Translating Foreign Transcripts in Belgium: NARIC Guide

Did you obtain your degree abroad and want to have it recognised in Belgium? Translating your academic transcript is a key — and often underestimated — step in the NARIC recognition process. This guide explains why this document is required, what type of translation is accepted, and how to optimise your file to avoid administrative back-and-forth.

Why translate your academic transcript in Belgium?

An academic transcript (also called a "relevé de notes", "transcript of records", historial académico or 성적증명서 depending on the language) lists all the subjects studied during a programme, with grades obtained and associated credits or weightings. It complements the degree by showing what you studied — not just that you obtained a qualification.

In Belgium, the bodies responsible for recognising foreign degrees — the NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centres) — require this translation for several reasons:

• To verify that the content of the programme is comparable to what is taught in Belgium in the same field.
• To identify key subjects and any gaps relative to the Belgian reference framework.
• To enable Belgian employers and universities to understand the actual value of the degree.

Without a translated transcript, your NARIC file will systematically be rejected or returned for completion. Translating the degree alone is not sufficient.

What type of translation does NARIC Belgium accept?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer is unambiguous: the Belgian NARIC requires a sworn (certified) translation produced by a translator officially recognised by a Belgian Court of Appeal. Here is why alternatives do not work:

A Google Translate or DeepL translation is not accepted

Automated translations, however accurate, cannot be used for official procedures. They have no legal standing.

A translation by a bilingual friend is not accepted

Even if your friend speaks the language fluently, their translation will not be recognised because it is not certified by a Belgian sworn translator.

A notarised translation from abroad may not be sufficient

A translation certified by a notary in your country of origin (for example a traductor público in Argentina or a sworn translator in the UK) is not automatically recognised by Belgian authorities. For NARIC recognition, a sworn translation produced by a translator recognised by a Belgian Court of Appeal is required.

The translation must be complete

NARIC requires a word-for-word translation of the entire transcript: all subjects, all grades, all course codes, ECTS credits or their equivalents. A summary or partial translation will be rejected. Our service systematically includes the complete translation, without exception.

Steps to have your degree recognised through NARIC

Belgium has two NARIC bodies, depending on your community of residence or the type of job you are applying for:

NARIC-Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles

Competent for recognitions in Wallonia and Brussels, and for jobs in sectors under the French Community (teaching, Walloon administration, etc.). Website: equivalences.cfwb.be

NARIC-Vlaanderen

Competent for recognitions in Flanders, and for jobs in sectors under the Flemish Community. Website: naricvlaanderen.be

The general steps are similar for both:

• Step 1: Gather your original documents (degree + academic transcript).
• Step 2: Obtain an apostille or legalisation if required (depending on the issuing country).
• Step 3: Have a sworn translation made of the degree and the transcript.
• Step 4: Complete the application form on the relevant NARIC website.
• Step 5: Pay the application fee (between €150 and €250 depending on the type of recognition).
• Step 6: Submit your complete file by post or online.
• Step 7: Wait for the decision (typical timeframe: 4 to 6 weeks for complete files).

Summary table: degree type × competent NARIC × documents to provide

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

My transcript is very long (20 pages). Does everything need to be translated?

Yes, NARIC requires a complete translation of all semesters and all subjects. We understand this represents a cost — which is why we offer volume discounts for lengthy documents. Contact us for a personalised quote.

My university refuses to issue a transcript. What can I do?

Some universities (notably in sub-Saharan Africa or South-East Asia) do not issue transcripts separately from the degree. In this case, contact NARIC directly to explain the situation. NARIC can sometimes accept alternative documents (a university attestation, an official course programme) provided they are also sworn-translated.

Can I submit my NARIC file before having all the translations?

No. NARIC only accepts complete files. Submitting an incomplete file triggers a request for additional documents and delays your application by several weeks. It is better to gather all the required documents before submitting, including sworn translations.

Will my NARIC recognition be automatically accepted by Belgian employers?

A NARIC recognition certificate proves that your degree is equivalent to a Belgian degree at a given level. Private employers are not legally bound to follow it, but the vast majority of Belgian HR departments accept it as proof of qualification. For public sector jobs or regulated professions (doctors, architects, lawyers, etc.), additional specific procedures apply alongside NARIC recognition.

What is the difference between degree equivalence and academic recognition?

Equivalence (issued by NARIC) establishes a correspondence between your foreign degree and a Belgian degree of equivalent level — useful for employment and regulated professions. Academic recognition concerns enrolment in a Belgian university on the basis of a foreign degree (access to the next cycle). These are two distinct procedures with different criteria.