Translating Diplomas for Recognition: 6 Rules Recognition Bodies Expect

The 6 rules

• Degree title in the original. Under the Revised Recommendation of the Lisbon Recognition Convention Committee (Sèvres, 23 June 2010, No. 24), a qualification earned abroad should as a rule be given in its original form, without translation. A translated title would already be an assessment.
• Never claim equivalence. The Polish ENIC-NARIC centre NAWA lists typical errors: rendering the Ukrainian «магістр» as the national master’s degree, the Russian «кандидат наук» as doctor, or an «училище» or «коледж» as a higher education institution.
• Names of universities and schools in the original. The Professional Code of Polish sworn translators (TEPIS, § 46) requires titles, degrees and names of schools and universities to be quoted in the source language, without any statement of equivalence. An explanation may go in a translator’s note — with the content set by the competent institution.
• Grades as in the original. Grades in letters or figures are given as they appear in the original; an explanation may go in a note (TEPIS, § 46(3)).
• Ask for the Diploma Supplement. In the European Higher Education Area it is issued automatically, free of charge and in a widely spoken European language (ENIC-NARIC). Under the Recommendation (No. 23) it should reduce the need to translate other documents.
• The right language authorisation. NAWA advises recognition bodies to refuse translations of Ukrainian or Belarusian diplomas certified by a translator for Russian. Certify only in the language you are authorised for.

Two examples: Germany and Poland

• Germany: the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) assesses on the basis of documents in the original language. A translation may be required in addition but never replaces the original; whether it is needed is shown by the pre-check. A simple scan without certification or apostille is usually enough.
• Poland: the Higher Education Act does not require a translation for recognition — the receiving body decides. In nostrification proceedings a sworn translation may be required in particularly justified cases (NAWA).

The legal background is the 1997 Lisbon Recognition Convention (Council of Europe and UNESCO): a foreign qualification must be recognised unless the competent body can show a substantial difference.

How Lingverra helps

Lingverra reproduces tables of subjects, hours and grades with the original layout and highlights uncertain passages. Whether a title stays in the original and what goes into the note is your decision.

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