The apostille route applies to Kazakhstan
Because both Kazakhstan and China are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, a document issued in Kazakhstan does not go to a Chinese embassy or consulate. It is certified once, in Kazakhstan, and mainland China accepts that certificate directly.
The Convention has operated between Kazakhstan and mainland China since 7 November 2023, the date it entered into force for China. Kazakhstan was already a party before then.
In Kazakhstan the apostille is issued by: the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, for documents issued by higher and postgraduate education institutions. Confirm the current competent authority on the HCCH listing linked below before travelling anywhere — designations change, and several countries split the work between more than one body.
Kazakhstan designates nine authorities by document type, and university diplomas go to the education ministry rather than to the foreign ministry or the justice ministry. Sending a diploma to the wrong one wastes a trip.
What this does not cover
Certification only proves the signature and seal are genuine. It does not translate the document and it does not oblige any university to accept it. Language requirements are set separately by whoever receives the document, so confirm those first, and have any translation made after certification so the certificate is included in it.
Frequently asked questions
Do documents from Kazakhstan need an apostille for China?
Yes. Kazakhstan and mainland China are both parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, so a document issued in Kazakhstan needs an apostille from the competent authority there, and does not need to be taken to a Chinese embassy or consulate.