Degree Attestation for Saudi Teaching Jobs: HEC, IBCC and MOFA
Before a Saudi school can hire you and sponsor your work visa, your Pakistani educational documents must be officially attested. The process has become simpler since Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention. This guide explains each step for teachers: HEC degree attestation, IBCC for school certificates, the MOFA apostille, typical fees and how long it all takes.
Quick summary
- Step 1: attest your degrees through HEC’s online e-attestation system.
- Step 2: attest Matric and Intermediate certificates through IBCC, if needed.
- Step 3: get an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- Allow about 4 to 6 weeks in total, so start early.
In this guide
- Why attestation is needed
- Step 1: HEC degree attestation
- Step 2: IBCC for school certificates
- Step 3: MOFA apostille
- Fees and timeline at a glance
- Tips to avoid delays
- FAQs
Why attestation is needed
Saudi employers and authorities need proof that your degree is genuine and issued by a recognised institution. Attestation by Pakistani authorities confirms this. Teaching posts in particular depend on your qualifications, so schools ask for attested degrees before the visa and before your salary grade is fixed.
Step 1: HEC degree attestation
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) attests university degrees and transcripts. The process is now online.
- Create an account on the HEC e-Services portal.
- Upload clear scans of your degree, transcripts and CNIC.
- HEC sends your details to your university for electronic confirmation, then completes its own review.
- Pay the fee online and download your e-attestation certificate.
According to a 2026 guide by Wego, the fee is about PKR 3,000 per document and the process takes around 10 to 15 working days. Check the HEC portal for the current fee before applying.
Step 2: IBCC for school certificates
If the employer also asks for your Matric and Intermediate certificates, these are attested by the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC). Your board must confirm the certificate first. Remove any lamination before you submit, as laminated certificates are not accepted.
The same Wego guide lists an IBCC fee of about PKR 1,200 per original certificate, with processing from the same day (walk-in) to about ten working days (by courier).
Step 3: MOFA apostille
Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in December 2022. This means a Pakistani document with an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is accepted in Saudi Arabia without separate embassy legalisation. You can submit through MOFA camp offices or authorised courier services.
Before applying, confirm on the MOFA website that Saudi Arabia is listed among apostille countries and check the current submission method, as procedures and appointment systems are updated from time to time.
Fees and timeline at a glance
| Step | Approx. fee | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| HEC degree attestation | PKR 3,000 per document | 10–15 working days |
| IBCC (Matric/Inter) | PKR 1,200 per certificate | Same day to 10 working days |
| MOFA apostille | Check MOFA for current fee | Varies by office/courier |
Tips to avoid delays
- Make sure your name and date of birth match exactly on your CNIC, passport and degrees.
- Start attestation as soon as you begin applying, not after you get an offer.
- Keep high-quality scans of all documents in one folder.
- Attest your B.Ed or M.Ed as well as your subject degree, since teaching posts depend on both.
- Use only official portals and authorised couriers, and keep all receipts.
Good to know: All attestation fees are paid through official channels such as the HEC portal, banks or authorised couriers. Keep every receipt until your visa is complete.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need Saudi embassy attestation?
Since Saudi Arabia joined the Apostille Convention, a MOFA apostille is generally accepted without separate embassy legalisation. Your employer will confirm if anything extra is needed.
How long does the full process take?
Plan for about four to six weeks, including university confirmation for HEC attestation.
Do I need to attest my experience letters?
Some employers ask for this. Ask the school which documents they need attested before you start.
Can someone else submit for me?
HEC is online, and MOFA accepts submissions through authorised couriers. Check each office’s rules for submissions on someone else’s behalf.
Sources: Wego: MOFA attestation guide 2026 · HEC e-Services · IBCC · MOFA Pakistan. This guide is for information only. Always confirm details with the official source before applying.
