Foreign Academic Records

Requirements for Academic Records

Academic records must include all subjects and final course or examination marks (if applicable). College and university records must also include numbers of hours per week devoted to lecture and laboratory. Secondary school records must show graduation at a level acceptable for university entrance. We are familiar with academic records from various countries. You are welcome to contact the International Undergraduate Admissions Office to discuss your records.

Official Academic Records

An academic record is considered official when it is issued and sealed in an envelope by the issuing institution or examination authority. Opened original records are generally not considered official. Records sealed or attested by notaries or other organizations other than the issuing institution are not considered official.

Difficulty Obtaining Records

Obtaining records can take a substantial amount of time from some countries of the world. For that reason, we encourage students to begin requesting academic documents early in the admission process. When there is evidence of political upheaval or natural disaster we recognize it may not be possible to obtain records. However, these situations are rare.

Using Copies of Records

Because it may take some time for schools outside the U.S. to forward your records to us, you are encouraged to have legible photocopies of your official foreign academic records available. During our evaluation of your application, we may need to review these photocopies. Please be prepared to send them upon our request. Official transcripts will be required after you are admitted.

Credential Evaluation Services

These services provide evaluations for a broad range of purposes including employment, professional licensing boards, and for colleges and universities. The interpretation of records can be different at individual colleges and universities based on their admission and transfer credit policies. Each UC campus has an International Admissions Specialist who will evaluate your international records and determine transfer credit.

Translation of Records

Secondary school records normally do not need to be translated unless they are from a country that uses an alphabet other than the Roman alphabet. College and university records must be translated by a certified translator.

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions are necessary to evaluate the content of coursework completed in other countries. Many universities can provide students with course descriptions in English. If your university cannot, we will accept your translation.

More Information About Foreign Academic Records

• Freshman applicants with foreign records
• Transfer applicants with foreign records