Diplomas we translate.
Premium Lingua translates the diploma certificate in the form the institution issued it. The translation is prepared from the document supplied.
- University diplomas
- College diplomas
- National diplomas
- Postgraduate diplomas
- Advanced diplomas
- National N Diplomas
- Occupational diplomas
- Technical and vocational diplomas
- Foreign diploma certificates
- Final award certificates
- Confirmation-of-completion letters where appropriate
Diploma translation for SAQA evaluation.
SAQA evaluates foreign qualifications in South Africa. Where the graduation certificate and transcript are in a language other than English, SAQA requires sworn English translations, submitted together with the original-language documents.
Premium Lingua translates the diploma. SAQA performs the foreign qualification evaluation and determines how the qualification compares within the South African National Qualifications Framework.
Qualification level wording is translated as it stands. Deciding where a foreign diploma sits on the South African framework is an evaluation question, not a translation decision. Tell us the documents are for SAQA when you request your quote, so the translation is prepared in the form SAQA expects.
Diploma vs degree.
Diploma
- What determines it
- A qualification whose title and level depend on the institution and the national education system that issued it.
Degree
- What determines it
- A separate qualification type whose title and level are likewise determined by the issuing education system.
A translator should not decide that a foreign diploma is automatically equivalent to a South African degree, a National Diploma or another specific qualification. Qualification equivalence is an evaluation matter.
Diploma vs academic transcript.
Diploma certificate
- What it shows
- Shows the qualification that was awarded.
Academic transcript
- What it shows
- Shows the subjects and modules, the results, the credits and the academic history behind the qualification.
Many applications need both translated.
South African diplomas for use abroad.
DIRCO does not authenticate original qualification certificates or diplomas directly. The relevant qualification first has to be verified by the appropriate authority before the documentation can proceed to legalisation.
For completed tertiary qualifications, SAQA handles verification. But some diploma types follow different routes, so it is worth confirming which one applies to your document before you begin.
Which authority verifies a South African diploma?
There is no single answer. DIRCO currently identifies different verification authorities for different qualification types:
- N4, N5, N6 and N Diploma certificates are verified through the Department of Higher Education and Training.
- Occupational and trade-related qualifications can fall under the QCTO or the relevant SETA.
- Completed tertiary qualifications are verified by SAQA.
So it is not accurate to say that every South African diploma goes to SAQA. If you know the exact type of your diploma, tell us, because it affects the process the translation needs to fit into.
National N Diploma translation.
South African N Diploma certificates have their own verification route for international legalisation. DIRCO currently identifies N4, N5, N6 and N Diploma certification as requiring verification through the Department of Higher Education and Training, rather than SAQA.
Premium Lingua translates the N Diploma certificate itself. Where the verification letter or an accompanying record also needs translating, send those too. Tell us it is an N Diploma so the translation is prepared for the correct route.
Translation vs qualification evaluation.
Diploma translation
- What it does
- Translates the content of the qualification document into another language.
Qualification evaluation
- What it does
- Determines the recognition and comparability of the qualification. In South Africa, SAQA is the body responsible for foreign qualification evaluation.
If an institution or employer has asked for a SAQA evaluation, you will usually need both: the translated documents, and the evaluation based on them.
Using a foreign diploma in South Africa
Foreign diploma translation for use in South Africa.
A foreign diploma is commonly submitted in South Africa for SAQA evaluation, employment, further study, immigration or work applications, professional registration, and recognition by employers or institutions.
SAQA’s foreign qualification evaluation exists to determine how a foreign qualification compares with qualifications registered on the South African NQF. Where the documents are not in English, sworn English translations are required, submitted with the originals.
Legalisation
Diploma translation vs legalisation.
A translation changes the language of the diploma. Verification and legalisation deal with its authenticity and its official use internationally.
DIRCO notes that educational qualifications must first be verified through the appropriate education authority before legalisation. Confirm the requirements, and their order, with the authority that will receive the documents.
What should you send us?
- The complete diploma certificate
- The reverse side, if it carries text
- The transcript, if it also requires translation
- The source language
- The language you need it translated into
- The receiving authority or institution
- Whether the application is for SAQA
- The exact diploma type, if you know it
- Any sworn or certified requirements
- Your deadline
If it is an N Diploma or an occupational qualification, please say so. The verification and legalisation route can differ, and it affects how the translation should be prepared.
Related document translations
Academic Transcript Translation
Academic transcript translation for university admission and credential evaluation.
Degree Certificate Translation
Degree certificate translation for study, employment and professional registration.
Professional Qualification Certificate Translation
Professional qualification certificate translation for licensing and registration.
School Leaving Certificate Translation
School leaving certificate translation for enrolment and credential checks.
Need your diploma translated?
Send us the complete diploma, and any transcript, and tell us where it will be submitted, whether it is for SAQA, and the diploma type if you know it.