Let’s talk straight, you’ve just graduated, and the world finally feels wide open. Whether you did engineering, business, or medical, there’s one thing that no one mentioned during all those semesters: degree attestation.
It’s not flashy. It’s not exciting. But it’s crucial, especially if you’re planning to head abroad for a job or higher studies. If your degree isn’t attested, it’s just paper, not something they’ll accept as valid proof.”
What Actually Is Degree Attestation?
Imagine applying for a job in the UAE or a university in Canada. You send your degree, and they ask, “Is it attested?” It’s basically their way of saying, ‘How can we be sure this is genuine?
Degree attestation is basically a seal of approval, a way to officially confirm your degree is genuine. It’s not about your grades; it’s about trust. Employers and institutions abroad don’t know your university or board. So they need a few official stamps to say, “Yes, this is legit.”
A Small Mistake That Costs Big
Let me give you a real example. My friend Salman got a teaching job in Oman. His salary was locked, tickets booked, everything ready. But one thing was missing: attested documents. He thought the original degree would be enough. Spoiler: it wasn’t.
Because of that, he had to cancel his flight, go through the full attestation process, and wait over a month before he could fly out. The job was still there, but the stress wasn’t worth it.
If he had just done the degree attestation on time, he’d have saved a lot of headaches.
Here’s What the Process Looks Like
No need to stress, the process just needs a bit of time and patience, that’s all.
University verification: They check your degree record.
HEC attestation: This is for higher education degrees.
MOFA Stamp: This is the final approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, their official confirmation.
Embassy Attestation: In some cases, the destination country may require one last stamp from its own embassy after the MOFA approval.
Processing Time: Each stage might take a few days, or even longer, based on how responsive the concerned departments are. And if you miss one step or submit a wrong document? You’ll have to start again.
What you’ll need (So you’re Not Running Around)
Make sure you’ve collected all your documents before beginning the attestation process. Keep a folder, trust me, it helps.
Original degree
Transcript or result card
CNIC and passport copy
Passport-size photos
Job offer or university acceptance letter (not always needed, but helpful)
Double, check what the embassy or foreign company wants. Some authorities may also require translated or notarized copies of your documents.”
Can You Do It Yourself?
Yes, you can. If you’re okay with waiting in lines, chasing office staff, and following up on emails, then go for it. But if you’re short on time or just want peace of mind, there are legit services that handle the whole process for you.
Just be careful, don’t trust random people who say “urgent attestation guaranteed” on social media. Ask around, find someone reliable, and never hand over original documents without a receipt.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay
Even if you’re not going abroad this year, getting your degree attested early can save you from unnecessary stress. Opportunities don’t always come with a long notice. You might find a job opening in Qatar or get selected for a European scholarship with only a few weeks to prepare.
If your documents are already ready, you won’t miss the chance.
Final Thoughts, No Fancy Ending, Just Honest Advice
In Pakistan, we spend years studying but no one guides us on this next step. Degree attestation isn’t something people talk about at convocation. But it’s as important as the degree itself, especially if you’re thinking globally.
Don’t wait around for someone to request it,be proactive. Get it done while you’re free. One small effort now can open big doors later