Bonafide certificate: Meaning, types and samples

Updated on Jun 26, 2024
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Bonafide certificate: Meaning, types and samples

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A bonafide certificate acts as an official written document that validates an individual’s dignity and honesty by stating their affiliation with the issuing organisation. For international students, it acts as proof that they belong to a specific class and course within an institute for a specific duration.

The certificate is generally required at various stages of a student’s career, such as visa applications, scholarships, education loans and internships.

While studying abroad, some institutions/universities may ask for a bonafide certificate to verify a student's credibility.

So, now that you understand the bonafide certificate meaning, read ahead to know the answer to ‘what is a bonafide certificate?’

What is a bonafide certificate?

Derived from a Latin word, the term 'bonafide' means 'in good faith'. It is a formal certificate that indicates the authenticity of a person. A bonafide certificate acts as an official document that verifies an applicant’s identity at an institute/university or an organisation.

This document serves as evidence of an applicant’s authority and association with the issuing organisation. It is authorised by a reputable institution or organisation where the person studies or works. The certificate authorises that the person is studying in a particular class of the institution or working in an organisation from a specific date onwards.

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Types of a bonafide certificate

There are four different categories of the bonafide certificate which include:

  1. Temporary bonafide certificate
  2. Permanent bonafide certificate
  3. Bonafide certificate for students
  4. Bonafide certificate for employees

Also read: Documents required to study abroad

Required documents for a bonafide certificate

The document required for a bonafide certificate may vary by an educational institute. But, here is a list of the common documents required for applying for a bonafide certificate.

  • Duly filled application form
  • College ID Card or enrolment number
  • Mark sheets of the previous examination
  • Monthly/semester fee receipt

Bonafide certificate letter format

Following are the bonafide certificate letter samples for different categories.

Bonafide certificate letter sample 1: For school/university students

[Institution Logo]

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that [student's full name], born on [date of birth], is a bonafide student of [institution name]. He/She has been enrolled in the [course/program name] since [start date of enrolment].

This certificate is issued for the purpose of [specify purpose] and is valid as of [date of issuance].

Authorised Signature: _______________

[Name of Authority]

[Designation]

[Institution Name]

[Date of Issuance]

Bonafide certificate letter sample 2: For employees

[Organisation Logo]

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that [individual's full name], born on [date of birth], has actively participated as a volunteer in [specify program/event] organised by [organisation name] during the period [specify duration]. This certificate identifies [individual's full name], as a bonafide member of the organisation working here since [employment start date].

This certificate is issued for the purpose of [specify purpose] and is valid as of [date of issuance].

Authorised Signature: _______________

[Name of Volunteer Coordinator or Authorised Signatory]

[Designation]

[Organisation Name]

[Date of Issuance]

A bonafide certificate is used by students or employees for various purposes, such as applying for jobs, loans, admissions in universities/institutions and government paperwork. Additionally, the certificate may be required while applying for a passport.

Hence, it is important to understand the bonafide certificate meaning thoroughly as the certificate varies for students and employees as per their different purposes.

So, if you are looking for any assistance, then be in touch with Edvoy. Our expert team will help you with the university application process.  To get more information on the university application process, book a free video counselling session now!

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