Foreign academic dossier: degree, transcript, syllabus and translations
Diploma, transcript, syllabus and Diploma Supplement: what to translate, what to apostille, and what to leave to the recognition body.
October 12, 2026 · 3 min
A foreign academic dossier is not ‘the diploma’. It is the set a university, a recognition body or an administration may ask for: degree, transcript, syllabus, Diploma Supplement, credits, hours, placements. Translating everything ‘just in case’ or translating only the parchment are two symmetrical mistakes.
This guide distinguishes document, translation, legalisation/apostille and recognition. The sworn translation service for academic documents is our service page. The guide to sworn translation of academic documents remains the related guide on degrees and diplomas.
Note
ItaloDocs is a private service specialising in sworn translations of academic files. Confirm the list in writing with the receiving institution before translating dozens of syllabi: recognition of the qualification remains with the university, MUR, CIMEA or the competent professional body.
What the dossier may contain
- diploma / final award;
- transcript, analitico, list of exams and grades;
- Diploma Supplement (CIMEA describes it as an annex to the award, often bilingual);
- syllabus / module descriptions (tens or hundreds of pages);
- credits, hours, placements;
- a consular dichiarazione di valore — which is not recognition.
CIMEA repeats that in Italy recognition of a foreign award is purpose-based. That map is in foreign qualification in Italy: types of recognition.
Four distinct procedures
| Plane | What it does | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Attests studies, grades, course content | Does not ‘count in Italy’ by itself |
| Legalisation / Apostille | Attests signature and capacity of the issuing authority, when it applies | Does not translate or recognise the award |
| Translation | Makes the text readable in Italian | Is not recognition; not every translation must be sworn |
| Recognition | Assessment by the competent body | Not performed by ItaloDocs |
Which pieces to translate — and in which form
CIMEA recalls that access to and continuation of studies is for universities and AFAM institutions. Some accept a Diploma Supplement in English; others ask for a sworn transcript; others want syllabi only in the original or in a simple translation.
In Italy, when a translation with procedural effect is requested, the form is asseverazione. We do not sell sworn translation of syllabi if the university wrote that a working translation is enough. MAECI framework: translation and legalisation.
If you have a multi-page file — degree, transcript, syllabi — send all the documents for a quote.
FAQ
Does the Diploma Supplement replace translation of the degree?
Not automatically. It helps if it is already in Italian or English.
Must every module description be sworn?
Only if the institution asks. Many accept a simple copy or a non-sworn translation.
Does ItaloDocs obtain recognition?
No. It translates the documents in the form the recipient requested.
