A New Zealand degree, transcript, NZQA record or school document can be apostilled for use overseas, but the rules differ by document. Some go straight to the apostille, others must be notarised first, and a JP won't do where a notary is required. We confirm what your exact document needs, book the notary for you if it needs one, handle the apostille and deliver it. NZQA records all in from NZ$116; notarised documents are quoted all in.
How it works with us
One contact, start to finish. The first step often saves you money.
- Tell us who asked for itWe check what they actually need.
- We identify the documentDegree, transcript, NZQA record or letter.
- Notary, if requiredWe book it and tell you what to bring.
- We lodge the apostilleOr authentication, checked first.
- Tracked deliveryTo you, or straight to the university or employer.
What it costs
| Your document | All in |
|---|---|
| NZQA record, no notary needed | From NZ$116 all in |
| Degree, transcript or school document needing a notary | Quoted all in, including the notary |
| Urgent, overseas delivery, authentication countries | Quoted all in |
Prices include government fees and GST. You see one total before anything is booked. See pricing.
Does my document need a notary?
It depends on the exact document. NZQA records, school documents and university documents are each treated differently, and paying a notary for a document that didn't need one is as common as being refused for skipping one. Tell us what you have and we'll tell you, free, before you spend anything. See JP vs Notary Public.
We check this before you pay for an apostille
Many overseas universities, employers and registration bodies verify New Zealand qualifications in their own way, and some don't want an apostille at all. We confirm what the receiving organisation actually asks for first, so you only pay for what's needed.
An apostille confirms the signature, stamp or seal on the document is genuine. It does not decide whether your qualification is recognised as equivalent overseas; the overseas authority decides that separately.
Which document do they actually want?
"My degree" can mean the degree certificate, the academic transcript, an NZQA record or a letter from your institution. Overseas offices often ask for one and not the others. We make sure the right one is apostilled.
How long does it take?
About 3 weeks for the apostille, or about 1 week urgent where eligible. If a notary is needed, allow time for the appointment, which we book for you. Tell us your deadline and we'll tell you straight away whether it's achievable.
Mistakes we catch before they cost you weeks
- Paying for an apostille when the university verifies qualifications another way
- Apostilling the degree certificate when the office wanted the transcript
- Getting a JP to certify a document that needs a Notary Public
- Paying a notary for a document that didn't need one
- Getting an apostille when the country needs authentication (UAE, Qatar, Malaysia)
Apostille or authentication? It depends on the country
| Route | Common study and work destinations |
|---|---|
| Apostille | United Kingdom, Australia, United States, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Croatia, Serbia, Philippines, India, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, South Africa |
| Authentication | United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, Taiwan, Nigeria |
| Authentication + embassy | Iraq, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and others |
We confirm the route for your exact country before anything is lodged. See Apostille vs Authentication.
Teaching or working overseas? See what your degree needs for a Vietnam work permit or a China work permit and Z visa, and for jobs and study in India. Teaching or working in the UAE? See degree attestation for the UAE. Teaching abroad? See degree apostille for a Korean E-2 visa.
Frequently asked questions
Can a New Zealand degree be apostilled?
Yes. Many degrees and transcripts must be notarised by a New Zealand Notary Public first. We confirm what yours needs, book the notary if required and handle the apostille.
Do NZQA documents need a notary?
Not usually. We check your exact NZQA record and, if it can go straight to the apostille, it is all in from NZ$116.
Do school documents need a notary?
Usually, yes. We book the notary for you and handle the apostille afterwards, with one all-in quote.
Can a JP certify my degree instead of a notary?
No. Where notarisation is required, only a New Zealand Notary Public is accepted.
How much does it cost in total?
An NZQA record is all in from NZ$116. Documents that need a notary are quoted all in, including the notary's fee, before anything is booked.
Does an apostille mean my degree is recognised overseas?
No. The apostille confirms the document's signature or seal is genuine. Recognition of the qualification is decided by the overseas authority.
NZ Document Assist Limited is an independent company, not a government agency. We are not a law firm, Notary Public or licensed immigration adviser and do not give legal or immigration advice.