How do I translate a school certificate or diploma into English?
Check the school's document checklist first, then provide all pages, grades, subject lists and stamps so the translation covers the complete record.
Find out which education records are required
A university, school, employer or credential-evaluation body may ask for a diploma, school certificate, transcript or supplement. Ask which specific records, academic years and language it requires; a diploma alone may not include the grades or subjects requested.
Check whether the translation must be certified, whether the institution requires an original or certified copy, and whether it provides a preferred format or terminology.
Prepare the complete school record
Upload clear images of each page and do not crop seals or handwritten notes. If several school years are required, include all requested records together so the scope can be assessed.
- diploma or school-leaving certificate, including the reverse if it contains information;
- report cards or transcript listing subjects and grades;
- supplements, explanations of grading scales and attached pages;
- stamps, signatures and issue dates;
- the spelling of your name required by the receiving institution.
Keep names, grades and dates accurate
Grades, credits and school names should be translated from the source without conversion or interpretation unless the receiving institution gives specific instructions. Translation does not independently evaluate or equate a qualification.
If your name differs between the certificate and passport, ask the institution how it wants the difference documented and tell the translator before work begins.
Before you submit
- check that every requested year, page and supplement is included;
- compare names, dates, subjects and grades with the original;
- confirm certification and copy requirements with the recipient;
- ask whether a grading-scale explanation or additional records are needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a diploma enough, or do I also need school certificates?
It depends on the receiving school, university or employer. Some ask for a diploma and a transcript or report cards; follow their document checklist.
Should grades be converted to the English grading system?
Do not convert grades unless the receiving institution specifically requests it. A translation should preserve the source information; evaluation rules belong to the institution.
Can a translated diploma guarantee admission or recognition?
No. Translation makes the document understandable in another language. The school or authority decides admission and recognition requirements.