Translating Foreign Transcripts in Ghent: UGent and NARIC

Need to translate foreign academic transcripts in Ghent? Ghent University (UGent) and NARIC Flanders require certified Dutch translations of foreign academic credentials for admission and degree recognition. UGent is Belgium's largest research university, attracting thousands of international students who frequently need certified transcript translations. This guide covers everything you need to know.

UGent and international student admissions

Ghent University (UGent) is one of Belgium's top-ranked research universities, with a strong reputation in sciences, engineering, medicine and humanities. Each year it welcomes thousands of international students at Master's and PhD level. UGent's admission office requires:

• Official transcripts and degree certificates
• Certified Dutch translations for documents not in Dutch, English, French or German
• In some programmes: a NARIC Flanders equivalence assessment

Application deadlines at UGent typically fall in March for non-EU students. Having your transcript translated early avoids last-minute delays.

NARIC Flanders and Ghent-based degree recognition

NARIC Flanders recognises foreign academic qualifications for professional use in Flanders. For Ghent residents seeking employment or professional licensing in Flanders, a NARIC recognition is often required alongside the certified translation. NARIC Flanders requires:

• Certified Dutch translations of diplomas and transcripts in languages other than Dutch, English, French or German
• Original documents or certified copies
• An apostille if applicable

Languages most translated for Ghent academic transcripts

UGent and NARIC Flanders see high volumes of transcript translations from Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Korean and Hindi. TranslateBE's sworn translators cover all these languages with certified Dutch translations.

Each translated document includes the sworn translator's signature, official stamp and Belgian court registration number — the three elements verified by UGent's admissions office and NARIC.

Frequently asked questions

Does UGent accept English-language transcripts without a Dutch translation?

Yes. UGent accepts documents in English, French, German and Dutch without certified translation. Documents in all other languages require a certified Dutch translation. If your original documents are in a language other than these four, a sworn translation is mandatory.

How long does a transcript translation for UGent take?

A single-page transcript: 2–3 business days standard, 24–48h express. A full academic dossier (diploma + all transcript pages): 3–5 business days standard. Express options are available for urgent admission deadlines.

Can I use the same translation for both UGent and NARIC Flanders?

Yes. A single certified translation produced by a sworn translator is accepted by both UGent and NARIC Flanders. You do not need separate translations for each institution.