Short answer: to use a Malaysian degree, transcript or SPM/STPM certificate abroad, first have it verified by the right ministry (the Ministry of Higher Education for degrees from both public and private universities; the Ministry of Education for school certificates such as SPM, A-Level and Chinese independent school certificates), then translate it if needed, attest it at Wisma Putra and legalise it at the destination country's embassy. Wisma Putra charges RM 10 per document for school certificates, private-university certificates and certified translations, under its fee schedule.
We translate and attest academic documents for study, work and registration abroad. Our team is certified by ITBM and DBP and includes High Court interpreters. Send your document on WhatsApp for a quote.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
Fees and timelines: see our table of legalisation fees and processing times for Wisma Putra, MOHE and each embassy (updated October 2026).
Step 1: verification by the right body
Public-university degrees and transcripts: verified at the counter of the Ministry of Higher Education's Academic Excellence Division. Allow at least 3 working days if you graduated less than 5 years ago, and at least 7 working days if it has been 5 years or more (guideline effective 1 December 2025). Full steps: how to attest academic documents at MOHE.
Private-university and college certificates: verified first by the Ministry of Higher Education, the same as public-university certificates. School certificates such as SPM, A-Level and Chinese independent school certificates go through the Ministry of Education.
School certificates (SPM, STPM, STAM): presented to Wisma Putra as originals.
Step 2: translation
If your scroll, transcript or certificate is in Malay and the receiving institution needs English, or it is going to a country that needs its own language, it needs a certified translation by a translator Wisma Putra accepts. See who can certify a translation in Malaysia.
Step 3: Wisma Putra attestation
Under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' fee schedule, school certificates, private-university certificates, certified true copies and certified translations are RM 10 per document. Confirm the fee for public-university certificates at the counter. See our Wisma Putra attestation service.
Step 4: embassy legalisation
Many countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand and the Gulf states, also need legalisation at their embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Each embassy sets its own fees and times. See our country guides and embassy list.
Lost SPM or STPM certificate?
SPM: apply for a replacement certified copy through the Examinations Syndicate's e-LP portal (elp.moe.gov.my). Third-party guides put the fee at around RM 30 per copy; check the portal for the current fee.
STPM: apply to the Malaysian Examinations Council (MPM) through its online or postal certificate copy service.
Aviation certificates: pilot and aircraft engineering training certificates that are not registered with MQA do not go through the Ministry of Higher Education. The original is attested by CAAM first, then Wisma Putra and the embassy: see CAAM attestation of aviation certificates.
Medical practising certificates: APCs and MMC, Nursing Board, Dental Council and Pharmacy Board registration certificates are government documents and go straight to Wisma Putra and the embassy (copies through a Notary Public first); medical degrees and transcripts take the MoHE route above. The Certificate of Good Standing is sent by the council directly and is not legalised: see medical practising certificate legalisation.
Common questions
Do I need MOHE verification before Wisma Putra?
Yes. Wisma Putra expects the Ministry of Higher Education's verification first for degrees from both public and private universities, and the Ministry of Education's for school certificates such as SPM. As an authorised representative at MOHE, we can handle the verification for you.
Can my interim transcript be authenticated?
No. The Ministry of Higher Education and Wisma Putra attest only the final transcript. If you have not completed your studies and are transferring to another university, only the original Letter of Withdrawal issued by your university can be attested; it may include details of your studies. To prove that you are still studying, the Confirmation Letter of Registration can be attested. An interim transcript cannot be attested.
Can I send a photocopy?
Use originals or certified true copies. Wisma Putra attests certified true copies at RM 10 each, but school certificates must be presented as originals.
Do I need my transcript translated for a university abroad?
If it is in English, usually not. If it is in Malay, most universities abroad ask for a certified English translation. Check the admissions page of the institution.
How long does the whole process take?
MOHE verification takes at least 3 or 7 working days, Wisma Putra returns documents the same day or the next working day, and embassy legalisation adds more. Plan for two to three weeks in total.
Related guides
Certified translation in Kuala Lumpur and across Malaysia (JPN, courts, Wisma Putra, embassies)
- Certified Translation for Malaysian University Admission (EMGS, universities)
China Work Permit and Z Visa: Legalising Malaysian Documents
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