University Degree: What It Provides and When Certified Translation Is Required

A university degree is an important document that not only crowns years of study but also opens doors to many professional and educational opportunities, both domestically and abroad. Understanding its significance and situations where certified translation is essential is crucial for every graduate.

What is a university degree and what does it confirm?

A university degree is an official document issued by a higher education institution that certifies successful completion of a specific course of study and attainment of a professional title (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, Engineer) or academic degree (e.g., Doctor). It serves as formal confirmation of acquired knowledge, skills, and qualifications.

In many European countries participating in the Bologna Process, degrees are typically accompanied by a Diploma Supplement. This document provides detailed information about the nature, level, context, content, and status of studies completed by the degree holder, facilitating international comparability and recognition of qualifications.

Who issues degrees and when?

Degrees and supplements are issued by the institutions where students completed their studies and defended their thesis or final project. Typically, degree copies can be collected from the registrar's office within several weeks of graduation. Originals are often presented to graduates during formal graduation ceremonies.

Universities may charge fees for issuing complete documentation sets (original degree, copies, and supplement). Fee amounts are set by university authorities and should be verified in study regulations or directly with the registrar's office. Upon request, universities also issue degree and supplement copies translated into foreign languages (most commonly English). Such translations prepared by universities are official documents, however, many foreign institutions may additionally require certified translation.

What does a university degree and its supplement contain?

A standard university degree contains basic information such as:

• Institution details: University and faculty/school name
• Graduate information: Full name, date and place of birth, student ID number
• Program details: Field of study, level (e.g., undergraduate, graduate), profile and mode of study
• Degree awarded: Professional title or academic degree obtained
• Issuance details: Date of issue and degree number
• Official signatures: Rector (or authorized person) and dean signatures
• Official seals: University and faculty seals or stamps

The Diploma Supplement is significantly more detailed and internationally standardized. It typically includes eight sections providing comprehensive information about the degree holder, obtained qualifications, education level, study content and achieved results, professional rights, and the national higher education system. The Diploma Supplement is particularly important when applying for jobs or continuing education abroad, and it most often requires precise certified translation.

What opportunities does a university degree open?

Having a university degree is still perceived as a significant asset in the job market and opens a range of opportunities:

• Career advancement: Many positions, especially specialist and managerial roles, require higher education. A degree confirms qualifications and is often a gateway to better-paid and more satisfying work.
• Further education: A university degree (e.g., Master's) is essential for pursuing doctoral studies or specialized postgraduate programs.
• Work and study abroad: Thanks to the Bologna Process and ECTS system, degrees are widely recognized in Europe and many other countries worldwide. This enables graduates to seek employment or continue education internationally. In such situations, certified translation of degrees into English or other target languages becomes crucial.
• Prestige and personal development: Completing university studies involves not only gaining knowledge but also developing analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-discipline.

When is certified translation of a degree necessary?

Certified (authenticated) translation of degrees and supplements is essential in many situations when these documents must be presented to official bodies, institutions, or employers abroad, as well as to foreign institutions domestically. Here are the most common cases:

• Studying abroad: Foreign universities almost always require certified translation of degrees from previous education levels and supplements.
• Applying for jobs abroad: Many foreign employers, especially in regulated professions or positions requiring specific qualifications, request certified degree translations as proof of education.
• Degree recognition: If your degree requires formal recognition in a country that doesn't have automatic qualification recognition agreements, or if you want to recognize a foreign degree domestically, certified translation will be an essential element of the procedure.
• Official procedures: Various administrative formalities abroad where documentation of education level is required.

It's important to note that often not only translation of the degree itself is required, but also the Diploma Supplement, which contains detailed information about the course of study. If your degree is in English but you're applying to a German-speaking country, you may need certified translation into German.

Credential recognition and foreign qualification validation

Credential recognition is a procedure leading to formal recognition of a foreign degree (or academic degree) as equivalent to its domestic counterpart. It's necessary when you want to:

• Continue education at a higher level: (e.g., doctoral studies after a foreign Master's degree)
• Apply for work in regulated professions: Where domestic regulations require specific domestic degrees
• Apply for academic degrees or professional titles

Credential recognition procedures are typically conducted by faculty councils of universities with authority to award doctoral degrees in the field relevant to the degree being recognized. Applications for recognition usually require submitting the original degree along with its certified translation, as well as other documents related to the course of study (e.g., supplement, grade transcripts – also translated).

Similarly, if you have a domestic degree and want it formally recognized in a country that isn't party to automatic education recognition agreements (e.g., outside the EU or EEA in some cases), you may need to undergo recognition or similar procedures in that country, which will also involve providing certified translations.

Important note: Even if your degree includes English translations or is issued in English, many institutions still require certified translations to ensure accuracy and legal validity. Always verify specific requirements with the receiving institution.