Leaving Certificate results day is one of the most significant days in a young person’s life. For the growing number of Cork students who have applied to or are considering universities abroad, results day triggers a flurry of document-related activity. Foreign universities that made conditional offers will need authenticated proof of your final results, and students who decide after results day to explore international options need to move quickly.
Hugh Phelan, Solicitor and Notary Public at East Douglas Street, Douglas, is available to help Leaving Cert students with urgent notarisation of academic documents during the results period. Appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland, with a BCL from UCC and a Diploma in Notarial Law, Hugh can turn around documents quickly to meet tight university deadlines.
What You’ll Need After Results Day
Once you have your Leaving Certificate results, the following documents may need notarisation for international university admission:
- Leaving Certificate results statement: The official results statement from the State Examinations Commission (SEC). A notarised true copy of this document is the primary proof of your academic achievement for foreign universities.
- School transcript: Some universities also want a notarised copy of your school’s own transcript or academic record.
- Birth certificate: Required for enrolment and visa purposes in many countries.
- Passport copy: Certified true copy for visa and enrolment applications.
- Financial support declaration: Some universities and visa authorities require a notarised declaration from your parents or guardians confirming their ability to support your studies financially.
- Medical clearance: Certain countries require notarised medical or vaccination records.
The August Rush
The period immediately following Leaving Cert results day is the busiest time of year for student-related notarisations. International universities with conditional offers typically require authenticated results within days or weeks. If you’re in this situation:
- Contact the notary immediately: Call Hugh Phelan’s office on the day you receive your results or the day after. Same-day appointments may be available.
- Bring all documents: Come prepared with your results statement, photo ID, and any specific instructions from your university about what they need.
- Ask about apostille: Check whether your university needs an apostille in addition to notarisation. If so, the Department of Foreign Affairs process will take additional time.
Gap Year Students
Not going to university straight away? If you’re taking a gap year and plan to apply to international universities next year, it’s still worth getting your Leaving Cert results notarised now while you have the original documents to hand. Having notarised copies ready means you won’t be scrambling when application deadlines arrive next year.
Students Changing Plans After Results
Every year, some students receive results that change their plans — better or worse than expected. If you’re now considering a university abroad that wasn’t in your original plan, Hugh Phelan can advise on what documentation you need and help you prepare it quickly. Some international universities accept late or clearing applications, and having your documents ready to go can make the difference.
Visa Requirements
If you’re heading to a non-EU country (US, Canada, Australia, etc.), you’ll need a student visa. The visa application process typically requires:
- Notarised academic documents
- Financial proof (notarised bank statements or sponsor declarations)
- Proof of acceptance from the university
- Police clearance (Garda vetting)
- Medical examination results (for some countries)
Hugh Phelan can notarise all of these documents and advise on the apostille and legalisation requirements for your specific destination.
Contact Us
Need your Leaving Cert results notarised? Contact Hugh Phelan’s office:
- Phone: (021) 489 7134
- Urgent/Mobile: 086 390 7815
- Email: info@phelansolicitors.com
- Address: East Douglas Street, Douglas, Co. Cork
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my Leaving Cert results notarised on results day?
Hugh Phelan's office accommodates urgent requests during Leaving Cert results week. Call (021) 489 7134 on results day to arrange a same-day or next-day appointment.
Do I need an apostille on my Leaving Cert for foreign universities?
Many international universities require both notarisation and an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Hugh Phelan can advise on your specific university's requirements and prepare documents accordingly.
Should gap year students get their results notarised now?
Yes. Getting your Leaving Cert results notarised while you have the original documents readily available is advisable, even if you won't need them until next year's application cycle.
Hugh Phelan
Solicitor & Notary Public
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public practising from Douglas, Co. Cork. Appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland, he holds a BCL from UCC and a Diploma in Notarial Law, and is dual-qualified in Ireland and England & Wales.
Looking for a Notary Public in Cork?
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor & Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland. Same-day appointments available.
Notary Public Cork — Book Now📞 +353-21-489-7134 · East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork