Are apostilled documents necessary for the Uni-Assist application?
Yes — apostille is mandatory. For official documents issued in Turkey to be valid in Germany, an Apostille (Hague Apostille) is required.
Which Documents Require an Apostille?
Mandatory Apostille
- High school diploma (original)
- Bachelor's degree certificate (original)
- High school transcript (your grades before graduation)
- Bachelor's transcript (all semester grades)
- Studienkolleg diploma (if applicable)
No Apostille Required (Translation Only)
- Passport copy
- ID
- Motivation letter, CV
Where to Get an Apostille?
Depending on the type of document:
| Document | Apostille location |
|---|---|
| High school diploma, transcript | Provincial Directorate of National Education + Provincial Directorate of Administrative Affairs |
| Bachelor's degree certificate, transcript | University approval + Provincial Directorate of Administrative Affairs |
| Criminal record certificate | Courthouse + Provincial Governor's Office |
| Birth certificate | Civil Registry Office + Provincial Governor's Office |
Process
- Obtain the document (original or certified copy — varies by Universität)
- Get the official seal from the relevant institution
- Go to the Provincial Directorate of Administrative Affairs
- The Apostille seal is affixed (1-3 days)
Duration + Cost
| Type | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Apostille | 1-3 days | ~50-100 ₺ |
| Online appointment system | Active (e-Devlet) | Same |
| Urgent/express service | Same day in some cities | ~200-300 ₺ |
Translation After Apostille
The Apostille seal is in Turkish — to use it in Germany:
- Sworn translation (German or English)
- The Apostille seal itself is also translated
- Notary certification may be requested after translation (varies by Universität)
Turkish Apostille Seal vs Other Certifications
- ✓ Apostille — Hague Convention (Germany is also a signatory) — sufficient
- ✗ Consular certification — does not replace an Apostille
- ✗ Notary attestation — does not replace an Apostille
- ✓ Only an Apostille is sufficient for documents sent to Germany
Practical Tip
Apostille documents are valid for a long time — get it once, and you can use it repeatedly for your master's application + visa application + during the Anmeldung process in Germany. Make 2-3 copies, keep spares for your visa appointment.
Linked: Uni-Assist document mail
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