Key points at a glance
- The declaration confirms that the thesis was produced independently and that sources and tools were disclosed.
- The exact wording and placement are determined by the examination regulations or faculty template.
- A declaration does not replace correct citations, data protection and disclosure of permitted tools.
- Check signature and digital-submission rules before exporting the final PDF.
What the declaration confirms
A statutory declaration, declaration of independent work or similar statement is a formal confirmation connected to academic integrity. It commonly states that you wrote the thesis independently, used only the listed sources and aids, and marked borrowed ideas and quotations correctly.
The legal meaning of the wording varies by country and university. Use the official template instead of copying a generic internet sample.
Where to place it
Many faculties place the declaration at the end of the thesis, after the bibliography and appendices. Others require it near the front matter or directly after the cover page. The current examination rules decide the correct position.
Keep the heading, page numbering and signature area consistent with the rest of the document. If the declaration should not appear in the table of contents, follow the template rather than changing the setting on your own.
Signatures and digital submissions
Some universities require a handwritten signature, while others accept a typed name or a verified digital signature. Confirm the current process before uploading. A scanned signature may be required in a separate form even when the thesis PDF is submitted digitally.
Do not sign until the thesis is final. If you change the title, appendices or declaration after signing, check whether a new signature is required.
Check sources, tools and the final file
The declaration cannot correct missing citations or undisclosed assistance. Review sources, figures, datasets, translation tools and permitted AI tools according to your faculty rules. Keep evidence of the version you submitted.
Open the final PDF and verify the declaration wording, position, page number and signature before printing or uploading it.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- The current faculty wording and placement were checked.
- The declaration matches the final thesis title and version.
- Sources, tools and assistance are disclosed as required.
- Signature and digital-submission rules are satisfied.
- The declaration appears in the correct position and page sequence.
- The final PDF was opened and checked after export.
Common mistakes
- Using a generic template without comparing it with examination rules.
- Signing before the thesis content and title are final.
- Assuming the declaration replaces source citations or tool disclosure.
- Submitting a PDF with a missing page or an outdated declaration.
- Adding the declaration to the table of contents against the faculty template.
Print and bind the final signed thesis
Once the declaration and the complete PDF meet your faculty rules, prepare the checked version for printing and binding.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a statutory declaration required for every thesis?
No. Requirements depend on the university, degree programme and examination regulations. Check the current official instructions.
Can I write my own wording?
Only when your faculty does not prescribe a template. If an official wording exists, use it exactly unless the responsible office approves a change.
Where should I sign the declaration?
Use the position and signature format in your university template. It may be at the end of the declaration or on a separate form.
Does the declaration need its own page number?
Follow the local layout rules. Some templates include the page in the sequence, while others treat it as unnumbered front or back matter.