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BKT Tercüme ve DanışmanlıkConsultancy for Foreigners & Sworn Translation

AK-07 Translation service

Academic Translation

Translation accepted in equivalence and application files

Diploma and transcript translations directly affect whether equivalence and enrolment applications are accepted. Course titles, grading systems and institutional titles must be rendered in line with the academic terminology of the target country.

At BKT we translate student documents with the requirements of the equivalence application in mind, and in theses, articles and abstracts we preserve academic register and field terminology. For official applications we also handle the sworn translation and apostille process alongside.

Who is it for?

  • Students going abroad to study
  • Foreign students applying for equivalence in Türkiye
  • Academics publishing their thesis or article in a foreign language
  • Students applying for scholarships and exchange programmes
  • Those submitting a diploma for a job application abroad
  • Universities and educational institutions

Required documents

The list below is for a typical case. Additional documents may be requested depending on your nationality, the type of application and the practice of the relevant authority; the definitive list is given to you in writing at the initial consultation.

  • Diploma and provisional graduation certificate
  • Transcript and course descriptions
  • Student certificate
  • Thesis, article or abstract
  • Target institution and country

The process step by step

  1. 1

    Identifying the target

    We establish the requirements of the institution and country where the document will be submitted.

  2. 2

    Terminology

    A list of equivalents is drawn up for course titles, academic titles and the grading system.

  3. 3

    Translation

    The translation is produced in an academic register and faithful to the layout of the source document.

  4. 4

    Certification

    Where required, sworn translation, notarial certification and apostille are completed.

  5. 5

    Delivery

    Printed and digital delivery, with guidance for the equivalence application.

Common mistakes

  • Rendering course titles through free translation
  • Trying to convert the grading system into that of the target country
  • Writing institution and title names differently from their official form
  • Attempting to obtain the apostille after the translation
  • Leaving course descriptions out of scope and ending up with gaps in the equivalence file

Legal basis

Higher education equivalence regulations and the sworn translation practice under Notaries Act No. 1512

Legislation and administrative practice may change. The information on this page is for general guidance only; an assessment specific to your case requires a consultation.

Academic translation — frequently asked questions

Should the grading system be converted?

No. Grades are rendered exactly as they appear in the source document; the authority to convert them rests with the institution carrying out the equivalence assessment.

Do course descriptions need to be translated as well?

Most equivalence applications require course descriptions. Translating them together from the outset avoids having to repeat the process later.

Is an apostille required for a diploma?

An apostille is required for diplomas to be used abroad. For foreign diplomas to be used in Türkiye, the apostille is obtained in the country of issue.

Is the language checked in article translations?

For academic texts, a language and consistency check is carried out after translation. On request, a second reading is provided before publication.

How long does delivery take?

Standard documents such as diplomas and transcripts are delivered quickly. For theses and long texts, the timeline is agreed together based on volume.

What do we provide in this process?

With lawyer support

On cases that call for legal assessment — appeals, administrative proceedings and refusal decisions — we work together with a lawyer.

Grounded in the legislation

We state plainly which law and regulation each service rests on: Laws No. 6735, 6458 and 5901 and the related implementing rules.

Transparency on process and fees

Before we begin, the document list, the steps, a realistic time expectation and the total fee are shared in writing.

One point of contact

Your case is assigned to one person; you speak to the same individual at every stage and follow the process from a single place.

Let us assess your case

You do not need to have your documents to hand; describing your current situation is enough for the first step.

You can reach us on weekdays and at weekends. The initial consultation is free.