The Ministry of Education authenticates (legalises) certificates and diplomas issued by pre-school, basic and secondary education establishments in Timor-Leste, confirming that a document is genuine and was issued by a recognised school.
When You Need Legalisation
- Applying for employment, including public service recruitment and the teaching candidate pool
- Continuing studies at a higher level, in Timor-Leste or abroad
- Applying for scholarships
- Replacing or certifying copies of school documents
How the Service Works
- Obtain the original certificate or diploma from the issuing school, signed and stamped by the school
- Present the original together with photocopies and your identification at the Ministry’s document services in Dili or through your municipal education directorate
- The Ministry verifies the document against school and examination records and applies the official authentication
Important Notes
- Higher education diplomas (university and polytechnic) are legalised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MESCC), not by the Ministry of Education
- Documents issued abroad may require equivalence assessment before recognition in the Timorese system
- Bring documents well before application deadlines, as verification takes time
For current requirements, fees and processing times, contact the Ministry of Education services or your municipal education directorate , see Contact Us.