The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade ("DFAT") has special rules about the issue of apostilles and authentications in respect of copies of certain academic and education credentials.

Foreign credentials

DFAT will not issue an apostille or authentication of a notarially certified copy of a foreign academic credential.

The practical consequence of this policy is that a copy of a foreign credential must be certified by a notary of the country where the credential was awarded, and that notarial certification must have that country's apostille or authentication affixed to it.

Degree or award or other document from an Australian public university

DFAT will not issue an apostille or authentication of a notarially certified copy of a testamur of a degree or award or other document issued by an Australian public university unless the notary has verified the degree or award or document with the university, either directly or by way of an online verification facility, and the notary's certificate confirms that verification.

Australian state technical college or public tertiary institution qualification

DFAT will issue an apostille or authentication of a notarially certified copy of such an award or document without proof of verification by the notary.

Australian secondary school qualification or document

DFAT will issue an apostille or authentication of a notarially certified copy of such an award or document without proof of verification by the notary.

Australian public primary school document

DFAT will issue an apostille or authentication of a notarially certified copy of such a document without proof of verification by the notary.

Australian private college or school or tertiary institution qualification or document

DFAT will issue an apostille or authentication of a notarially certified copy of such an award or document without proof of verification by the notary.