How do a diploma, transcript and diploma supplement differ?
A diploma contains information about the completed education and the degree awarded. A transcript may list courses, terms, credits and grades. A diploma supplement may include explanations about the programme and the education system. If the institution asks for all three, translating only the diploma does not complete the file. Adding the document list to your translation request reduces the risk of missing documents.
| Document | Key information | Check before translation |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Degree, programme and graduation | Front/back, name and date |
| Transcript | Courses, credits and grades | All pages and grading notes |
| Diploma supplement | Programme and system explanations | All attachments and the language they are in |
| Provisional graduation certificate | Record stating graduation status | Whether the receiving institution accepts it |
Is the grading system changed in translation?
Translation does not automatically convert the grades in the source document into another country’s grading system. The credit type, grade value, letter grade and any explanation on the document should be carried over as they are. If an institution also asks for a grade conversion or an academic evaluation, it should be understood that this is a separate process. No conclusion about degree equivalence can be drawn from a translation.
Words that look similar in course titles can refer to different fields. The department name, programme level and course content are therefore useful references. If your university has an official English or German course list, you can share it. However, a list from a programme of a different date should not be used directly in place of the course titles on your document.
Checklist for names and document completeness
- If there is writing or a certification on the back of the diploma, include it in the scan.
- Send every page of the transcript, including the grading notes.
- Give the spelling of your name as it appears in your passport as a reference.
- Explain any change of name or use of a different alphabet.
- Write the required language, number of copies and application deadline.
- Share the certification requirement of the university or evaluating body.
On digital documents, barcodes and verification fields must remain visible. Columns cut off in a screenshot, stamps in the shadow of a phone and shrunken grading notes may require a new scan. Sending multi-page transcripts in particular as a single, well-ordered PDF makes the initial review easier.
Recognition and diploma translation are not the same process
Translating a diploma does not establish that the education is equivalent to a degree in another country. For information on the recognition and equivalence of higher education in Türkiye, review the current application guidance of the relevant YÖK (Council of Higher Education) unit. Primary and secondary school documents may involve different institutions and procedures. State the type of application clearly instead of describing it only as a “diploma procedure”.
Even if your document has already been issued in two languages, find out whether the receiving institution accepts that version. If no additional translation is needed, it is better to confirm this at the outset than to pay for an unnecessary service. If notarization or an apostille is required, the order of steps should be planned around the document’s current form and its purpose.
What should you send Universe Tercüme for a quote?
Add the country and institution you are applying to alongside your diploma and transcript files. If only certain documents in the file are to be translated, separate them. The quote is based on the language pair, text density, tables, number of pages and the certifications required. If a physical original or certified copy is needed, its delivery schedule should also be part of the translation plan.
Frequently asked questions
Should I have my diploma translated again if it was issued in English?
Ask the receiving institution about the document’s current language and format. A document that is already accepted may not need a new translation; no single general requirement should be assumed.
Are the grades on my transcript converted to another system?
The translation carries over the grade and credit information of the source document. Grade conversion or academic equivalence, if required, is a separate evaluation process.
Does a diploma translation provide recognition?
No. The translation is one part of the application documents. The decision on recognition is made by the relevant competent authority.
What if my document set changes later?
Share the new version or the missing page straight away. The differences between the translation prepared from the old document and the new document will need to be assessed.
Official sources and application information
Before you start, you can check the current requirements of the relevant institution through these sources.
This guide is for general information. Confirm the document and certification requirements for your application with the relevant institution, and include the current list of requirements in your translation request.