Will it be accepted?
Foreign qualifications for a UCAS application
What UCAS's official guidance requires when your qualification certificates are not in English, including the rule most applicants miss: you cannot translate them yourself.
Every fact below links to its official source. Last checked 21 July 2026.
The short answer
UCAS accepts an official translated qualification from two producers: the awarding organisation, or a recognised, qualified and certifying translator. Self-translations are not accepted.
A translation produced by the body that awarded the qualification
- UCAS's definition names the awarding organisation as one of the two producers of an official translation
- The upload list for international applicants includes both official qualification certificates and official translated qualification certificates
- Documents must be in your own name only, not a parent's, guardian's or spouse's
Source: UCAS, Uploading documents to your application
A translation from a recognised, qualified and certifying translator
- It must include a signed confirmation of accuracy
- It must include the translator's credentials
- Self-translations are not accepted, in UCAS's own words
Source: UCAS, Uploading documents to your application
Where the UCAS definition stops
UCAS's translation definition covers its document upload service. Each university still sets its own entry rules. UCAS itself tells applicants that many course providers accept international qualifications equivalent to UK requirements, and to check the course university's website or contact them. You can also get a statement of how your qualifications compare to UK equivalents from UK ENIC.
There is a verification trap. UCAS states it is your responsibility to upload relevant and accurate documents, and that UCAS, schools, colleges and centres will not be able to check or verify them. Verification can come later from the university itself: Cambridge, for example, tells postgraduate offer holders they will be asked to send original documents so it can verify their authenticity. Keep your originals ready.
No UCAS page we checked mentions apostilles or legalisation of foreign qualification documents. That is a recorded silence, not a rule either way. If a university asks you to legalise a document, that is the university's own requirement, so confirm the details with them directly.
Not accepted
Self-translations, under UCAS's own definition of an official translated qualification
2026 and 2027
The upload service is being phased in: direct Clearing applicants for 2026 entry after 30 June, then all students for 2027 entry
No checks
UCAS, schools, colleges and centres will not be able to check or verify your uploaded documents. Accuracy is your responsibility
What UCAS calls an official translated qualification
UCAS's own upload guidance answers this directly. A translation is official when:
- 1It is produced by the awarding organisation, or by a recognised, qualified and certifying translator
- 2It includes a signed confirmation of accuracy
- 3It includes the translator's credentials
Institution-specific, not UCAS rules
Two verified examples of universities setting their own translation rules
These are each university's own published requirements for the named application route. They do not apply anywhere else.
University of Cambridge, postgraduate
- Documents not in English need a full translation of each document, prepared by a registered translator
- "Do not translate the documents yourself"
- Documents that have been written on or defaced in any way are not accepted
- Offer holders are asked to send original documents so Cambridge can verify their authenticity
- The application itself must be completed in English and use Latin script throughout, including names of people and institutions
Cambridge does not define "registered translator" or say which register counts. Source: University of Cambridge, Supporting documents and Application process pages
University of Edinburgh, postgraduate
- Degree certificates, transcripts and other relevant documents not in English need an officially certified translation
- Accepted from: the institution that awarded the qualification, a sworn translator (sworn before a court in a non-UK jurisdiction), or a Fellow (FITI) or Member (MITI) of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, who may self-certify
- If the translation is not from the awarding institution, Edinburgh also asks for: written confirmation it is an accurate translation of the original, the date of the translation, the full name and signature of the translator or an authorised official of the translation company, and their contact details
Source: University of Edinburgh, Translations page for postgraduate applicants
Sources for this page
We only publish what an official source says, and we re-check these pages on a schedule. If a source changes, this page is reviewed before we rely on it again.
| What it confirms | Official source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| The official-translation definition, upload rules and the no-verification warning | UCAS, Uploading documents to your application | 21 Jul 2026 |
| Universities setting their own entry rules and the UK ENIC comparison option | UCAS, Entry requirements for UK courses | 21 Jul 2026 |
| Cambridge's registered-translator rule and the original-documents verification request | University of Cambridge, Supporting documents | 21 Jul 2026 |
| Cambridge's English and Latin script requirement | University of Cambridge, Application process | 21 Jul 2026 |
| Edinburgh's accepted translators, including foreign sworn translators | University of Edinburgh, Translations | 21 Jul 2026 |
This page is general information based on the official guidance linked above, as it stood on the date shown. It is not legal or immigration advice, and requirements can change. The decision on any application always rests with the receiving organisation, so confirm the current requirements with them before you apply. Lingo Service is not responsible for decisions made by third parties.
Need an official translation of your certificates?
Our certified translations of degree certificates, school leaving certificates and transcripts come with the signed confirmation of accuracy and translator credentials UCAS's definition asks for, prepared by professional qualified translators.
Get Instant QuoteCertified translations accepted across the UK. No obligation.
Common questions
Can I translate my own qualification certificates for UCAS?
No. UCAS's official definition says a translation is official if it is produced by the awarding organisation or a recognised, qualified, and certifying translator, and it includes a signed confirmation of accuracy along with translator credentials. It states plainly that self-translations are not accepted.
Does UCAS need my qualification documents apostilled or legalised?
No UCAS page we checked mentions apostilles or legalisation of foreign qualification documents, including the document upload guidance and the international entry requirements page. That is a recorded silence, not a rule either way. Individual universities set their own requirements, so confirm directly with your chosen course provider.
Do all universities follow the UCAS translation definition?
No. UCAS tells applicants to check the course university's website or contact them, because each provider sets its own entry rules. Two verified examples: Cambridge requires postgraduate translations from a registered translator and asks offer holders to send original documents for verification, while Edinburgh accepts translations from the awarding institution, a sworn translator from a non-UK court, or a Fellow or Member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.
Is a translator sworn before a foreign court accepted?
UCAS's definition does not say. It asks for a recognised, qualified, and certifying translator without naming any register, body or country. The University of Edinburgh explicitly accepts sworn translators from non-UK courts for its postgraduate applications, but that is Edinburgh's own rule. Where the guidance is silent, confirm with the university before you order the translation.
Will my qualifications definitely be accepted?
No page can honestly promise that, and you should be cautious of any that does. What we can tell you is what the official guidance requires, with the source, so you can prepare your documents exactly as UCAS and your chosen universities ask. The decision always rests with them.
