The process
- Find out exactly which documentsRead the university's list: usually the Class 12 (or degree) certificate and mark sheet.
- State or university verificationDepending on the state and board, the document is first verified by the state education department or issuing body.
- MEA apostilleApply through MEA's authorised agencies or, for participating boards and universities, online through e-Sanad.
- Scan and uploadUpload the apostilled copies to the university portal; keep the originals for the permit and arrival.
What each university asks for
- VILNIUS TECH: apostilled Class 12 mark sheet for a bachelor's; apostilled degree plus consolidated mark sheet for a master's.
- MRU: Class 10 certificate and apostilled Class 12 certificate with mark sheets; for a master's, apostilled degree and consolidated mark sheet.
- VMU and LSU: documents translated into English where needed, notarised and apostilled.
- Klaipėda University: school diploma with apostille.
- Others: many accept scans for the decision and ask for apostilled documents later, before enrolment. Read the admission page carefully; doing the apostille early saves time in any case.
Verification before the apostille
The MEA apostilles a document only after it has been verified by the authority that can confirm it. For school certificates this is usually the state education department or the board; for degrees, the state higher-education department or the university. Each state has its own office and procedure, and some work only through an authorised agency. Allow extra time for documents issued in another state from where you live now.
Online: e-Sanad
Several boards and universities are connected to the e-Sanad portal run by NIC. If yours is one of them, you can request verification and apostille online without sending the paper document, and receive a digitally verified apostille. Check the portal for your board or university before going through an agency.
Mistakes that delay admission
- Apostilling the provisional certificate instead of the final one, or only the mark sheet when the university wanted both.
- Names spelled differently in passport and certificates: get an affidavit or correct it before the apostille.
- Leaving the apostille until after the offer: for Indian applicants it is often the slowest part of the process.
- Using unverified "apostille agents" who promise a stamp in two days without state verification.
Documents for the residence permit
For the permit itself you mainly need the university's mediation letter, passport, proof of funds and insurance; the academic apostille is checked by the university. Keep the originals of all apostilled documents and bring them to Lithuania: universities check them at enrolment. See residence permit.