Do I need certified translations of my transcripts for a German application?
Yes, you need certified translations for any transcripts not already in German or English, since uni-assist and German authorities reject standard, non-certified translations. Only a publicly appointed, court-sworn translator can produce a valid version, and you generally submit both the certified translation and a certified copy of the original.
If your transcripts are not already issued in German or English, you cannot simply translate them yourself or use a regular agency, since German institutions will reject the document outright. You need a certified translation from a sworn translator before you submit your application.
Certified Translation Requirements
| Situation | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Transcript already in English | Usually no translation required |
| Transcript in Hindi or another Indian language | Certified translation by a sworn translator |
| Self or family translation | Not accepted, will be disqualified |
| Submission format | Certified translation plus certified original copy |
How to Get It Right
- Hire only a publicly appointed and court-sworn translator, known in German as a vereidigter Übersetzer, for any official document.
- Make sure the translation carries an official seal, signature, and a statement confirming it is complete and accurate.
- Keep your original document's layout intact in the translated version, rather than reformatting or summarising content.
- Check whether your target portal, such as uni-assist, requires a physically certified hard copy sent by post rather than just a digital upload.
My Advice
Start this process early, ideally a few months before your deadline, since finding a sworn translator familiar with Indian academic documents and getting physical copies posted to Germany both take time. Keep a scanned copy of every certified document for your own visa file too, since you will likely need the same translations again later.
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