I need a certified copy of my Dutch university diploma
If a foreign employer, university, immigration office or authority asks for a certified copy of your Dutch university diploma, do not assume that a normal photocopy is enough. Apostille Assist helps review whether a university-certified copy, notarial copy, apostille, sworn translation or another Dutch-side route is likely needed.
Clear help for certified diploma copy requests
Useful when the recipient asks for a certified copy, notarised copy, true copy, authenticated copy or copy with apostille, but the exact meaning is unclear.
Apostille Submission
Best if your Dutch-side apostille step is already clear and you mainly need straightforward submission handling for the issued education document.
- For straightforward Dutch apostille handling
- Useful when the document route is already clear
- WhatsApp updates during the process
Document Coordination
Best if the request is unclear, involves multiple documents, or includes legalisation, certified copies, degree verification, sworn translation, courier delivery or institution-specific wording.
- For unclear or multi-step education document requests
- Coordination of the agreed Dutch-side route
- Practical communication and progress updates
Why certified copies are requested
Certified copies are often requested when the original diploma should not be sent abroad or when the foreign institution needs a verified copy instead of a scan.
Certified copy can mean different things
Some recipients mean a copy certified by the university. Others mean a notarial copy, a copy with apostille, a sworn translation or a certified true copy under a specific legal route.
Before making a copy, check the wording
This page focuses on this specific document situation, so the route can be judged from the actual wording of the foreign request instead of from a generic apostille assumption.
True copy
This may refer to a certified reproduction of the diploma rather than a normal scan.
Notarial copy
Some foreign institutions use notarised copy broadly, but the Dutch route may need explanation.
Apostilled copy
An apostille may relate to the certification, not the original academic content.
How the certified copy route works
The correct certified copy route depends on the exact instruction and the recipient's acceptance rules.
Share the copy request
Send the wording about certified copy, true copy, notarised copy or apostille.
Check who can certify
Determine whether the university, notary or another route is likely relevant.
Review extra steps
Check whether apostille, translation or courier delivery is also requested.
Coordinate handling
Proceed once the recipient's requirements are clear.
Related Dutch education document guides
These guides cover related document routes for Dutch education records, degree proof, diploma use, transcripts, certified copies and international verification.
Frequently asked questions
Is a certified copy the same as a photocopy?
No. A certified copy usually means that someone authorised confirms the copy corresponds to the original.
Can a university certify a diploma copy?
Some institutions provide certified copies or statements. The available route depends on the university and the recipient's requirements.
Can a notary certify a copy of my diploma?
Sometimes a notarial copy route may be relevant, but it depends on the document and the foreign recipient's instructions.
Can a certified copy receive an apostille?
Sometimes, depending on how the copy is certified and what signature or certification is being apostilled.
Should I send my original diploma instead?
Not automatically. A certified copy may be safer if the recipient accepts it.
Does the certified copy need translation?
Possibly. If the recipient does not accept Dutch or English, a sworn translation may be needed.
Need help with a certified copy of your Dutch diploma?
Start the Document Route Check and share the instruction you received. I will review the wording and explain which Dutch-side document steps are likely relevant.
