Thai degree and transcript for applying to study abroad
The core admissions set: degree certificate, certificate of graduation and English-language transcript issued by the university, legalised at the Department of Consular Affairs and, where the institution or immigration authority requires it, further certified by the destination embassy.
Most Thai universities can issue English-language transcripts and graduation certificates directly from their own registrar. Documents issued in English by the institution itself are usually accepted more readily than an external translation, because the registrar's signature and seal appear on the document. Always start by requesting the English set from the university.
Degree certificates are often issued only in Thai. In that case the certificate must be translated into English and the translation certified by the Legalisation Division of the Department of Consular Affairs. That certification confirms that the signature and seal on the document are genuine; it is not an assessment of the programme or of academic performance.
Some receiving institutions will not accept documents handed in by the applicant and require an official transcript sent directly by the issuing university or through its secure electronic system. This varies by institution, so read the programme's admissions requirements before starting legalisation, to avoid legalising documents the receiver will not use.
For countries party to the Apostille Convention, an apostille will replace the second embassy certification once the Convention is in force for Thailand. Until then the traditional order applies: Department of Consular Affairs first, destination embassy second.
The spelling of your name on the degree, the transcript and the passport must match. Where it differs — for example a surname changed after marriage — attach the name-change record or marriage certificate with a certified translation so the receiving office can link the documents to one person.
Documents to prepare
- Original degree certificate plus a copy
- English-language transcript issued by the university registrar (sealed if the receiver requires it)
- English certificate of graduation, if available
- Valid passport and Thai ID card
- Name-change record or marriage certificate if the name differs from the passport
- Power of attorney if someone else will file on your behalf
Order of steps
- Request the English document set from the university registrar
- Translate Thai-only documents such as the degree certificate into English
- File for legalisation / translation certification at the Department of Consular Affairs
- Obtain further certification at the destination country's embassy or consulate where required
- Submit through the channel the receiving institution specifies (in person, by post, or sent directly by the university)
Pre-filing checklist
- Read the programme's admissions requirements and note the accepted document format
- Check that the name matches the passport on every document
- Check that the transcript shows the graduation date and the grading scale
- Keep at least one copy of the fully legalised set
- Ask whether a sealed envelope is required before opening it
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to translate the transcript if the university already issues it in English?
Usually not. An English transcript issued by the registrar is an original document. What remains is legalisation, if the receiving party asks for it.
What exactly does the Department of Consular Affairs certify?
That the signature and seal on the document belong to an authorised signatory, or that a translation is accurate. It is not an evaluation of the programme or of your grades.
Can I get an apostille now if the receiver asks for one?
The Apostille Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 according to HCCH. Before that date the traditional chain applies: Department of Consular Affairs, then the destination embassy.
My university closed or merged. Where do I get records?
You must contact the institution that took over the student records, which varies case by case. If you cannot identify it, ask the relevant higher-education authority to point you to where the records are kept.
Do these documents expire?
Degrees and transcripts do not expire, but many receiving institutions require the legalisation to be recent. The window varies by institution, so confirm with the receiver first.
Can someone file on my behalf?
For many steps yes, with a power of attorney and ID copies of both parties. Some institutions still require the document holder to appear, so check case by case.
Want our team to review the file before you submit it? Contact LINE @nycli, phone +66-83-249-4999 or email nycli@ilc.ltd and we will confirm the steps and a realistic timeline for your case.