A Diploma Supplement provides structured information about a higher education qualification, including the programme’s level, content and results. It is designed to help people outside the issuing institution understand what the holder studied. If the Supplement is not in a language accepted by the receiving organisation, a translation should preserve its standard structure and data.
Key takeaway: The Diploma Supplement complements a degree or diploma; it does not replace the original award or guarantee its recognition. Translate all required sections consistently and keep the Supplement paired with the qualification it describes.
Before ordering: document checklist
- Confirm whether the original Supplement is already available in an accepted language
- Provide all eight sections and any issuing-institution explanatory notes
- Supply the related degree certificate and transcript for name/code consistency
- Preserve credits, levels, grading legends and issue details
- Check the receiving institution’s certification and delivery requirements
Understand what the Diploma Supplement does
The Europass Diploma Supplement aims to explain the nature, level, context, content and status of completed higher education. It can help an employer, university or competent body review an unfamiliar qualification. The issuing institution normally prepares it alongside the degree or diploma.
The European Commission and Europass explain that the Supplement does not replace the original qualification and is not an automatic recognition mechanism. Translation providers must not describe it as an independent qualification certificate or make their own equivalency decision.
Preserve the holder and qualification identifiers
The Supplement typically identifies its holder and the qualification and institution from which it originates. Student references, issue dates, degree titles and original-language programme names can help reviewers link it to related academic records. Personal names should agree with the source, while any official passport spellings can be provided separately for context.
If the original qualification has a local designation not directly equivalent to a UK academic award, preserve it accurately. Where appropriate, provide a descriptive translation but do not award the document a different degree title.
Keep level and assessment information intact
Descriptions of level, duration, access conditions, course requirements and results can all matter. Credit values, assessment methods, national grades and grading distributions should be carried across as the issuer states them. Do not convert a foreign grade to a UK classification without a separately authorised and competent assessment.
If the source includes a legend showing the original country’s credit or grading system, translate that explanation as part of the appropriate scope. This helps the recipient interpret the information without a translator creating new comparability claims.
Reproduce the programme’s function and system context
The Supplement may describe what further study or professional routes a qualification can enable within its home system. Translating this statement faithfully does not mean the same entitlement exists in Britain. The reader needs the source institution’s explanation, with jurisdiction boundaries kept clear.
Some Supplements contain a description of the country’s wider higher education system. That section gives context and may be longer than the student-specific pages, but omitting it without the recipient’s agreement can leave the record incomplete.
Check structure, certification and related records
Europass describes eight sections, including holder information, qualification, level, content and results, function, additional information, certification and the national higher education system. Maintain section numbers or a traceable equivalent so the English version can be compared with the original.
Pair the translated Supplement with its related degree and any transcript requested. Confirm whether the recipient needs a translator’s signed declaration, an official university-issued bilingual Supplement or another format.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Diploma Supplement the same as the diploma?
No. It describes the qualification and studies, but does not replace the original diploma or degree.
Can Diploma Supplement grades be converted to UK grades?
Not as an automatic translation task. Recognition and comparability are determined by appropriate institutions.
Do all eight sections have to be translated?
Follow the receiving body’s instructions. If it requires a full Supplement, the entire relevant source should be included.
Supporting guidance
See Europass: issuing Diploma Supplements for relevant background information. Always follow the requirements of the receiving organisation or responsible professional.
Related translation services
Diploma translation · Academic transcript translation · Syllabus translation
To request a document translation, send the complete source for a quote and identify the language pair, recipient, deadline and any certification required. Translation is distinct from legal advice or official document validation.