The University’s academic records stretch back to its foundation in 1910 as the Melbourne College of Divinity. The University creates three types of academic document:
- A testamur (a unique certificate recording the award of the degree, diploma or certificate)
- An academic transcript (a record of all units and courses of study attempted, and the results)
- An Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (a record that has international recognition as a statement of study undertaken in Australia)
On completion of a course, students receive one copy of each of these documents at no charge either at their Graduation ceremony or by post shortly thereafter. Students from another institution studying a single unit are entitled to one copy of an academic transcript at no charge.
Students or graduates of the University of Divinity (or the Melbourne College of Divinity) may also apply to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at any time for copies of academic documents, on payment of the prescribed fee. Colleges may assist students with this process, but are unable to provide certified academic records to students.
Please note:
- A replacement testamur may only be issued if the original has been destroyed or, in the case of a change of name, if the original is returned.
- Academic transcripts may be issued to any student or graduate.
- The Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement is only available to students who graduated after 1 January 2012.
- From 1 January 2023, all higher education students, including those who commenced prior to 2021, must have a USI in order to graduate and receive their award. This includes all students who started their studies before 2021, and all onshore international students. Continuing students should also get their USI as soon as possible.
Further information is available in the Academic Documents Policy and Procedures. The University includes information on academic transcripts about prizes and scholarships awarded to its students during their course of study where the award is included in Regulation 12: Honours and Prizes.
Academic Documents Policy
Verify academic records or request new copies
Enquiries about academic records should be directed to the Student Services Team via email to academicservices@divinity.edu.au, in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
- Graduates: can request new copies of academic records (for a fee)
- Third-parties: may request verification of the academic record of a graduate. The relevant graduate must provide written consent before the University can verify the record (see Privacy Policy and Academic Documents Policy).
Fees
Consult the Fees Policy for fees relating to production of Academic Documents.
Certification and Authentication of Academic Documents
If you need to submit your Australian academic documents (such as your testamur, academic transcript or other official documents) to your home country’s High Commission, embassy, government authority or another overseas organisation, you may need to have the documents authenticated or apostilled before they will be accepted.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides authentication and apostille services for Australian public documents. The type of service you need will depend on the requirements of the country and organisation receiving your documents.
Before arranging authentication or an apostille, we recommend that you confirm with the relevant authority in your home country which documents need to be certified and whether an Apostille or Authentication is required. Requirements can vary between countries and organisations.
For information about DFAT’s services and how to arrange an Apostille or Authentication, please visit the DFAT Apostilles, Authentications and Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage page.
Students who are in Australia
For information about accessing Australian notarial services while you are in Australia, please refer to Smartraveller – Notarial services in Australia.
Students who are outside Australia
If you are overseas and need Australian notarial services, please refer to Smartraveller – Notarial services overseas.
Important information
The University of Divinity issues and verifies its own academic documents but does not determine the legalisation, certification, notarisation, translation, Apostille or Authentication requirements of overseas governments or organisations.
Students are responsible for:
- confirming the requirements with the authority receiving the document;
- determining whether an original, certified copy, notarised copy, Apostille or Authentication is required;
- arranging any DFAT, notarial or translation services required; and
- paying any associated external fees.
Where an overseas authority requires confirmation of the authenticity of a University of Divinity academic document, students may also contact the University regarding the verification of the document itself.