How to Have Your Degree Translated Online

Why should I translate my degree? 

Translating your degree allows you to use it internationally to apply for jobs, scholarships, admission, citizenship, and immigration. A certified translation ensures the authenticity and relevance of your academic achievement to institutions in other countries. 

Implications of not translating your academic documents

• Professional implications: If you want to study or work in a country where people speak a different language, they might not understand your documents. This means they won't know how good your grades are or what you have studied. It might also lead to job application rejections.
• Academic implications: Not translating your documents can also slow your application process. Schools might ask you to go back and get your documents translated, which takes time.
• Legal implications: Failing to translate your academic documents correctly can lead to serious legal and administrative consequences, depending on the purpose of your application. One such consequence is visa rejections, which can affect your immigration processing and legal proceedings where they are required. 

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Legal and professional benefits of certified degree translations

Certified degree translations are crucial for various legal and professional purposes in the U.S., including immigration applications and professional licensing. Choosing a reputable translation company ensures that your translations meet all necessary legal and professional standards. Here’s why they matter

Ensures compliance with USCIS and immigration requirements

A certified translation guarantees that your academic documents meet USCIS standards. It prevents delays or rejections in your visa, green card, or citizenship applications. 

Enhances career opportunities

Professionals in healthcare, law, engineering, and other regulated fields often need certified translations for licensing and employment in the U.S. Having an officially recognised translation ensures smooth verification of your qualifications, making it easier to secure jobs and professional credentials.

Simplifies university admissions & credential evaluations

For international students, universities require certified translations of diplomas and transcripts for admission and credit transfer evaluations. Ensuring an accurate and legally recognised translation improves your chances of seamless enrolment and proper course placement.

Prevents legal and administrative issues

Your documents may be invalid without an official translation, leading to delays, rejections, or legal disputes. A properly translated and certified document eliminates such risks.

Pro Tip: For hassle-free and USCIS-approved translations, it's best to use a professional translation agency that offers certification and guarantees compliance with official standards. 

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When do you need to translate your degree?

When applying to universities, jobs, and immigration purposes internationally, you might have to translate your degree if it's not in the local language of the intended country. Here's what you should know 

Applying for a Visa

If you're applying for an immigration, work, or green card, you must provide a certified translation of your academic certificate. In the U.S., the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires complete, word-for-word certified translations that include a signed statement affirming the accuracy of the translation. Other countries, like Canada and Australia, may also need a notarised translation and certification.

Applying to a University

If you are applying for undergraduate, master’s, or Ph.D. programs abroad, universities may request official translations of your academic documents. Standard documents that need translation are bachelor's degree certificates, master's degree certificates, transcripts, diplomas, and letters of recommendation. For example, U.S. universities often require certified translations and credential evaluations like WES or ECE. In contrast, schools in Spain require sworn translations, and those in Germany might ask for notarised translations.

Seeking professional licensing

If you are applying for a job in a regulated profession like medicine, law, engineering, or education, you may need to translate and validate your degree. For example, the U.S. Medical Board might require a certified translation and evaluation. In contrast, Canadian provincial licensing authorities often ask for notarised translations. 

Applying for a job abroad

Employers may require a translated and certified degree certificate to verify your qualifications, making it essential to have your degree certificate translated. Some companies also ask for a credential evaluation to determine the equivalency of your degree in the hiring country. 

Submitting documents for government agencies

If you are applying for government-related programs such as scholarships, work permits, or credential recognition, you may need an official translation of your degree certificate. For example, in Canada, the IRCC requires certified translation, while in Australia, you may require a translation by a NAATI–certified translator. 

Pro Tip: If you're unsure what is needed, you should talk to the place asking for your translated degree. Here's how to do it:

• Find their contact information: Look for their email, phone number, or contact form on their website.
• Ask clear questions: Write or call them to ask what kind of translation they need.
• Write down the details: Make sure to note everything they say, like whether they need a certified translation or any special format.

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Academic documents that may need translation 

Academic documents needing translation include educational documents such as academic transcripts, diplomas, and other related documents.

• Degree certificates
• Academic transcript
• Diplomas - high school or college
• Research papers or Thesis
• Language proficiency certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or DELF)
• Internship certificates
• Academic records
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Master’s degree certificate
• Ph.D. degree certificate
• Letters of recommendation

The challenges of academic degree translation

Translating academic documents requires expertise, understanding of terminology, and context to ensure documents are accurately interpreted.  Understanding the translation process is crucial to ensure that all academic documents are accurately interpreted and meet the required standards. Here are some challenges you might face.

Subject variations 

Different countries have different names and structures for courses and subjects. This variation can make finding equivalent terms in the target language challenging. 

For example: "Mathematics" may be listed as "Further Maths," "Applied Maths," or "Numerical Analysis" in different regions. Additionally, some subjects, like "Civics" or "Social Studies," might not have direct equivalents in all countries.

Grading system

Different countries use different grading systems. It can be challenging to translate grades accurately while reflecting their value in the target country's system. This is because different countries use various grading scales (e.g., percentages, letter grades, or numerical rankings). For example: A "10-point scale" in some countries must be converted to the U.S. GPA system (4.0 scale). There are also bodies like WES that can help you convert your grades to the equivalent grade of the receiving country. Depending on what language it was before translation (WES only accepts academic documents in English), you may need to translate the documents before submitting them to WES or after receiving them from WES.

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How to translate degree to English online [step-by-step guide] 

To translate a foreign degree, you can use translation services online. These services offer professional translation by experts who understand the nuances of academic document translation. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose a certified translation company

Select a translation services provider that offers certified and approved translations. They ensure you receive a signed certification of accuracy, which may be required by universities, employers, or government agencies. You should also confirm if they have experience translating an academic document that meets the requirements of the intending country. For example, at Translayte, we have NAATI-certified translators, which ensures your academic document translation for Australia meets the local authority requirements. Ensure that the translation service provider understands the specific translation requirements of the intending country.

Step 2: Prepare your academic documents

Scan or take clear digital copies of your degree certificate and additional academic documents. If your the document is damaged, you can request a replacement from your institution to avoid mistakes in translation.

Step 3: Submit your documents for translation

When you have checked all documents, you can upload them to the translation service's website as PDF, doc, docx, or jpeg, or email them as per their guidelines. You should also provide additional instructions, such as subject classifications, preferred grading scale, notarisation, and an Apostille certificate, to help the translator deliver accurate translations. 

Step 4: Receive your academic document translation

Once the diploma translation is complete, you will receive the translated copy plus a certificate of accuracy via email. Academic document translation might take up to 48 hours. However, Translayte has a 12-24 hour delivery timeline, depending on the volume. You can also request expedited translation services.

Pro Tip: The translation rates for degree certificates vary depending on the language pair, volume, and other factors. You should request a quote to get an accurate estimate before submitting your document online.

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How to verify the quality of your translated degree certificate

Errors in degree certificate translation can lead to delays, rejections, or misinterpretations by universities, employers, or government agencies. Here’s how to verify the quality of translation

• Check crucial details in the translation, such as the name, degree title, date issued, institution names, stamp, etc., to ensure it’s translated correctly.
• Confirm that the translated copy has an official certification or statement of accuracy. This document must have the signature of the translator or translation agency plus attestation.
• Ensure that the translated document is clear, professionally formatted, and easy to read. Check if the text aligns properly, words are complete, and grades are visible.

Ensuring that your qualifications translated are accurate and meet the required standards is crucial to avoid any issues.

Common mistakes in degree translations & how to avoid them

Common mistakes in degree translations include formatting errors, incorrect subject translation and misrepresenting degree grading. Here is an overview and how you can avoid these mistakes 

Formatting errors

Many official institutions require the translated document to mirror the original's layout closely. If the structure is altered significantly, it can lead to confusion or rejection. Issues such as misaligned text, missing official seals, or inconsistent use of bolding and underlining can make the document appear incomplete or unprofessional. To avoid this, it is essential to work with a certified translation service that maintains the formatting and ensures the translated version remains as true to the original as possible.

Incorrect translations of subject names and degree titles

Some academic credentials do not have direct English equivalents, which can lead to misinterpretation. For example, a "Licenciado en Derecho" in Spanish-speaking countries is equivalent to a "Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)" rather than "Licensed in Law." Similarly, a French "BTS" (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur) is more comparable to an associate degree rather than a full bachelor's degree. Work with translators familiar with academic equivalencies, and provide footnotes or explanations when necessary to ensure clarity.

Misinterpreting grading systems

Different countries use different grading scales, and failing to convert these correctly to the U.S. GPA system can create confusion. A score of 7/10 may be considered excellent in one country but only average in another. Additionally, failing to explain pass/fail criteria or the highest possible grade in a system can result in an inaccurate assessment of a student's academic performance. Working with a translator who understands international grading conversions can help prevent these errors.

Uncertified translations

If a translation lacks a statement of accuracy, the agency's seal, or proper notarisation, it may not be accepted for official use. Always verify whether certification is required and ensure the translation includes the necessary authentication to avoid this.

Special requirements in the United States

Institutions often have strict requirements for submitting translated academic documents in the United States to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Official translation

In the U.S., an official translation must be completed by a professional translator or a translation agency that specialises in academic and legal documents. Unlike informal translations, official translations require precise language and formatting to match the original document. 

Certified translation

A certified translation includes a formal statement from the translator or agency affirming the translation is accurate and complete. This certification statement must be signed and often includes details about the translator's qualifications. Without certification, a translation may not be accepted for official use.

Notarised translation

A notarised translation involves an additional step beyond certification. In this process, the translator's certification statement is signed in front of a notary public, who verifies the identity of the signatory and applies an official seal.

How much does it cost to translate a degree certificate?

The cost of translating a degree certificate varies based on multiple factors, including language pair, document length, and urgency. Understanding these cost elements can help applicants budget and choose the best translation service.

Factors affecting the cost of degree translations

The factors influencing the cost of translating a degree certificate vary. They include

• The language pair: Translations between common languages like Spanish and English tend to be more affordable than rare language pairs such as Arabic and Japanese. 
• Document length and complexity: Multiple-page academic records or transcripts will cost more than a simple one-page degree certificate. 
• Urgency: Expedited services often charge premium rates for same-day or 24-hour delivery. 
• Certification and notarisation: Translation agencies charge extra for official seals and statements.

Average translation costs per page and word

On average, a certified degree translation costs between $20 and $50 per page for standard turnaround times. For word-based pricing, rates typically range from $0.10 to $0.25 per word. Translayte offers per-word and per-page rates starting from $0.10 and $25, respectively. We offer quick turnaround times, ensuring documents meet requirements for USCIS, universities, and professional licensing applications. 

Translating your degree for international use

A valid degree certificate in one country may not be recognised in another unless it undergoes specific translation and authentication processes. Here are some things you should know

Apostille requirements for degree translations

If you graduate from a university in Argentina and get a job offer in Canada, you will need to translate your academic records. Since Argentina is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you must obtain an apostille for the degree from Argentina's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once apostilled, you can hire a certified translation service in Canada to translate it into English. This ensures her degree meets Canadian employment requirements.

Sworn translations for European countries

If you are a mechanical engineer from Brazil applying for a Master's program in Spain, you need a sworn translation ("Traducción Jurada"). This type of translation is done by a translator recognised by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The sworn translator in Spain provides the required translation with an official stamp and signature, which allows you to complete your academic application.

Local vs. international translation services

If you are a Nigerian student who has received a scholarship to study in Germany, you must translate academic transcripts and diplomas into German. There are two options: you can use a local translation agency in Nigeria or an international translation agency with global coverage.

Why choose Translayte for degree certificate translations?

Translayte offers professional and certified translation services for academic documents with a 4.6 star rating from 8000+ customers. Here’s why you should choose us

100% USCIS and university acceptance guarantee

Translayte guarantees that all translations meet the official requirements for USCIS applications, university admissions, and professional licensing. Each translation includes a signed certification statement confirming its accuracy.

Fast turnaround with affordable pricing

Translayte offers competitive pricing and a delivery timeline of 12 - 24 hours for standard documents. Pricing is transparent and affordable, with no hidden fees. You can also request an instant quote before submitting the document for translation.

Expert academic translators in 130+ languages

Translayte specialises in academic translation services for documents in over 130 languages. Our network of subject-matter experts and native language translators ensures that the translation mirrors the original document.

Get your degree translated today

Do you need a certified translation for your degree? Whether you're applying to a university, immigrating, or advancing your career, Translayte ensures fast, accurate, and 100% accuracy. 

Request an instant quote now and ensure your documents meet all official requirements.