Students migrating to Dubai for schools would require the Indian school transfer certificate attestation. Without it, your admission may not be accepted by the school. That means you might fall behind schedule or you might lose your seat altogether.
Attestation sounds like a big word but all it does is obtaining some official stamps showing your certificate are true. This can feel like a long process but if you follow the right steps, it can be simple.
This is a guide that describes Indian school transfer certificate attestation in Dubai in a way that you can understand it without any confusion.
The Need Of a Transfer Certificate
A transfer certificate (TC) is a paper from your old school that says you studied there and can now join another school. It has details like:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Last grade you studied
- The date you left the school
- The school stamp and principal’s signature
Every school in Dubai asks for this certificate. But they will only accept it if it has been attested. This means different government offices must check and stamp it to prove it is real. If this is not done, the school will not allow you to join.
Step by Step Process for Attestation
To get your Indian school transfer certificate attestation in Dubai, you need to follow these steps. Each step must be done in the correct order.
Step 1: Notary Attestation in India
First, your transfer certificate must be stamped by a notary in India. This is done to check if the document is real.
Step 2: HRD Ministry Attestation (India)
After the notary stamp, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry in India will check and stamp your TC. This is needed for all school documents.
Step 3: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Attestation (India)
Next, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India will stamp the TC. This means the document is ready to be used outside India.
Step 4: UAE Embassy Attestation (India)
The UAE Embassy in India must also stamp the TC. This confirms that the UAE government recognizes the document.
Step 5: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation (Dubai)
Once you bring the document to Dubai, it must be stamped by MOFA i.e Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE. This is the final step and after this is that your TC will be accepted by schools in Dubai.
Documents You Need For Attestation
To complete your Indian school transfer certificate attestation in Dubai, you must have these documents:
- The original transfer certificate from your old school
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of your UAE visa
- A filled out application form (if required)
- An authorization letter (if needed)
If the student is under 18, the school may also ask for:
- Passport copies of both parents
- Parent’s visa copies
- Other school related papers
Make sure you have all the required documents before starting the process. Missing any paper can delay the attestation.
How to Make the Attestation Process Easy?
Attestation can take time but here are some ways to make it smooth and stress free.
First, start early. This process can take 7 to 15 days so don’t wait until the last minute.
Second, use a professional attestation service. Instead of visiting many offices, you can pay a service to do everything for you.
Lastly, keep all your documents in one folder. Losing papers can slow everything down so keep everything safe and ready.
What is a KHDA Transfer Certificate?
If you are moving between schools within Dubai, you might hear about the KHDA Transfer Certificate.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) controls private schools in Dubai. If you are shifting from one Dubai school to another, you need a KHDA approved TC instead of an attested one from India.
However, if you are coming from India, your transfer certificate must be attested, not just KHDA approved.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Indian school transfer certificate attestation in Dubai is important if you want to study in the UAE. Schools will not accept your TC unless it is fully attested.
If you prefer not to manage the process on your own, you can hire a professional attestation service to assist you. And for which you can count on Astute Attestation being the first choice for attestation work in the most professional yet stress free way.
So, if you are moving to Dubai for school, start the attestation process early. A little planning now will save you a lot of trouble later!
Common Questions
How long does attestation take?
It usually takes 7 to 15 working days but if you use a fast service, it can be quicker.
Can I get admission without an attested TC?
No. Schools in Dubai will not accept your TC if it is not attested.
Do all grades need a transfer certificate?
Most students from Grade 2 and above need an attested TC. For younger students (Pre K, KG1, KG2 and Grade 1) some schools may not ask for it but it’s best to check.
Can I attest a photocopy instead of the original TC?
No, attestation must be done on the original certificate. A photocopy will not be accepted.
How much does transfer certificate attestation cost?
The cost depends on the service provider. Usually, it is between AED 200 and AED 500.
