as the years must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The document must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official documents. If your university in Nepal is unable to send the transcript, mark sheet or result card to University of Oulu, please request that the attested documents are placed in an officially sealed envelope with the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. Have the envelope returned to you to forward by post to University of Oulu. The official transcript, mark sheet or result card must in this case be attested by the Controller of Examinations or the Registrar’s Office, and the envelope must be sealed with the attesting office’s stamp across the back flap. Transcripts, mark sheets and result cards must always be awarded by the main university or a college with degree-awarding status, and documents granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records (or mark sheet or result card).

Degree Certificate:

Degree certificates must always be awarded by the main university or a college with degree-awarding status. Degree certificates granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted. The copy of the degree certificate must be officially certified. Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

If your institution can send your official transcript to the University of Oulu through an electronic transcript service, or if they can use email verification by the awarding institution, please use that service to submit your educational documents (transcript and certificate).

If your institution does not provide these services:

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Send by post your educational documents (transcript of records and upper secondary diploma) to Admissions Services of the University of Oulu in an envelope sealed by the awarding body (New Zealand Qualifications Authority or an institution). The envelope must be sealed with the official stamp or seal of the educational institution or examination board across the back flap so that it is obvious that the envelope has not been opened after sealing. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in New Zealand, an official transcript of records must be submitted to University of Oulu per post by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

You must upload on your electronic application the West African Senior Secondary Certificate (WASSC) granted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and send us by post an unscratched Access Card/Scratch Card. The code in the card is used to verify your degree information using an online service.

Upper Secondary Diploma:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your upper secondary diploma.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Nigeria, an official transcript of records must be sent to University of Oulu by post by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Upload your educational documents on your online application. The upper secondary educational documents must be certified (attested) by the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC). Each page of the transcript of records and the diploma must be stamped and signed by the IBCC. The documents must be verifiable via their online service. If this is not possible, the educational documents must be submitted directly to Admissions Services of the University of Oulu by the IBCC.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Pakistan, you must upload to the electronic application the education documentation awarded by your university. Degree certificates and transcript of records must always be awarded by the main university or a college with degree-awarding status. Educational documents granted by affiliated colleges will not be accepted. The degree certificate and transcript of records must be certified (attested) by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Each page of the transcript of records and the degree certificate must be stamped and signed by the HEC. All copies must carry an original stamp by the HEC. Copies certified before September 20, 2009 are not accepted, as the copies must be verifiable from HEC’s online service. Further information can be found on the HEC website.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Upload on your online application a copy of the official government-granted transcript of records and upper secondary-level diploma. The original educational documents must be verified with an apostille by the authorised body of education of the Russian Federation in your region (Федеральная служба по надзору в сфере образования и науки (Рособрнадзор)). Copies of the apostille-verified documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. Alternatively, the notary public can also use a unifying element, meaning that the pages are attached together in a way that certifies them all; in this case only one page must carry the notary public’s original stamp and the signature of the certifying officer.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed your degree in Russia, you must upload to the electronic application a copy of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript of records (приложение к диплому). The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the authorised body of education of the Russian Federation in your region (Федеральная служба по надзору в сфере образования и науки (Рособрнадзор)). Copies of the apostille-verified original documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. Please note that the copy of the official government-granted degree certificate must include copies of both sides of the first page. The copies submitted must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. Alternatively, the notary public can also use a unifying element, meaning that the pages are attached together in a way that certifies them all; in this case only one page must carry the notary public’s original stamp and the signature of the certifying officer. If you have not yet graduated, you must submit a copy of your official transcript of records. The transcript of records must be either officially certified by the awarding institution, or legalised.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in South Africa, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in South Korea, an official transcript must be sent by post to University of Oulu in an envelope that has been sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The document can be sent to University of Oulu by the applicant or by the awarding institution.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Sri Lanka, an official copy of the transcript of records, must be sent by post to the University of Oulu in a sealed envelope. The envelope can be sent by the applicant or by the awarding institution. Please note that if the degree awarding institution is located in some other country than Sri Lanka (e.g. UK), you must follow the requirements of the country in question. The transcript of records must be certified with an original stamp of the institution and an original signature of the certifying officer. The envelope must be sealed with the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap, indicating that the envelope has not been opened. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted. The University of Oulu accepts only official transcripts of records. Please note that regular photocopies of certified documents are not accepted, even if sent in a sealed envelope. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. copy of the degree certificate). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records. The degree certificate must be uploaded on the electronic application as a generally verified document (see general verification instructions in a section below).

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Sudan, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be sent together with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Taiwan, an official transcript must be sent by post to University of Oulu in an envelope that has been sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The document can be sent to University of Oulu by the applicant or by the awarding institution.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Degrees

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed your degree in the Republic of Tajikistan, you must submit a generally verified copy (see electronic/email/general verification instructions on this page) of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your transcript of records.

Upper Secondary Diploma:

Send by post the upper secondary education diploma certificate to Admissions Services of the University of Oulu in an envelope sealed by the National Examinations Council of Tanzania. The envelope must be sealed with the Council’s official stamp or seal across the back flap, indicating that the envelope has not been opened. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Tanzania, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed your degree in Turkmenistan, you must upload on your electronic application a generally verified copy (see general verification instructions on this page) of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Upper Secondary Diploma:

You must send by post the Letter of Education to Admissions Services of the University of Oulu in an envelope sealed by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). The envelope must be sealed with the UNEB’s official stamp or seal across the back flap, indicating that the envelope has not been opened. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in Uganda, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

Applicants with a degree that has been completed or is in progress in Ukraine do not need to verify their educational documents with an apostille if they are unable to follow the country-specific requirements stated below. If this is the case:

• During the application phase, please upload a clear scan of your degree certificate, transcript of records, and their translations into English, Finnish or Swedish to the application system. If your degree is still incomplete at the time of applying, please upload a clear copy of your latest transcript of records and its translation into English, Finnish or Swedish.
• If you are admitted, and you are unable to verify your final degree according to the country-specific requirements, OR with any other verification method listed on this page, you will be required to show your original degree certificate, transcript of records, and their translations in person to the Admission services as instructed in your admission letter.
• If you are unable to follow these instructions, please contact us at admissions@oulu.fi as soon as possible.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

Upload your educational documents on your electronic application. The original upper secondary educational documents must be verified with an Apostille by the Information and Image Centre (Інформаційно-іміджевий центр) of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (Міністерство освіти і науки України). Copies of the apostille-verified documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. Alternatively, the notary public can also use a unifying element, meaning that the pages are attached together in a way that certifies them all; in this case only one page must carry the notary public’s original stamp and the signature of the certifying officer.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed your degree in Ukraine, you must upload to the electronic application a copy of the official degree certificate and transcript. The original documents must be verified with an apostille by the Information and Image Centre (Інформаційно-іміджевий центр) of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (Міністерство освіти і науки України). Copies of the apostille-verified original documents must then be officially certified by a notary public. The copies submitted must carry the notary public’s original stamp on each page and the signature of the certifying officer. Alternatively, the notary public can also use a unifying element, meaning that the pages are attached together in a way that certifies them all; in this case only one page must carry the notary public’s original stamp and the signature of the certifying officer. If you have not yet graduated, you must submit a copy of your official transcript of records. The transcript of records must be either officially certified by the awarding institution, or legalised.

If your institution can send your official transcript to the University of Oulu through an electronic transcript service, or if they can use email verification by the awarding institution, please use that service to submit your educational documents (transcript and certificate).

If your institution does not provide these services:

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your transcript of records.

Upper Secondary Diploma:

Send by post the Statement of Results certificate to Admissions Services of the University of Oulu in an envelope sealed by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed with the official stamp or seal of the educational institution or examination board across the back flap indicating that the envelope has not been opened after sealing. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in the United Kingdom, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be submitted with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate.

If your institution can send your official transcript to the University of Oulu through an electronic transcript service, or if they can use email verification by the awarding institution, please use that service to submit your educational documents (transcript and certificate).

If your institution does not provide these services:

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Upper Secondary Diploma:

The upper secondary educational documents must be sent by post to the Admissions Services of the University of Oulu by the awarding institution in a sealed envelope. The envelope must be sealed with the official stamp or seal of the body awarding the document across the back flap so that it is obvious that the envelope has not been opened after sealing. Envelopes sealed with a generic stamp, such as one stating “sealed”, are not accepted.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records:

If you have completed or are completing your degree in the USA, an official transcript of records must be sent by post to University of Oulu by the awarding institution. The envelope must be sealed by the awarding institution’s official stamp across the back flap. The transcript of records must come to University of Oulu directly from the awarding institution and cannot be sent by the applicant. Please note that regular photocopies are not sufficient, even if they are sent by the awarding institution. University of Oulu only accepts official transcripts of record. It is acceptable if the envelope contains other official documents awarded by the institution (e.g. degree certificate and diploma supplement). However, no other enclosures can be sent with the transcript of records.

Degree Certificate:

Please use one of the electronic/email/general verification methods to verify your degree certificate. Please note: You are not required to send a copy of your degree certificate if your transcript of records includes the following information: name of the institution that awarded the degree, the date of issue, the name of the person to whom the degree was awarded and what title/degree it was.

Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

If the educational documents with which you proved your general eligibility for academic education are a general upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, there are no country-specific requirements for your documents, and you may submit the required documents using electronic/email/general verification methods.

Requirements for Master's Programmes

Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate:

If you have completed your degree in Uzbekistan, you must upload to the electronic application a generally verified copy (see general verification instructions on this page) of the official government-granted degree certificate and transcript.

Officially certified copies of academic documents can be issued by the awarding institution. If you request officially certified copied from the awarding institution, make sure that the copies uploaded through the electronic application form to University of Oulu meet the following criteria:

• taken directly from your original educational documents
• include every page of your educational documents
• bear the verifying official stamp of the awarding institution on each page of the document (e.g. a generic stamp stating only “Certified true copy” will not be accepted)
  • Please note: the original stamp you may receive on your document when graduating is not enough! There must be a new stamp that verifies that the document has been seen and newly verified by an officer at your previous educational isntitution.
• bear the original signature of the certifying officer
  • Please note: the original signature you may receive when graduating is not enough! There must be a new signature that verifies that the document has been seen and newly verified by an officer at your previous educational isntitution.
• the officially certified copy can be sent to University of Oulu either by the applicant or the awarding institution

The Apostille Certificate (stamp or paper certificate) is necessary if the document has been issued by the authorities of a country that has ratified the Hague Convention of 1961. Information on the Hague Convention as well as an English language list of its member states can be found here:

https://www.hcch.net/en/states/hcch-members

Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents It also provides information about the authorities issuing Apostille Certificates in the various countries.

If the country issuing a document is not a signatory of the Hague Convention, a document is legalised by the foreign ministry of the issuing country, after which a competent Finnish Embassy or Finnish Consulate of that country legalises the document, certifying the competence of that foreign ministry official to issue such legalisation.

All submitted documents will be examined for their eligibility and authenticity. In case the applicant submits forged documents, the application will be automatically rejected.

Please note that all students are required to present their original Bachelor’s degree certificate (or higher) and transcript of records upon arrival, before starting their studies at the University of Oulu. If a student fails to do so, the right to study will be waived.

If your country of education is not on the list of country-specific requirements, and you are unable to use electronic and or email verification, your educational documents must be either:

• officially certified (attested) by the awarding institution
• OR carry an apostille
• OR be otherwise legalised (see more information on Apostille and Legalisation below)

• Please note:
  1. If one of the electronic verifying systems we have listed below is at use in your country/institute of education, you can use those services to verify your documents instead of general verification requirements.
  2. You may use email verification to verify your documents instead of general verification requirements.