Legalizing Thai Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates for Overseas University Applications
By Muntasir • Published Jun 15, 2026 • Updated Aug 08, 2026 • Admissions & Applications, Study in Southeast Asia
Thailand acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on June 30, 2026, but it only takes effect on February 28, 2027, so Thai transcripts and degree certificates still need full Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalization until then.
🎓 Ask your university for an English-language transcript directly, since many issue one alongside the Thai original.
📩 MHESI (for university degrees) or the Office of the Basic Education Commission (for school certificates) can confirm your record if an evaluator asks.
🏠 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs's Legalization Division authenticates the document before any embassy step.
⏱️ Start two to three months ahead, since legalization and any embassy step add separate processing time.
What foreign universities and evaluators need from your Thai transcript
A foreign admissions office or a credential evaluator like WES wants your transcript and degree certificate, proof the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has legalized them, and an English translation if your university did not issue the originals in English.
Where Thailand stands on the apostille
Thailand acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on June 30, 2026, but the Convention only enters into force for Thailand on February 28, 2027. Before that date, Thai documents still need the full legalization chain below, not a single apostille certificate. After February 28, 2027, expect a one-step apostille to become available for documents going to other member countries, so check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consular site for the current process if you are applying close to that date.
Step 1: get your transcript and degree certificate
Request your transcript and degree certificate from your university's registrar. Many Thai universities issue an English-language version directly alongside the Thai original, which saves a separate translation step later. Confirm with your registrar whether an English version is available before you request a translation elsewhere.
Step 2: get institution or ministry verification if your evaluator asks for it
For university-level degrees, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) oversees institution accreditation and can confirm a program's registration status if an evaluator or admissions office wants extra proof. For school-level certificates such as a Mattayom 6 transcript, the Ministry of Education's Office of the Basic Education Commission handles the equivalent confirmation. Ask your target evaluator whether this step is required before you request it, since not every evaluator asks for it separately from legalization.
Step 3: legalize at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Submit your original transcript and degree certificate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs's Legalization Division for authentication. This confirms your university's seal and signature are genuine and is the step that lets a foreign government or embassy trust the document. Check current fees, required forms, and drop-off locations on the MFA consular site before you go, since these details change.
Step 4: destination embassy legalization, if required
Some destination countries ask for a further legalization step at their embassy or consulate in Bangkok after MFA legalization. Others, and most credential evaluators, accept the MFA-legalized document alone. Check your destination country's embassy website directly, since this varies by country.
Step 5: translate if needed, then send to your evaluator
If your university did not issue an English version, get a certified translation of the legalized documents before submitting them. If your program requires a foreign credential evaluation, register with WES or another recognized evaluator and follow its exact document list, since some want your university to send a copy directly in addition to the copy you submit.
Converting your GPA
Thai universities already grade on a 0 to 4.00 scale similar to the US system, so conversion is usually simpler than for countries using a different range. A course-by-course evaluation still gives foreign admissions staff a standardized report next to your original transcript, which some programs require regardless of how similar the scales look.
Quick reference
| Step | What happens | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transcript and degree certificate, English version if available | Your university registrar |
| 2 | Institution or degree registration confirmation, if asked | MHESI (university degrees) or the Office of the Basic Education Commission (school certificates) |
| 3 | Document legalization | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Legalization Division |
| 4 | Embassy legalization, if the destination country asks for it | Destination country's embassy in Bangkok |
| 5 | Credential evaluation, if your program requires one | WES or another recognized evaluator |
If your institution has closed, MHESI keeps records of accreditation history for higher education providers that no longer operate. Contact MHESI directly to ask how to get confirmation of your registration when your original school cannot issue one.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming an apostille applies to Thai documents before February 28, 2027.
Paying for a translation when your university already issues an English-language transcript.
Skipping MFA legalization and sending only the university-issued original, which most foreign institutions will not accept on its own.
Starting the process too close to your deadline, since legalization and any embassy step each add independent processing time.
Start at least two to three months before your application deadline. Confirm each destination country's exact requirement before you pay for translation or extra certification, since requirements differ by country and by evaluator.