Education document workflow
Academic and education document translation
Academic document translation converts the written content of transcripts, awards and related records into the target language. It does not assess an overseas qualification or convert grades. The university, education provider, employer or occupational assessing authority decides which records and translation format it accepts.
Upload the full transcript or education bundle, including grading legends and all pages, after confirming the recipient's submission requirements.
Direct scope
What this service or guide covers
A complete academic set can include an award certificate, transcript, grading scale, subject descriptions, academic supplement and stamps across several pages. Identify what the recipient requests before quoting so the translator receives the complete scope.
Australian Government education guidance explains that institutions assess overseas qualifications for admission, while relevant assessing authorities handle many employment or migration-related assessments. Translation supports those processes but is not the assessment itself.
Subject names, grades and institution terminology should be translated faithfully. A translator should not invent an Australian grade equivalent, claim course recognition or decide whether study meets an occupational standard.
Clear roles
Who is responsible for what
| Actor | Responsible for | Not responsible for |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant or institution | Identify the receiving body, provide all requested records and preserve official page order and grading information. | The uploader should not ask the translator to convert grades or certify academic equivalence. |
| LodgeHQ | Arrange quoting and translation for the uploaded records and language direction. | LodgeHQ is not an admissions office, qualification assessor or migration authority. |
| Translator | Translate subjects, grades, notes, legends, seals and other visible written content consistently. | The translator does not assess course level, credit transfer or professional recognition. |
| Institution or assessing authority | Set acceptable evidence and decide admission, recognition, credit or assessment outcomes. | Different recipients can request different documents or submission channels. |
Before you begin
Requirements and what to prepare
All transcript pages in order
Include continuation pages, cumulative results, footnotes and page numbering so the record is not translated out of context.
Grading legend and key
Symbols, abbreviations, grade bands and credit values may be explained elsewhere on the record and should be included.
Award and supplement
Upload the certificate, diploma supplement or subject attachment if the recipient asks for them; a transcript alone may not be the complete evidence set.
Recipient instruction
Confirm whether the institution or assessing authority accepts applicant-uploaded translations or requires direct issue, sealed records or another channel.
Qualified sequence
How the process works
- 1
Applicant
Ask what the recipient needs
Obtain the current admissions, assessment or employer instruction and distinguish translation from qualification assessment.
- 2
Applicant or institution
Assemble the complete academic set
Collect transcript pages, legends, awards, supplements and clear views of stamps or seals.
- 3
Applicant
Quote the multi-page scope
Upload the full bundle in one language pair; dense tables or long records may need manual assessment.
- 4
Approved translator
Translate the record faithfully
The translator preserves page relationships and renders subjects, results and explanatory notes without performing grade equivalence.
- 5
Applicant or institution
Submit through the accepted channel
Review completeness and follow the recipient's rules for originals, sealed records, direct delivery or online upload.
Quote variables
Price and turnaround factors
The quote or job screen is the authoritative place for the current amount and available timing. This page does not publish an unverified rate, tax treatment, cut-off or delivery guarantee.
| Factor | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Page and table density | Transcripts can contain many short entries, credits and aligned columns that require careful formatting. | Upload all pages at full resolution and keep page order intact. |
| Legends and abbreviations | A missing grading key can make results ambiguous and force clarification. | Include reverse sides and appendices containing definitions. |
| Handwriting or older records | Manual entries, faded stamps and historical terminology may need human assessment. | Request the clearest issuing-institution copy available. |
| Recipient delivery rule | Some institutions or assessors may require records or translations through a specified source or channel. | Confirm that an applicant-downloaded digital translation is acceptable before ordering. |
Important checks
Acceptance, evidence and limitations
- Ask the exact institution or assessing authority which documents and submission method it accepts.
- Include grading legends, stamps, reverse sides and all transcript pages; do not quote only selected favourable results.
- A translation does not convert grades, assess qualification equivalence or guarantee admission, credit or occupational recognition.
- Check whether the recipient requires records sent directly by the issuing institution or another verification service.
Frequently asked questions
Can the translator convert my grades to an Australian scale?
No. The translator should convey the source grades and legend. The institution or assessing authority decides equivalence.
Should I include the grading legend?
Yes when it appears on or accompanies the record. It explains symbols and scales needed to understand the transcript.
Will a NAATI translation guarantee skills-assessment acceptance?
No. The assessing authority sets its own current evidence and submission rules and decides the assessment.
Can I translate only one transcript page?
Only if the recipient expressly accepts that scope. Partial records can omit context, continuation details or the grading legend.
Related task paths
Primary sources checked
Official sources support the regulated statements on this page. Recipient instructions can change, so check the source that applies to your exact application or use case.
- Australian Department of Education — Recognise overseas qualificationsExplains that education institutions assess qualifications for admission and points to the appropriate assessing pathways for other purposes.
- NAATI — Check a certificationUse the official CPN tool to check credential status and the written language direction shown for a practitioner.
Start academic-document quote
Upload the full transcript or education bundle, including grading legends and all pages, after confirming the recipient's submission requirements.