Bonafide Certificate: Format, Samples, and Application

Bonafide Certificate Meaning: The term “Bonafide Certificate” means “in good faith”, which implies a trusted document confirming your legitimacy. Your absolutely recognised organisation endorses it for attesting your status as a student or an employee.

The Bonafide Certificate states that you’re currently enrolled in a specific class or have been employed for a particular time period. It can be applied to jobs, loans, government, documents, universities and more. Contrarily, some of the colleges, schools, and universities, among others, in foreign countries may ask for this certificate to affirm your background.

A Bonafide Certificate for students aims to prove enrollment for travel concessions, library access, industrial visits, event participation, loans and visa extensions. Despite the students’ purpose, the certificate for employees also aims to verify employment for bank loans, account openings, and official event participation.

After understanding what a Bonafide certificate actually is, it is further classified into 4 types based on its validity period and specific uses. Here’s a detailed look at each type: 

• Temporary Bonafide Certificate: Valid for 6 months to a year, used for short-term courses, part-time work abroad, temporary residencies, or unpaid training programs overseas.

• Permanent Bonafide Certificate: Long-term validity, used for working visas, residencies, or student exchange programs abroad.

• Bonafide Certificate for Students: Verifies academic qualifications for scholarships, college applications, changing schools, or studying abroad.

• Bonafide Certificate for Employees: Verifies work history and skills for job applications, opening bank accounts, loan agreements, or obtaining government documents.

A bonafide certificate is an official document which verifies your authenticity and legitimacy with an institution or organisation. Here's a detailed explanation of the legal implications.

• Proof of Identity and Affiliation: The certificate confirms the student or employee's status, which is essential for various legal and administrative processes.

• Access to Benefits: It is also required for accessing educational, financial, and governmental services.

• Regulatory Compliance: The certificate ensures adherence to legal standards in visa applications, passport verification, and residence permits.

• Evidence in Disputes: It serves as evidence in legal disputes or investigations regarding enrollment or employment status.

• International Recognition: Bonafide is also recognised globally for visa applications, academic admissions, and compliance with foreign regulations.

Henceforth, a bonafide certificate is crucial for legal verification, compliance, and access to benefits both domestically and internationally.

Also, read: Gap Certificate: Format, Samples, & Documents

The following section defines a bonafide certificate and similar academic documents like TC, transcripts, and certificates of enrollment and compares their content (body of each certificate), validity period, and uses.

• Transfer Certificate (TC): Issued upon leaving an institution, the TC signifies the end of enrollment.

• Transcript: Provides a comprehensive record of academic performance and achievements.

• Certificate of Enrollment: Similar to a bonafide certificate, but may specify enrollment in a particular program or semester.

Having a detailed understanding of the components of a bonafide certificate is essential for ensuring its effectiveness and reliability. In this certificate, you must include details of the institution, student/employee, purpose, and duration or validity period.

That’s why it's a trustworthy document for various official and legal purposes. So, let’s have a look at the below components: 

• Heading and Title: The bonafide certificate's heading and title should be prominently displayed, clearly indicating its purpose as well as the institution or organisation issuing it.

• Institution Details: The certificate should include a thorough description of the institution or organisation issuing it. So, you must clearly identify the school, college, or company that issued the certificate.

• Student Details: You must include student/employee details briefly, such as complete name, a unique identifier (roll number for the student; designation in case of an employee), current academic class or job position, and date of birth. 

• Purpose of the Certificate: The purpose for issuing the certificate should be clearly stated. The reason for issuing the bonafide certificate must be clearly stated, including applications for educational loans, visas, and travel benefits. 

• Duration and Validity: The certificate should state its validity period, if applicable, indicating how long the bonafide certificate is valid (a specific time frame).

• Seal and Signature: The certificate is authenticated with the institution's seal and an authorised signature.

• Date of Issuance: You must specify the date the bonafide certificate is being issued. 

Note: The content may differ slightly depending on the unique criteria of the institution or organisation granting the certificate and its intended use.

Now that you have learnt the components, you must also understand the format of a Bonafide Certificate. So, check out the complete format of this certificate. 

• Header Section: The header section of a bonafide Certificate must include the name and logo of the issuing institution for official identification.

• Title: Further, you must clearly state that the document is a "Bonafide Certificate".

• Recipient’s Details: This section includes the individual's full name, DOB and other relevant personal details.

• Association’s Details: The association's details include the course, program, or position and the start date.

• Purpose of the Certificate: You must state the purpose for which the bonafide certificate is issued, whether for academic, employment, or other specific reasons.

• Authorizing Body’s Signature and Stamp: The document bears the signature of an authorized representative as well as the institution's official stamp or seal, giving authenticity.

• Date of Issuance: You must mention the date on which the bonafide certificate is issued, serving as a reference point for its validity.

• Additional Information: Depending on the purpose, the certificate may include duration, achievements, enrollment date, exam status, exam year, place of stay, and contact info.

• Contact Information: You must also provide the contact details of the issuing authority for verification purposes.

• Security Features: Some organisations may use watermarks or security features to prevent forgery.

Font Size and Style

Professional and legible fonts, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in sizes 11 or 12, are suggested. The title "Bonafide Certificate" should be bolder and larger (16-18). To improve readability, the main body text should be uniform in size (12).

Language and Tone

Keep the language formal and concise, with an authoritative tone, and avoid using informal expressions in official documentation.

Signature and Stamp

The certificate requires the signature of an authorized representative, accompanied by the institution's official stamp or seal, ensuring clarity and authenticity.

Also, read: Experience Letter: Format, Sample, Tips & Examples

[Institution Logo]

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Riya Singh, born on 10th March 2003, is a bonafide student of Bright Future College. She has been enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) program since 1st August 2022.

This certificate is issued for the purpose of scholarship application and is valid as of 15th May 2024.

Authorized Signature: _______________

Dr. Aakash Verma

Principal

Bright Future College

Date of Issuance: 15th May 2024

[Institution Logo]

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Aarav Patel, born on 5th July 2008, is a bonafide student of Sunshine Public School. He has been enrolled in Class 8th at Sunshine Public School for the academic year 2024-2025.

This certificate is issued for academic record verification and is valid as of 20th June 2024.

Authorized Signature: _______________

Mrs. Nisha Gupta

Principal

Sunshine Public School

Date of Issuance: 20th June 2024

[SuccessTech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Logo]

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Alisha Sharma, born on March 15, 1995, actively participated as a recruit in the Training Program for Software Engineers organised by SuccessTech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. from February 1, 2024, to April 30, 2024. This certificate identifies Alisha Sharma as a bonafide member of the organisation who has been working here since February 1, 2024.

This certificate is issued for the purpose of employment verification and is valid as of 15th May 2024.

Authorised Signature: _______________

Rajesh Khanna

Volunteer Coordinator

SuccessTech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Date of Issuance: 15th May 2024

Bonafide Certificate Application for Internship/Apprenticeship

Name of the Applicant: Riya Sharma Date: 15th March 2025

Enrollment Number: E2025001

To,

The Head of the Department,

Department of Computer Science,

XYZ University,

[Address]

Subject: Request for Bonafide Certificate for Internship

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a student of your esteemed institution's Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science program. I have been studying at Bright Future College for the past three years. I am pleased to inform you that I have been recently selected by Swift Enterprises to undertake an internship on the project "AI in Healthcare" from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025.

Therefore, I kindly request you to provide a bonafide student certificate to support my internship.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

Riya Sharma

Bachelor of Technology (Computer Science), 3rd Year

Date: 30th May 2024

To

The Principal

Global Institute of Excellence

123 Main Street

City, State, PIN

Sub: Application for Bonafide Certificate

Sir/Madam,

I, Ritu Verma from Master of Business Administration, Semester 3, am writing this letter to request a Bonafide Certificate from you. The purpose of this certificate is to apply for a scholarship. It would be of great help if my certificate is issued as early as possible. Thank you for your consideration, and I will be looking forward to it.

Thank You

[Signature]

Ritu Verma

[Relevant Details: Enrollment Number - MBA202321, Contact Number - 9876543210]

A bonafide certificate is an important document required by individuals and other institutions to verify the legitimacy of an individual's affiliation with their current institution or organisation. 

Bonafide certificates are necessary in a wide range of situations due to their adaptability and requirements. Let's delve deeper into the entities and individuals who often require a bonafide certificate:

Government Agencies:

Government agencies often require bonafide certificates to validate eligibility requirements for scholarships, subsidies, or other benefits based on your student or employee status. These certificates can also be used as proof of residence when issuing local identity cards or ration cards, simplifying administrative processes and ensuring accurate resource distribution.

Banks and Financial Institutions:

When starting with banking services, loan applications, or other financial activities, banks and financial institutions rely on bonafide certificates to confirm your name, residence, and student or employment status. This authentication process is critical for ensuring your legitimacy and reducing the risks associated with fraudulent activities (if any).

Employers:

Employers usually ask for bonafide certificates during the recruitment process to verify your job status, designation, and work experience. These certificates are essential for conducting background checks, processing leave applications, and administering employee benefits, all of which contribute to organisational transparency and compliance.

Educational Institutions:

Bonafide certificates serve various internal purposes within educational institutions, including maintaining accurate student records, monitoring academic progress, and facilitating administrative tasks. They are also used to issue official documents like transcripts, migration certificates, and any other document that requires verification of student identity, thereby ensuring the accuracy of academic records.

Immigration Authorities:

Immigration officials often require bonafide certificates when people apply for visas, passports, or other travel-related documents. These certificates provide supporting evidence of your affiliation with an educational institution or organisation, assisting immigration officers in confining your travel purpose and eligibility while also ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.

Students:

Bonafide certificates are really important documents for students' various educational pursuits. They use them to apply for scholarships, get loans from universities, attend events, or study in other countries. The certificates verify students' enrollment status and academic qualifications. 

To verify their hostel stay, qualify for student discounts, or participate in special student programs, you may also need bonafide certificates. Thereby making it easier for them to engage in both academic and extracurricular activities.

Therefore, bonafide certificates are needed by many people and places to check if someone is really connected to a school, college, or job. It's important to follow the rules and get the right certificate to make things easier for everyone.

Also, read: Documents Required for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

From your institution's administrative office or online website, you can easily seek a bonafide certificate. The procedure for getting this certificate may differ from institution to institution. So, check out the below steps required to get a bonafide certificate:

1. Start Filling Application: To receive a bonafide certificate, you must visit the institution's administrative office or appropriate department. They may direct you to a physical form or an online application gateway.

2. Complete the Bonafide Application Form: You should fill the application form thoroughly and accurately, including your personal information, course or work information (where applicable), the reason for requesting the certificate, and any extra information necessary by the school.

3. Collect Supporting Documentation: You have to check and gather the proper supporting documents as directed by your university. These often comprise a copy of a valid ID, place of residence, and any extra documents required for the certificate's purpose (for example, a fee receipt for students).

4. Submit your Application and Fees: After completing your form, you must submit the completed application form and all related documents to the stated office or department. You should properly double-check that the form is properly signed and that all necessary papers are attached. If applicable, pay the processing fee at the designated counter or through the prescribed mode of payment.

5. Await processing and collect the bonafide certificate: Your request for a Bonafide Certificate will be processed when your university verifies the information. While processing time can vary depending on your institution, once processed, you can get the certificate from the administrative office or designated department. Carefully check the certificate to ensure all the details are correct, and make any necessary corrections right away.

The list of required documents keeps changing according to the issuing organisations, universities, or locations. So, the documents required are listed below:

1. Application Form: First, complete the bonafide application form, which is available from your university's administrative office. Some may accept applications in writing.

2. Proof of Identity: You must provide a valid ID, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or PAN card.

3. Proof of Residence: You should also give documents confirming your address, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, ration card, electricity bill, or rent agreement.

Additional Documents:

1. Company ID Proof: If you are applying for a job, you must provide your company's ID proof, such as a certificate of incorporation or a trade license. 

2. Salary Slips: You need to submit your recent salary slips for employment verification.

3. College ID Card: You have to present your college ID card to prove your student status.

4. Mark Sheets (for specific purposes only): You must give academic mark sheets if required for specific purposes.

5. School Fee Receipt: Sometimes, you might be required to submit a copy of the school fee receipt as proof of enrollment.

6. Course/Program Details: You must also submit the details of your course, such as name, duration, registration number, or semester.

7. Fee Receipt: Some universities or institutions may also ask for proof of payment, such as a fee receipt, to confirm your student status.

8. Supporting Documents: Depending on your purpose, some additional documents like appointment letters or salary slips might be required.

In brief, it is crucial to thoroughly review with the issuing university beforehand to confirm the documentation and process for getting a Bonafide Certificate to avoid delays or discrepancies in processing your request.

The validity period of a certificate typically depends on its type and the purpose for which it was issued. Some temporary bonafide certificates have shorter periods, whereas permanent ones have longer ones. 

If there are significant changes in the student's status, such as a change in the course of study or an extension of the current program, a bonafide certificate may need to be renewed or reissued.

There’s no standard set for the fees of this certificate, yet it can vary depending on your institution or organisation issuing it. Universities may charge very small fees like INR 100/-, INR 50/-, or INR 200/-. However, some institutions may charge extra fees for expedited processing or specific certificate formats. You should contact your relevant organisation or institution to get the most accurate fee information. 

Also, read: Letter of Recommendation

As we discussed above, the application procedure for a Bonafide Certificate is that you should also verify the certificate's authenticity. So, here are some ways to do it:

• Check the logo of the issuing institution, the signature of authorised personnel, and the official stamp.

• Contact the issuing organisation directly to verify the bonafide certificate's validity using the information provided in it, such as the student's name and year of enrollment.

• Look for security features like watermarks or unique identification numbers on the bonafide certificate.

A bonafide certificate has some legal implications due to its severe nature.

• Certificate authentication: As a legal document, the signature and stamp of the issuing authority validate it. This not only gives it validity to be strictly followed but also emphasises the importance of using it truthfully and ethically.

• False Information/Representation: Falsifying information, such as fake dates or enrollment details, can result in legal consequences, such as fines, imprisonment, or reputational damage.

Learnt about its legal implications? Now it’s time to know more about how to renew and replace it. Check out some information about this. 

• Validity Period: Temporary Bonafide certificates are valid for 6 months to a year and require frequent renewal, while permanent certificates last longer, often several years. 

• Renewal Process: To renew a bonafide certificate, complete the application form from the institution’s office or website and submit it with the expiring certificate, proof of enrollment or employment, and updated ID and address proof. Submit online or in person, apply in advance, pay any fees, and await notification of completion.

• Loss or Damage: You must notify your university or institution about it and request a replacement for the certificate. 

• Replacement Process: To replace a lost or damaged bonafide certificate, fill out the form, submit supporting documents, pay fees, and wait for the replacement from the institution.

Note: Bonafide certificates must be renewed on time, stored securely to avoid loss or damage, and strictly adhered to the issuing institution's guidelines to ensure smooth operation.

Also, read: F1 Visa Interview Documents - The Complete Checklist

After delving deeper into the Bonafide certificate, you must also know some tips to better write your Bonafide Certificate. 

• Clarity and specificity - You must be clear with your purpose and be specific with all your details. 

• Avoiding errors - Your bonafide certificate should be error-free. You are advised to review it again before sending it to the administrative office of your university or organisation. 

• Professional tone - Whether it's for presenting your student status or for employment, you must maintain a professional tone throughout your certificate. 

• Timeliness - Be prepared with all your documents and apply for the certificate procedure beforehand, as your institution prefers. 

After understanding what to do, you must also be well aware of what not to do and what to avoid. So, let’s take a look at the below points. 

• Lack of authenticity - A bonafide certificate is an official document that verifies your authenticity. Its legitimacy must be ensured to avoid falsification attempts. 

• Incorrect information - Providing incorrect information about yourself or your purpose can make it difficult to prove your enrollment or employment status. Always double-check your information before submitting it. 

• Poor formatting - Providing incorrect information about yourself or your purpose can make proving your enrollment or employment status difficult. Always double-check your information before submitting it.

• Delays in issuance - Late applications for a bonafide certificate can result in unnecessary delays. To avoid inconvenience, you must request the certificate well in advance.

Also, read: What is CAS Letter for UK? Documents, Validity & Processing Time

To conclude, a Bonafide certificate is an official document for reviewing your student or employment status. The certificate is significant for various purposes, whether for study abroad or work abroad. You must also ensure accuracy, authenticity, and timely application that complies with institutional and governmental requirements. 

We hope you enjoyed reading the blog. You can contact our expert study abroad education counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) branch. Our counsellor will provide you with guidance throughout your journey to study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be more than happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

Question: Who can issue a bonafide certificate?

Answer: Educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities, as well as workplaces and organisations where an individual works, may issue a bonafide certificate.

Question: How do I get a bonafide certificate letter?

Answer: To acquire a bonafide certificate letter, you must visit the administrative office of your institution or organisation, fill out the application form, provide the required documents, and submit it for processing. Some higher education institutions may also have an online application process.

Question: What is the meaning of a bonafide student?

Answer: A genuine student is someone who is enrolled and actively attending classes at an educational institution. The term signifies that the institution recognises and validates the student's position.

Question: Who makes a bonafide certificate?

Answer: A bonafide certificate is typically made and issued by authorised personnel within an institution or organisation, such as the registrar, principal, HR department, or administrative office.

Question: Which documents are required for a bonafide certificate?

Answer: Commonly necessary documents include an application form, evidence of identity (such as an ID card or passport), proof of domicile, and any other documents pertaining to the certificate's purpose, such as a student ID card or fee receipt.

Question: Why is a bonafide certificate needed?

Answer: A bonafide certificate is needed for various purposes, including applying for scholarships, educational loans, visas, travel concessions, employment verification, and address proof for hostels or rentals.

Question: Are Bonafide and TC the same?

Answer: No, a bonafide certificate and a Transfer Certificate (TC) are not the same. A bonafide certificate verifies a student's or employee's current status, whereas a transfer certificate is issued when a student leaves an institution and details the completed program and reason for leaving.

Question: What is the difference between a bonafide certificate and a study certificate?

Answer: A bonafide certificate verifies an individual's current enrollment or employment status, whereas a study certificate verifies that an individual has completed or is currently enrolled in a specific course or program, often including course duration and completion dates.

Question: Can I get a bonafide certificate after graduation?

Answer: Yes, even after graduation, you can request a bonafide certificate from your educational institution to confirm your previous enrollment status for purposes such as higher education or job applications.

Question: Can a bonafide certificate be downloaded online?

Answer: Some universities and institutions allow you to apply for and download a bonafide certificate through their official websites. Contact your institution to see if this service is available.