Diplomas in Mali: DEF and baccalaureate certificates, authentication, scholarships
Teaching centres (CAP), National Examinations Centre, CENOU
DEF certificate to enter secondary school, baccalaureate certificate for university, diploma authentication for a file abroad, study grant: this page brings together the five "Education and training" sheets on the Government of Mali's official procedures portal.
Key points (checked on 17 October 2026)
- DEF certificate: at the teaching centre (CAP), with a stamped request and a birth certificate extract; 200 FCFA stamp; usually issued on the spot.
- Baccalaureate, BT or CAP certificate: automatic and free, collected at your school 3 days to a week after the results.
- Diploma authentication: handwritten request to the national director of higher education; 200 FCFA stamp; 7 days at most.
- National scholarship: Malian students under 25 who are properly enrolled; application to CENOU within a month of the institution opening.
The DEF certificate
The basic education diploma (DEF) is marked in the teaching centres (Centres d'animation pédagogique, CAP); the sheet counts 97 of them across 18 academies. After the National Examinations Centre's admission decision, certificates are drawn up and signed by the CAP director, then sent to school heads. Schools themselves cannot issue the certificate.
You request it from the CAP with a stamped collection request and a birth certificate extract; you can also collect it from your school's office. Stamp: 200 FCFA. Timing: usually on the spot.
Transfer or reorientation after the DEF. Placements are published before the school year starts (mid-September). A pupil can request a transfer to another school (at the academy, or at the relevant national directorate between two academies), a reorientation (change of stream or type of education) or a correction for errors in their civil status or school record, handled by the Planning and Statistics Unit. Documents: a reasoned request and a residence or posting certificate for the parents for a transfer, the school report book and a certified copy of part 3 of the birth certificate for a correction. It is free.
The baccalaureate, BT and CAP certificate
The certificate for the baccalaureate, the technician's diploma (BT) or the vocational aptitude certificate (CAP) is automatic: drawn up by the examinations directorate as soon as results are announced, it is sent to the teaching centres and then to schools. Successful candidates collect it at their school with no documents to provide. It is free; allow 3 days to a week.
Authenticating a diploma
Authentication certifies that a diploma is genuine, for example for a study or job application abroad. Any holder can request it without travelling: the handwritten request can be posted to the national director of higher education and research, with the original diploma. Stamp: 200 FCFA. Timing: 7 days at most.
The national study grant
The grant is open to Malian students under 25 properly enrolled in a public or private higher-education institution, with their national student number. Baccalaureate holders who sat as independent candidates are not eligible. A Ministry of Higher Education notice sets the application period, usually from October for three months; students have one month from their institution's opening to apply to CENOU (National Centre for University Services). Late applications are rejected; only one written appeal is possible.
Documents: birth certificate extract, baccalaureate transcript and, where relevant, a parent's death certificate or a disability or illness certificate. New students add the application form, a copy of their ID card, a certified copy of the baccalaureate and of their last pass certificate, and an enrolment certificate. Timing: about six months.
Address given by the sheets: CENOU, Cité administrative, block 12, PO Box E5466, Bamako; 00 223 20 73 94 18.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I collect the DEF certificate?
At the teaching centre (CAP), or from your school's office, with a stamped request and a birth certificate extract.
Is the baccalaureate certificate free?
Yes: it is automatic and free, collected at your school.
How do I authenticate a Malian diploma?
With a handwritten request to the national director of higher education and research, the original diploma and a 200 FCFA stamp; 7 days at most.
Who can get a study grant in Mali?
Malian students under 25 properly enrolled in higher education, excluding independent baccalaureate candidates.
Official sources (checked on 17 October 2026)
- Government of Mali, procedures portal, DEF certificate (French), Baccalaureate, BT and CAP certificate (French) and Transfer, reorientation and correction after the DEF (French).
- Government of Mali, procedures portal, Authenticating a diploma (French) and National study grant (French).