Translating Foreign Transcripts in Brussels: NARIC Federation

Need to translate foreign academic transcripts in Brussels? NARIC (French-speaking Belgium), ULB, VUB and Brussels employers all require certified translations of foreign academic credentials for degree recognition and university admission. Demand peaks sharply in August and September. This guide explains the requirements and how to get your translation done in time.

NARIC Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles: transcript translation requirements

NARIC (French-speaking Belgium) is the national body responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign academic qualifications for the French-speaking community of Belgium. Located in Brussels, NARIC requires that all foreign diplomas and transcripts submitted for recognition be accompanied by:

• A certified French translation by a sworn translator registered with a Belgian Court of Appeal
• The original diploma or transcript (or a certified copy)
• An apostille or legalisation if required by country of origin

The NARIC assessment takes several weeks to months; submitting translations early is essential. August and September are peak months, with backlogs that can delay proceedings — ordering your translation in June or July is strongly recommended.

Universities in Brussels: ULB, VUB and others

Brussels hosts two major research universities: ULB (Université libre de Bruxelles)and VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel). Both require certified translations of foreign transcripts and diplomas for admission to Master's and PhD programmes. ULB requires French translations; VUB requires Dutch translations. Other Brussels institutions include Saint-Louis University (French) and the Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences (Dutch).

Step-by-step: how to get your transcript translated for Brussels

1. Scan or photograph all pages of your transcript and diploma (including the back).
2. Upload on TranslateBE and specify the target language (French for NARIC/ULB, Dutch for VUB/NARIC Flanders).
3. Receive a fixed quote within one hour; confirm to proceed.
4. Your certified translation is delivered by email within 2–4 business days (express 24–48h available).

Long documents with many pages are priced per page. Request a quote to get an accurate figure before committing.

Frequently asked questions

Does NARIC Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles accept translations ordered online?

Yes. NARIC requires that the translation be produced by a sworn translator registered with a Belgian Court of Appeal. The ordering channel (online or in person) does not affect the translation's legal validity. TranslateBE works exclusively with certified sworn translators.

Does ULB accept transcripts in languages other than French without translation?

ULB accepts documents in French, English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese without translation. All other languages require a certified French translation. English-language transcripts from non-English-speaking countries may still require a French translation depending on the faculty. Check with ULB's international admissions office to confirm.

When should I order my transcript translation for September university admission in Brussels?

Ideally in June or July. August is the peak period for translation orders related to university admissions, and turnaround times can extend slightly due to high demand. Ordering early ensures you have certified translations in hand before application deadlines.