Academic Certificate Translation in Egypt: Step-by-Step 2026
Certified translation of certificates and transcripts for universities and embassies
To use Egyptian academic certificates abroad, you usually need three things: an official, recent copy from your school or university, the authentication steps the destination requires, and a certified translation into the right language. This step-by-step guide explains how to get degree certificates and transcripts translated and certified in Egypt for universities, embassies, employers and credential assessment bodies.
Which academic documents need translation?
- Thanaweya Amma (secondary school) certificate and grades.
- Bachelor's, master's and PhD degree certificates.
- Academic transcripts (grade statements) for every year.
- Graduation, enrolment and expected-graduation letters.
- Course descriptions and syllabi, if credit transfer is requested.
- Internship and practical-training certificates, such as medical internship.
Some Egyptian universities issue English-language certificates. If yours does, you may not need a translation for English-speaking destinations – but check whether the receiving body accepts them.
Step-by-step process
- Get recent official copies from your faculty or university, stamped and signed.
- Complete the university's own authentication where applicable, then any required authentication by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Order a certified translation into the language required (English, German, French, etc.).
- Legalise at the embassy of the destination country if required, for example for long-stay visas or professional recognition.
- Keep certified copies, as you may need them again for other applications.
The order of steps 2–4 differs by country. Germany, for example, requires Egyptian MFA authentication before documents are submitted for legalisation, while many universities only ask for a translation. Check before you start.
Requirements of common destinations
| Destination | What to check |
|---|---|
| German universities (via uni-assist) | Translation into German or English by a translator authorised to translate under oath or admissible in court – see uni-assist's rules on certified copies and translations |
| Canada (IRCC and credential assessment) | IRCC's translation rules, plus the assessor's own instructions – see our Canada guide |
| UK, USA, Australia | University or credential-body rules on certified English translations |
| Gulf countries | Arabic certificates usually need no translation, but legalisation is common |
Tips to avoid rejection
- Translate grades exactly – do not convert to another grading system unless asked; credential bodies do that themselves.
- Keep course names faithful rather than "improving" them to match foreign programmes.
- Use your passport spelling for your name on every document.
- Translate stamps and signatures, including the reverse side.
- Do not translate your own certificates, even if your English is excellent.
More pitfalls are covered in translation mistakes that delay university applications.
Frequently asked questions
Can you translate a transcript with Arabic-Indic numerals?
Yes. We convert numerals carefully and double-check every grade and total.
How many copies of my translated transcript should I order?
One per application that needs a hard copy, plus one for your records. Online applications usually need only a scan.
Can you translate course descriptions?
Yes. Course syllabi are longer documents, so send them early. See our certificates translation service.
Do you translate research and theses as well?
Yes – see scientific research translation.
Should my Thanaweya Amma certificate be translated too?
Often, yes, especially for undergraduate applications and for credential assessments that review your full education history. Check the university's document list.
Does a translated degree certificate expire?
No, but some authorities ask for recently issued copies or recent authentication. Check their date rules.
Translate your certificates with COT
Send scans of your certificates and the destination university or authority, and we will confirm the price and delivery date:
- Phone / WhatsApp: +20 111 176 0177
- Email: Operation@cottranslation.com
- Branches in Maadi, Downtown Cairo and Mohandessin – see addresses and opening hours on our contact page.
Note: the information in this article is accurate as of the last-updated date above. Embassies, universities and authorities can change their requirements at any time, so always confirm the current rules on the official website of the receiving authority before you submit your documents.