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How can I get my educational certificates apostilled for an Italian university application if my originals are being held by another college?

11 Aug 2026 · Answered by Soorya Sudheer · 2 min read
Quick Answer verified

You must have the physical original certificates, since the apostille sticker sits directly on them, so request a temporary release from your college or apply for official duplicates instead. Then secure state HRD attestation, the MEA apostille and an Italian translation, or explore CIMEA as a digital alternative.

Soorya Sudheer
Soorya Sudheer Verified
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You need the physical original certificates in hand, since the apostille sticker must be placed directly onto them, so photocopies and scans will not work. Start by formally asking your current college for a temporary release, and if they refuse, apply to your university's examination branch for official duplicate certificates instead.

Your Step-By-Step Apostille Path For Italy

StepWhat Happens
1. Get originalsTemporary release or official duplicates
2. State HRD attestationMandatory; SDM apostilles are not accepted
3. MEA apostilleOfficial square sticker added to document
4. Italian translationDone by an embassy-recognised translator

If Retrieving Originals Proves Impossible

  • Check whether your target Italian university accepts a CIMEA Statement of Comparability instead of a physical apostille and Declaration of Value.
  • CIMEA evaluates your qualification digitally, so you only need to upload clear, high-quality scans to their Diplome Platform.
  • Confirm this option directly with your university's admissions office before relying on it, since not every program accepts CIMEA in place of a DoV.

My Advice

Send your college a formal written request today stating the documents are needed for visa and foreign university verification, and offer a security deposit if that speeds up release. In parallel, start your CIMEA application as a backup so a single stubborn college does not block your entire admission timeline.

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