How to Attest a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD Degree for International Use
If you have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree from a university in Türkiye and want to use your qualification abroad, you may need to complete the verification and attestation process. This guide explains the general procedure. An MBA degree from Okan University is used only as an example, but the same process applies to degrees from other Turkish universities as well.
Step 1: Obtain Your Graduation Documents
Log in to E-Devlet and search for "Mezun Belgesi".
Download the following documents:
1. Graduation Certificate (Mezun Belgesi)
2. Official Transcript
3. Diploma Supplement (if available)
Keep both digital and printed copies.
Step 2: Complete the Online YÖK Application
The Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) requires applicants to complete an online pre application before submitting documents. Applications are made through E-Devlet and YÖK's recognition and equivalence system.
Print the completed application form and keep it with your documents.
Step 3: Prepare Your Original Degree Certificate
Gather:
1. Original Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD diploma.
2. Certified Turkish translation if required.
3. Notarized copies when requested.
Step 4: Prepare Your Official Transcript
Your transcript should clearly show:
1. Subjects studied.
2. Credit hours or ECTS credits.
3. Grades obtained.
4. Degree completion details.
Official transcripts are among the key documents required by YÖK.
Step 5: Prepare the Diploma Supplement
If your university issued a Diploma Supplement, include it with your application.
This document helps foreign institutions understand your qualification and academic workload.
Step 6: Prepare Identity Documents
Keep copies of:
1. Passport
2. National Identity Card
3. Residence Permit (if applicable)
Step 7: Gather Proof of Study in Türkiye
You may be asked to provide evidence that you were physically present during your studies.
Examples include:
1. Entry and exit records.
2. Residence permit records.
3. Student residence documents.
YÖK may verify study periods as part of the evaluation process.
Step 8: Additional Documents
Depending on your degree level, YÖK may request:
1. Course descriptions or syllabus.
2. Program curriculum.
3. Thesis abstract and index pages for master's and PhD graduates.
4. Supporting academic documents.
Step 9: Submit Documents to YÖK
After preparing all documents:
1. Submit them personally.
2. Or authorize a representative through a power of attorney.
YÖK reviews the documents and verifies the authenticity of the degree with the university when necessary.
Step 10: Receive Recognition or Equivalence Decision
After evaluation, YÖK issues its decision regarding recognition or equivalence of the degree. The application can be tracked through the official system.
Step 11: Complete Apostille and Embassy Attestation (If Required)
Many countries require additional legalization after university and YÖK verification.
The usual order is:
1. University Documents
2. Notary Public (if required)
3. District Governor's Office (Kaymakamlık) or Governorship (Valilik) for Apostille
4. Embassy or Consulate of the destination country (if required)
Requirements vary from country to country.
Example
A graduate holding an MBA degree from Okan University would first download the Mezun Belgesi and transcript from E-Devlet, complete the YÖK application process, prepare the required supporting documents, obtain Apostille certification, and then complete any embassy legalization required by the country where the degree will be used.
Final Advice
Always check the latest requirements before starting the process because document requirements and procedures may change. Keep multiple certified copies of your diploma, transcript, and supporting documents for future employment, immigration, professional licensing, or further education abroad.
