Degree, Transcript and SPM Certificate Translation and Attestation
Short answer: to use a Malaysian degree, transcript or SPM/STPM certificate abroad, first have it verified by the right ministry (the Ministry of Higher Education for public universities; the Ministry of Education or another listed body for private institutions), then translate it if needed, attest it at Wisma Putra and legalise it at the destination country's embassy. Wisma Putra charges RM 10 per document for school certificates, private-university certificates and certified translations, under its published fee schedule.
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Last reviewed: October 2026.
Step 1: verification by the right body
Public-university degrees and transcripts: verified at the counter of the Ministry of Higher Education's Academic Excellence Division. Allow at least 3 working days if you graduated less than 5 years ago, and at least 7 working days if it has been 5 years or more (guideline effective 1 December 2025). Full steps: how to attest academic documents at MOHE.
Private-university and college certificates: Wisma Putra requires them to be verified first by the Ministry of Education, a foreign embassy, the British Council Malaysia or MACEE.
School certificates (SPM, STPM, STAM): presented to Wisma Putra as originals.
Step 2: translation
If your scroll, transcript or certificate is in Malay and the receiving institution needs English, or it is going to a country that needs its own language, it needs a certified translation by a translator Wisma Putra accepts. See who can certify a translation in Malaysia.
Step 3: Wisma Putra attestation
Under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' fee schedule, school certificates, private-university certificates, certified true copies and certified translations are RM 10 per document. The fee for public-university certificates is not clear in the published schedule, and the schedule is undated, so confirm at the counter. See our Wisma Putra attestation service.
Step 4: embassy legalisation
Many countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand and the Gulf states, also need legalisation at their embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Each embassy sets its own fees and times. See our country guides and embassy list.
Lost SPM or STPM certificate?
SPM: apply for a replacement certified copy through the Examinations Syndicate's e-LP portal (elp.moe.gov.my). Third-party guides put the fee at around RM 30 per copy; check the portal for the current fee.
STPM: apply to the Malaysian Examinations Council (MPM) through its online or postal certificate copy service.
Common questions
Do I need MOHE verification before Wisma Putra?
For public-university documents, yes: Wisma Putra expects the ministry's verification first. Private-institution certificates need verification by the Ministry of Education or another body on Wisma Putra's list.
Can I send a photocopy?
Use originals or certified true copies. Wisma Putra attests certified true copies at RM 10 each, but school certificates must be presented as originals.
Do I need my transcript translated for a university abroad?
If it is in English, usually not. If it is in Malay, most universities abroad ask for a certified English translation. Check the admissions page of the institution.
How long does the whole process take?
MOHE verification takes at least 3 or 7 working days, Wisma Putra returns documents the same day or the next working day, and embassy legalisation adds more. Plan for two to three weeks in total.
Related guides
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