With China’s growing demand for skilled professionals in education, finance, IT, and healthcare, many Australians are applying for Z-Class (work) visas. Whether you’re planning to teach English, manage a project, or take up a research post, one thing remains crucial: your academic qualifications must be legally recognised in China.
As of 7 November 2023, this process has become simpler. China has officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents, eliminating the need for embassy legalisation for most documents, including academic records.
If you hold a degree from an Australian institution, you now only need a DFAT-issued Apostille — making the legalisation process faster, more cost-effective, and easier to manage.
| What Is an Apostille?An Apostille is a form of international certification that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in countries that are members of The Hague Apostille Convention. Australia is a member, and now, so is China.This means:DFAT-issued Apostille is now sufficient for Australian academic documents intended for use in China. No need for embassy or consular legalisation, saving applicants time and fees. Chinese authorities recognise the Apostille as valid proof of authenticity. |
Which Documents Typically Need an Apostille?
When applying for a Z Visa in China, you may be asked to submit the following:
- Academic Degree Certificate (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate)
- Transcript of Records (may be required depending on your role or the province you’re applying to)
- National Police Certificate (if required by the employer or province)
- Employment Contract or Letter of Invitation from a Chinese company
Please note:
- Some employers or provincial visa offices may require official translations of your documents into Simplified Chinese.
- The degree certificate and other public documents must be notarised and Apostilled before they can be submitted.
Step-by-Step: Authentifying Australian Degrees for China
Here’s how the simplified process works:
✅ 1. Notarisation by an Australian Notary Public
Your original degree or a copy must be verified by a Notary Public, who attaches a Notarial Certificate confirming its authenticity.
✅ 2. Apostille by DFAT
The notarised document is submitted to DFAT, which issues an Apostille certificate. This confirms that the notary is recognised by the Australian government, and the document is valid for international use.
✅ 3. Submission in China
Once Apostilled, the document can be submitted directly to Chinese authorities (e.g. your employer or visa processing centre) without additional embassy or consular legalisation.
How Authentifier Helps Streamline the Apostille Process
For Australians applying to work in China, preparing Apostilled academic records is now quicker than ever — but only if you follow each step precisely. That’s where Authentifier comes in.
Authentifier offers end-to-end support for notarising your academic documents, securing your DFAT Apostille, and ensuring your paperwork is 100% compliant with Chinese requirements. With a proven track record, express processing options, and expert customer support, Authentifier helps you avoid delays and complications.
Planning to work in China? Start your Apostille process with Authentifier today and ensure your Australian degree is accepted the first time, every time.
