Academic Transcript Certificate: meaning & how to get transcript

Darshan Shah

12 Jul 2024

You might already know a few things about Academic Transcript, since you’ve landed on this blog searching the web for that one article to provide you with all the necessary details. We’ve gathered all the useful information about academic transcript or transcript certificate in one place. Let’s first find out what an Academic Transcript actually is.

Transcript Certificate Meaning?

An academic transcript cover’s all your records as a student. This includes the courses you took, your performance in them, the grades you received and the degree too. It is like a complete peek into your academic timeline. Moreover, it’s an official document, and stands as a proof of your academic achievements. So, as a study abroad aspirant, a transcript certificate is an important document that will help you to validate and provide a standardized method for evaluating your academics across countries.

Types of Transcript Certificate

There are so many types of transcript certificates, and each has its own purpose or use:

1. Official Transcripts: These are issued by the institution itself. It is then sent to the requesting recipient. They contain a seal, a signature and are authentic.
2. Unofficial Transcripts: Check if your institution provides a transcript through its online portals. Although, these are not so accepted for official purposes.
3. Electronic Transcripts: These are a fairly new trend. Your institution may directly deliver you a transcript in digital format via email or institutional portals.
4. Transcript of Records (ToR): This is important when you want to transfer credits between institutions. It contains a detailed record of your performance within a certain semester or academic year. Courses, credits (ETCS) and grades are mentioned. It is used for the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and is important for students to participate in exchange programs such as Erasmus+.

Other names for Transcripts

The document name for transcripts varies depending on place:

• Academic Record
• Marksheet
• Grade Report
• Consolidated Statement of Marks
• Cumulative Record
• Academic Transcript
• Grade Report
• Report Card
• Record of Achievement

Which transcript is needed for which course?

This depends on the course and institution your applying to. For:

• Undergraduate Programs: High school transcripts.
• Graduate Programs: Undergraduate transcripts.
• Professional Programs: Transcripts relevant to the field of study.

Transcript Certificate: Advantages

Here’s why you should request a transcript certificate from your institution:

• Verifies and keeps a record of your academics and achievements.
• Essential when applying to universities/colleges abroad.
• Many employers demand a transcript certificate for verification purposes. Some professions too demand it before licensure.
• When applying for scholarships, transcripts are required to provide a proof of your academic achievements.

Transcript Certificate: How to apply?

Follow this step-wise process to apply for your transcript easily:

• STEP 1: Contact your institute’s registrar office.
• STEP 2: Fill out an application form requesting the transcript
• STEP 3: Pay the fee specified by your institution.
• STEP 4: Submit supporting documents.
• STEP 5: Select your delivery method (via mail, courier, etc.)

Transcript Request Letter Format

Here’s a template for requesting a transcript from your institute:

Transcript Request Letter Sample

Follow this sample transcript request letter to get an idea on how to write one for yourself:

Tips For Getting A Transcript Certificate

• Plan Ahead: Keep in track with deadlines of your application in universities and request a transcript way ahead of time from your studied institution.
• Verify Requirements: Go through the requirements for getting a transcript from your institution and gather all the necessary documents before applying.
• Keep Copies: Always, always keep copies of your request forms and receipts!
• Follow Up: In case you don’t receive your transcript as planned, follow up with your institution immediately to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Read More on Transcript Certificate

Until now, the topics included were the immediate and important ones. To get an even more detailed idea and address any questions you might have about certain topics, read through:

What is a Consolidated Marksheet?

It is a comprehensive document, covering all of your marksheets from individual semesters and annual marksheets too. Basically, all of your marksheets through your entire course are provided in a consolidated marksheet. It helps evaluate your performance throughout the program. 

Sending Transcripts for WES Evaluation

What is WES? When seeking to study abroad, being employed or licensed in the USA or Canada, your institution needs to send an academic transcript to the World Education Services or WES for evaluation before you can submit it to your university abroad. Your university uses one of the following ways to do so:

1. Through Postal Mail: Hard copies of official transcripts will be sealed in an envelope and sent to a WES address.
2. Using Courier Services: For quick delivery, your institution may send the transcripts to WES directly via courier.
3. Via Electronic Submission: It is the fastest and easiest  and the most safe way for your institution to send transcripts to the WES if it has partnered with it. Transcripts can be sent electronically using secure platforms like Digitary, Parchment, or National Student Clearinghouse.

What is the Difference Between a Degree, Diploma, Certificate and Transcript?

While a transcript is a different term altogether, the terms Degree, Diploma and Certificate are often used interchangeably but mean very different levels of academic achievements. Let’s see the difference:

Degree: It is an extensive academic qualification. The universities or colleges grant it for higher education achievements such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, after the student has completed a specific amount of study in a particular field.

Diploma: It is a document that certifies completion of a course/program. It is shorter as compared to a degree and is awarded by an institution too.

Certificate: This is awarded when a candidates opts for and completes his/her training in a particular field of study. It is granted to mark the student qualified in that particular topic of study.

Transcript: It is just a detailed record of any of the above and includes the mention of the following:

• Courses taken
• The student’s performance during a course
• Grades that were received 
• And, degree(s) granted.

Transcripts: How do I get it if I am in my Final Year? 

It is naturally understood that you might start all your procedures to apply to a university abroad while you’re in your final year of college. In this case, you can request your institute to give you a provisional transcript certificate for use during your application process to study abroad. This provisional transcript will be generated on the basis of all your grades until your current semester. Once you finish your degree, an official or final transcript can be provided by your institution.

What is a Transcript Cover?

This is a protective, durable cover used for storing an official transcript. The cover may include the institution’s logo, name, etc. This in turn makes your transcript look more authentic and genuine.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what transcripts are and how they’re a significant document when applying for universities abroad is important for a hassle free journey as an international student wanting to study abroad. We hope our comprehensive guide was able to cover all of your doubts and questions regarding academic transcripts. Even if not, please feel free to reach out to us our expert consultants for personalized guidance and support regarding transcripts and applying for universities abroad. We are here to guide you every step of the way. For more, contact D-Vivid Consultant @ 75750 20920. 

**Sample Transcript PDF available above Blog