The need for academic document translation can arise at any time. This is not limited to enrolling at a foreign university to advance your studies. If you are resettling abroad for employment, you will also need a certified degree translation.
This article will discuss everything about academic degree translation, why it’s essential, and how professional degree translation services can help you with this process.
Why Should I Translate My Degree?

Credential Evaluation
Many regions and professional accreditation bodies require that foreign credentials undergo formal evaluation. This includes degrees as well. The assessors analyse the degree copies to:
- Evaluate your academic qualifications.
- Compare the competencies of the candidate with their provisional requirements or criteria.
- Ensure that the candidate is submitting a genuine record of their academic achievements
Therefore, having your degree translated into the target country’s language is essential since it is integral to background checking.
To Avoid Language Barrier
Degree translation plays a key role in helping people understand foreign education systems. Different countries use different names for school subjects. For example, one country might call a subject ‘Maths’, while another may refer to it as ‘Applied Maths’ or ‘Numerical Analysis’.” Some subjects, like “Social Studies” or “Civics,” might not even exist in the same form across borders.
Grading systems also vary from country to country. Some use percentages, others use numbers out of 10, and some use letter grades.
For example, Australia uses a system that includes grades like “High Distinction” and “Credit.” To compare overseas grades with the Australian system, you often need help from official skills-assessment bodies such as:
- National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR)
- Assessment authorities like VETASSESS
- Engineers Australia
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Before that can happen, your documents need to be translated. When it comes to Australian English, you have to hire a NAATI certified translator.
This is because only a NAATI-stamped translated degree is accepted by Australian universities, government bodies, and immigration departments.
Therefore, having degree certificates translated is highly practical. It helps ensure qualifications and grades from overseas make sense in the new country.
Getting Prepared Ahead of Time
Even if you do not plan to use your degree overseas immediately, having a translated copy of your degree certificate can still be useful later in your career or for official purposes in other countries.
When Do You Need to Translate Your Degree?

Applying for a Job in a Different Country
If you are an Australian citizen or resident applying for a job overseas, employers will request a certified translation of your degree to verify your academic credentials.
Some countries, such as Germany or Spain, may also require sworn or notarised translations.
A certified translation ensures that your qualifications are clearly understood and accepted in the country where you are seeking employment.
Enrolling at a Foreign University
When applying to an international university for an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral program, aspirants will have to submit their translated degrees if they were issued in another language.
This includes degrees, transcripts, diplomas, and letters of recommendation. The foreign educational institution will review these documents to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for their study programs.
During the Visa Application
When applying for visas such as a skilled migration visa, employer-sponsored visa, or permanent residency, you must provide certified translations of your academic degrees in the country’s official language.
For example, during Australian Immigration, the Department of Home Affairs requires translations to be completed by a NAATI-accredited translator. Similarly, other countries like Canada and the UK will require notarised and certified translations for visa applications.
These certified translations help immigration authorities assess the authenticity and validity of your qualifications.
Gaining Professional Licensing
To obtain a professional licence in another country, you must have your degrees translated into the target language for mandatory submission.
For example, in Australia,
- If you are into healthcare, you will need an AHPRA license.
- For engineers, Engineers Australia accreditation is required.
- For an occupational license as a teacher, a state-based teacher accreditation authorisation is mandatory.
Similarly, there are other respective licenses associated with different professions. To apply for these occupational licenses, the authorities will ask for a qualification degree for validation.
If your degrees were originally issued in a different language, Licensing bodies of Australia will demand NAATI-stamped translated copies of your degrees to verify that your overseas qualifications as per the Australian standards.
Government Recognition of Foreign Issued Degrees
If you have obtained degrees in another country and the certificates were originally issued in a foreign language, you must translate your degrees into your own country’s official language to be used under certain conditions for your own country’s recognition. For example, to get your degree recognised by the Canadian government, IRCC asks for a certified translation.
Academic Documents That Need Translation
Academic degree translation generally includes:

How to Have Your Degree Translated Online?
Find A Professional Translation Service

They must understand the specific requirements of the country where you are submitting the documents. This helps ensure
Submit Your Required Documents

Once your documents are ready, upload them to the translation service’s website in PDF, DOC, DOCX, or JPEG format. You can also email them directly. Do not forget to attach additional details such as:
1. Purpose Of The Translation- Whether required for School/University Admission, Immigration, or Professional License.
2. Any Special Instructions- Add additional notes, such as subject names, grading scale, notarization, or Apostille, so the translator can better understand the project.
Get Your Translated Documents Delivered
Once your translation is completed, the service provider will email you the translated copy along with a certificate of accuracy.
Academic translations usually take up to 48 hours. Some services, like Australian Translation Services, offer faster turnaround times (between 12 and 24 hours), depending on how many documents you have.
If you need it sooner, you can also request an express or urgent online translation service.
How much does it cost to translate a degree certificate?

How to verify the quality of your translated degree certificate?
Look for the Accuracy Statement Signed in the Translated Copy
Make sure that the translation agency you have hired has provided you with the translated copy with an Accuracy Statement Signed. It is often evaluated by universities, employers, or government agencies. Only accredited service providers ensure this professional assurance as part of their quality service.
Check the Credentials of The Translator
The accuracy statement often includes the profile details of the translator who worked on your document. Make sure they are a certified translator with expertise in the specific field or type of document.
Look for Any Potential Errors
Before sending your translated degrees for official evaluations, always compare the new copy with the original ones. Look for whether the copy has
- Formatting errors
- Incorrect translations of subject names and degree titles
- Misinterpreting grading systems
If any discrepancies are detected or if you need to modify certain areas, send it for revision. Always provide accurate information and details beforehand to avoid such issues. Also, refraid from working with a uncertified translation service as such mistakes are common in cheap works.
Hire A Professional Native Linguist for Proofreading
For extra assurance, you can hire a native linguist who is well-versed in both the source and target languages. Also, make sure they are familiar with the official standards of the country when it comes to assessing:
1. Standard Terms and Vocabulary
2. Format of the Document
They can help with extra feedback on quality and may also look for remediation areas for further improvement.
Get your Degree Translated Today
If you are looking for a certified degree translation service, AustralianTranslationServices is the best in the country. Whether you are applying to a university, migrating, or advancing your career, we deliver fast, accurate, and fully certified translations you can trust.
We have a team of certified and NAATI-certified experts. Our online degree translation service serves both Australian and international customers who require global translation of their academic or professional documents.
Get competitive pricing with an Accuracy Statement attached to each translated degree. Contact us now to get premium services.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the Process of Certified Translation, is my Data Safe?
Yes! When you choose AustralianTranslationServices for your degree paper translation, rest assured that your data is 100% safe. We never sell or store data after the services are fulfilled.
Can I translate my degree certificate myself?
No, you cannot translate your own degree certificate for official purposes. For example, in Australia, Translations must be completed by a NAATI certified translator.
Do I need a notarised translation for university or immigration purposes?
Yes, for both university admissions and immigration purposes, you typically need a certified translation. For immigration, translations must be done by a translator accredited by National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. Notarisation is not usually required if the translation is NAATI-certified. However, some universities may require notarisation—always check the specific requirements with the institution or authority.
- How to Translate Your High School Diploma into English? - July 8, 2025
- Tips for Accurate Translation of Divorce Certificates - June 19, 2025
- How to Have Your Degree Translated Online? - June 11, 2025