What are Academic Transcripts and How Do You get it?

While applying to universities abroad, you need to provide extensive documentation to support your application. The transcript of your academic records is one of these documents. It is a common mistake of students to think of academic transcripts as mark sheets and other certificates. No need to worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about academic transcripts.

What is an Academic Transcript?

The academic history of a student is recorded in an official document known as an academic transcript. The document provided by an educational institution contains all the details about courses, grades, credits, and the duration of study. The transcript is crucial for college admissions, job applications, and academic transfers.

This document includes your full name, date of birth, and the school you went to. Moreover, it allows the recipient to see your strengths and accomplishments through your grades, which demonstrate your academic background. Transcripts play a crucial role in displaying your academic achievements accurately to institutions, particularly for international students seeking opportunities abroad.

What is a Transcript of Records (ToR)?

The ToR is a standard academic transcript in European education systems. The transcript shows not only the completed classes and grades, but also the credits earned for each course according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The ToR helps institutions evaluate a student’s completed study and compare it to the local credit system. Having the ToR is crucial for students who want to study abroad or transfer credits in Europe.

How is a Transcript Different from Marksheet, Certificate, Diploma and Degree?

A common question among students applying to international universities is whether transcripts and marksheets are interchangeable. Now that we have a grasp on the meaning of an academic transcript, let’s differentiate it from other academic documents such as mark sheets, certificates, diplomas, and degrees.


DocumentsDescription
TranscriptA detailed compilation of all completed courses, grades achieved, and credits earned throughout academic study.
MarksheetA document displaying the grades achieved in each subject for a specific semester or year.
CertificateCertificates are included in the transcript and contain compiled details about your prior degree. 
DiplomaA diploma is a document that acknowledges the completion of a program, usually of shorter length than a degree program
DegreeThe official acknowledgment of successfully finishing an entire academic program, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD.


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How to Get a Transcript Certificate?

Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to obtaining your academic transcript.

Contact Your Educational Institution: Reach out to your school or university’s registrar or student records office. Most institutions have dedicated departments that manage academic transcripts.

Submit an Application: Submit a form to request a transcript. This can be accomplished either online or in person through the institution’s website.

Provide Identification: Personal identification, including your student ID number, enrollment period, and any relevant academic records, may need to be provided to verify your request.

Pay Fees: A minor processing fee is usually charged by many schools when transcripts are issued. The charge can vary based on the document’s urgency or the quantity of copies required.

Specify the Recipient: Clearly state the institution for which the transcript is intended, be it a university or employer. Some institutions provide digital transcripts that can be conveniently sent via email.

Processing Time: Depending on the institution and how it is delivered, transcript requests can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to process.

Review and Submit: Verify all the information in your application for accuracy before finalizing it. Make sure to pay close attention and verify that there are no spelling mistakes or errors in the dates. Once you are certain that everything is accurate, follow the guidelines provided by the institution and submit your application.

How Can Final Year Students Get Transcripts of Records?

As mentioned above, transcripts provide a complete record of your education, including your final exam scores or grades. Thus, it ranks as one of the final documents released by institutions. Now, let’s see how graduating students can obtain their degree transcript.

Once the final exams are finished, you can request transcripts from your professor. The result transcript may not be available in time for admission if the exam was held shortly before the deadline, as admission timelines vary across countries. Universities will accept interim transcripts containing your latest exam results in such situations. 

While waiting for the final transcripts, students in their final year can apply for provisional transcripts. Universities will accept provisional transcripts as proof of degree completion until the final degrees are granted.

You can also read: How to Secure Admission in a Foreign University After 12th Grade?

Documents Required Along with Academic Transcripts

When applying to universities, particularly overseas, you will probably be required to provide other documents along with your academic transcript. These might include:

Official Transcript: It should be sealed and sent from the issuing institution.

Degree Certificate: To prove degree completion, a notarized copy is often requested.

Letters of Recommendation (LoR): Letters of recommendation are typically needed from sources that are academic or professional.

Statement of Purpose: Prepare an essay that details your goals, motivations, and reasons for applying.

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive record of your educational and career achievements.

Test Scores: Standardized test scores, such as TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT.

Passport Copy: Identification proof.

Financial Documents: Documents to prove your financial capacity for supporting your studies (e.g., bank statements, scholarship letters).

Filled-in Application Form: Completed application form for your institution of choice.

 

Academic transcripts play a vital role for students aiming for higher education or job opportunities, especially outside their home country. As explained above, the process of obtaining a transcript is somewhat simple, but it’s crucial to recognise the differences between transcripts and other academic documents such as marksheets, certificates, diplomas, and degrees. Make sure you meet the institution's requirements, compile all necessary documents, and submit your application on time. So, charting your academic and professional paths ahead squarely depends on how promptly and timely you file your transcripts within the respective deadlines of each institution.