Academic Transcript Translation in Poland
Everything You Have to Know
An academic transcript must be translated into Polish when applying to a Polish university, during nostrification, or when submitting foreign education credentials to any public institution. This guide explains what type of translation is required, when a sworn translator is mandatory, and how to order it online.
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education requires a sworn translation of academic documents in all languages except English, French, German, Russian, and Ukrainian. If your transcript or diploma was issued in any other language, a Polish sworn translator’s certification is mandatory — not optional.
A translation is not the same as nostrification. Translating your transcript makes the document readable by Polish institutions. Nostrification is a separate administrative procedure that determines the Polish equivalent of your foreign degree. You need the translation first — nostrification comes after.
What is an academic transcript?
An academic transcript — also called a transcript of records or diploma supplement — is an official document issued by a university or academic institution listing all courses completed, the grades or marks received, the ECTS credits awarded (in European institutions), and the student’s academic history. It is distinct from the diploma itself: the diploma confirms the degree was awarded; the transcript shows the content and results of the studies.
In Poland, the equivalent document is the suplement do dyplomu (diploma supplement) or the wykaz ocen (grade record). When a foreign student applies to a Polish university, or when a graduate seeks to use a foreign degree professionally in Poland, both the diploma and its transcript or supplement are typically required — and both must be available in Polish.
For admission to a second-cycle (master’s) programme in Poland, the transcript of the first-cycle degree is almost always required to verify that the candidate has completed sufficient coursework in the relevant field. Polish universities cannot assess foreign study content without an accurate Polish-language translation of the transcript.
When is academic transcript translation required?
- University admissions in Poland — any foreign document submitted during the recruitment process must be accompanied by a Polish translation if it is not already in Polish
- Nostrification of a foreign diploma — the nostrifying university may request an ordinary or sworn Polish translation of the diploma, supplement, and transcript to assess equivalence with Polish degrees
- Ministerial recognition of a foreign degree — when applying to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, a sworn translation is mandatory for all languages except English, French, German, Russian, and Ukrainian
- Employment in regulated professions — doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals whose qualifications must be recognised by a Polish professional body need translated and certified academic records
- Residence and work permit applications — academic qualifications submitted as part of a visa or permit application must be in Polish or accompanied by a sworn translation
- Applying for a Polish scholarship or research programme — institutions administering Polish government scholarships typically require Polish translations of all academic documents
Sworn translation vs ordinary translation — which do you need?
In Poland, a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły) is a professional registered with the Ministry of Justice who can certify translations with their official stamp and signature. This certification gives the translation the same legal standing as the original document before public bodies, courts, and institutions.
For academic transcripts, a sworn translation is required when submitting to: the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (for documents in languages other than English, French, German, Russian, and Ukrainian); courts handling recognition cases; and most voivodeship offices processing residence permit applications. Some Polish universities — particularly for admission purposes — accept an ordinary (non-sworn) translation made by a qualified translator, but this varies by institution. Always check directly with the receiving body before ordering.
For the nostrification procedure, the legal regulation states that the nostrifying university may request an ordinary translation first, and in particularly justified cases may require a sworn translation. In practice, most universities request a sworn translation to avoid doubt. Ordering a sworn translation from the outset saves time and avoids having to retranslate.
What a translated transcript must contain
A sworn translation must faithfully reproduce all content: course names and codes, grades (with a note explaining the grading scale), ECTS credits, academic year and semester data, the institution’s official name and stamp, and any signatures on the original. The sworn translator’s stamp, signature, and repertory number must appear on every page or on a bound set.
Languages and availability
Sworn translation of academic transcripts is available for all major languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish, and more than 80 others. For languages in which no Polish state sworn translator examination exists, a qualified legal specialist provides a certified translation accepted by most institutions. Confirm the specific language with the receiving body before ordering.
Nostrification — using a foreign degree in Poland
Nostrification (nostryfikacja) is the official procedure by which a Polish university determines the Polish equivalent of a foreign higher education diploma. It is necessary when the foreign degree cannot be recognised as equivalent to a Polish degree under an applicable international agreement. After nostrification, the graduate receives a decision confirming the Polish equivalent of their degree and professional title.
The procedure is conducted by a Polish higher education institution authorised to grant degrees in the relevant academic discipline. For example, medical degrees are nostrified by universities with medical faculties; technical degrees by technical universities such as the Warsaw University of Technology.
- Submit an application to the relevant university’s Academic Council or designated unit
- Attach the original diploma and diploma supplement or transcript
- Provide a sworn Polish translation of all documents (if not in an exempt language)
- Attach an apostille or legalisation if required for your country
- Pay the nostrification fee (50% of the professor’s salary determined by law)
- The university has 90 days to complete the procedure from the date of a complete application
New 2025 rules: Since 2025, a sworn translation into Polish is required if the document is not in English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Ukrainian, or Belarusian. This list was expanded compared to previous regulations — check the current requirements at the nostrifying institution before submitting your documents.
How to order an academic transcript translation online
Ordering a sworn translation of your academic transcript online does not require a visit to any office. Send a scan or clear photos of your document, receive a free quote, pay online, and the certified translation is delivered by courier or electronically.
- Step 1 — Send your transcript (scan or photos) via the contact form or translation store
- Step 2 — Receive a free quote specifying the cost and delivery time (standard: 2–3 working days)
- Step 3 — Pay online via Przelewy24 or bank transfer
- Step 4 — Receive the certified sworn translation by courier or InPost parcel locker, or electronically as a digitally signed scan
A digitally signed sworn translation with a qualified electronic signature is legally equivalent to a paper original under current Polish law. Always confirm with the university or office whether they accept electronic delivery or require a paper copy.
Standard delivery: 2–3 working days. Express processing available on request. A scan is sent in advance before the physical copy arrives, if needed.
Academic documents most commonly translated into Polish
- Academic transcript / transcript of records — full list of courses, grades, and credits
- Diploma supplement — detailed supplement to the degree certificate, describing study content and learning outcomes
- Higher education diploma — the degree certificate itself (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate)
- Secondary school leaving certificate — Matura equivalent, A-levels, Abitur, Baccalauréat, and other school-leaving qualifications
- Apostille and legalisation certificates — if issued in a foreign language, these must also be translated
- Professional licences and certifications — medical, legal, engineering, or vocational qualifications submitted for Polish recognition
FAQ
Does my academic transcript always need a sworn translation?
Not always. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education requires sworn translation for all documents except those in English, French, German, Russian, and Ukrainian. Polish universities vary — some accept ordinary certified translations for admission; others require sworn. The 2025 rules expanded the exempt language list slightly. Always check directly with the institution that will receive the document.
Is a translation the same as nostrification?
No. Translation makes your document readable in Polish. Nostrification is a separate procedure — conducted by a Polish university — that formally determines the Polish equivalent of your foreign degree. You need the translation first; nostrification uses the translation as one of its inputs.
How long does an academic transcript translation take?
Standard delivery is 2–3 working days. Express processing is available for urgent requests. A scan of the completed translation can be sent in advance before the physical copy arrives.
Can I submit an electronic (digitally signed) sworn translation?
Under current Polish law, a sworn translation with a qualified electronic signature is legally equivalent to a paper original. However, some universities or offices still require paper copies. Always confirm with the receiving institution before choosing electronic delivery.
Do I need to translate my transcript if it is in English?
For the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, English-language transcripts are exempt from the sworn translation requirement. However, individual Polish universities may still ask for a Polish translation during the admission or nostrification process. Check the specific requirements of the institution you are applying to.
How much does an academic transcript translation cost?
The cost depends on the language pair, the number of pages, and the complexity of the document. Send a scan and receive a free non-binding estimate before committing to the service.
Post navigation
Similar posts
Continue with related topics on translation, education, and legal procedures in Poland.