Planning to migrate to Australia for study, work, or permanent residency? One of the key documents you’ll need in the process is your high school diploma and if it’s not in English, you must have it officially translated. Whether you’re applying for a student visa, seeking skilled migration, or enrolling in an Australian institution, a certified English translation of your academic documents is not optional, it’s mandatory.
But it’s not just about switching languages. Australian immigration and education authorities require translations that follow specific standards, including certification by an accredited translator. Providing an incorrect or unofficial translation can lead to visa delays, rejection of your application, or refusal of enrollment in your desired school or course.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly translate your high school diploma into English, specifically for Australian migration purposes. We’ll cover who can translate it, what a certified translation looks like, what to avoid, and how to ensure your documents are accepted the first time.
Why You Need to Translate Your High School Diploma in Australia?
Australia’s government, educational institutions, and employers require all official documents to be in English. If your high school diploma is issued in another language, you will need Diploma Certificate Translation before it can be used for:
- Student visa applications (subclass 500)
- Skilled migration assessments (e.g. VETASSESS, TRA)
- University or TAFE admissions
- Professional licensing
- Job applications
The Department of Home Affairs strictly states that any document not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Without this, your application may be considered incomplete and could be delayed or denied.
Having your high school diploma translated also helps education providers assess your academic background, ensure you meet prerequisites, and place you in the correct level of study or training.
What Qualifies as an Acceptable Translation in Australia?
When it comes to translating documents for official use in Australia, not just any translation will do. It must meet specific standards set by the Australian Government.
Certified by a NAATI-Certified Translator
In Australia, the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) is the official body that certifies translators. Translations done by NAATI-certified translators are accepted by:
- Department of Home Affairs
- Australian universities and TAFEs
- Employers and licensing bodies
If you’re in Australia, it is strongly recommended — and often required — to use a NAATI-accredited translator.
Note: If you’re outside Australia, the translator must be officially recognised in your country, and you may still be required to re-translate your documents using a NAATI translator once you arrive.
What a Certified Translation Includes:
A valid certified translation of your high school diploma must:
- Be a full and accurate translation (no summaries)
- Include all text, seals, and stamps from the original
- Contain the translator’s full name, signature, and NAATI ID
- Include a certification statement confirming the translator’s competence and accuracy of the translation
- Be dated and formatted professionally
Step-by-Step: How to Translate Your High School Diploma to English
Translating your diploma can feel overwhelming, especially with immigration deadlines or school application cutoffs approaching. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the process smooth and stress-free.
✅ Step 1: Get a Clear Copy of Your Original Diploma
Start by making a high-resolution scan or photocopy of your diploma in its original language. Ensure:
- All text is readable
- Stamps and seals are clearly visible
- No parts are cut off or obscured
This is what you’ll send to the translator.
✅ Step 2: Find a NAATI-Certified Translator
If you’re translating your document in Australia, search the official NAATI directory to find certified translators who specialize in academic or legal translations.
If you’re outside Australia, your local translator must be recognized by authorities in your home country — but note that some Australian institutions may still ask for a retranslation by a NAATI translator later.
Tip: Choose a translator with experience in translating educational credentials, so they understand how to accurately convert academic terms and grading systems. Or you can reach out to a reputed Diploma Certificate Translation Services.
✅ Step 3: Request a Quote and Timeline
Contact the translator and provide:
- A scanned copy of your diploma
- The language it’s in
- The purpose of the translation (e.g., immigration, university)
- Whether you need digital or physical copies
The price typically starts from AUD $60 per page, and turnaround times can vary from 1–3 business days.
✅ Step 4: Confirm Certification Details
Before you proceed, make sure the translator will:
- Include their NAATI certification details
- Provide a signed statement of accuracy
- Use official letterhead or a professional template
- Translate everything on the document, including stamps and logos
✅ Step 5: Review the Translated Diploma
Once you receive the translation:
- Check your name, date of birth, and school name — they must match your passport
- Ensure no information is missing
- Ask for revisions immediately if there are any errors
✅ Step 6: Submit Both Documents
You must submit:
- The original diploma (or a copy of it in your native language)
- The certified English translation
Whether you’re lodging a visa application, enrolling in a course, or submitting to a licensing body, include both versions unless instructed otherwise.
Special Considerations for Australia
Australia has strict but clear rules when it comes to translated documents — and it’s crucial to follow them to avoid delays in your visa, school application, or job approval.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
🏛️ For Immigration Purposes
If you’re applying for any type of visa through the Department of Home Affairs, all foreign-language documents must be accompanied by an English translation that meets the following criteria:
- If translated in Australia: Must be done by a NAATI-certified translator.
- If translated outside Australia: Must be completed by a translator who is officially recognized by the relevant authority in your country. Their full name, address, qualifications, and experience must be included in the translation.
🎓 For Education and Training
Universities, colleges, and TAFEs often have their own document requirements, but most will also expect:
- A certified translation (preferably NAATI)
- A translation that matches the original formatting, especially for subjects, marks, and school names
- Clear matching of personal details (names must match your ID or passport exactly)
Tip: Contact the admissions office early to confirm their specific translation requirements.
Other Academic Documents You May Need to Translate
Your high school diploma may not be the only academic credential required. Depending on your visa subclass or course, you might also need certified translations of:
- Transcripts or report cards
- Certificates of completion
- Recommendation letters
- Language test results
- Character references from your school
Pro tip: It’s more efficient (and often cheaper) to submit all your documents to the translator at once.
Conclusion
Translating your high school diploma into English is a small but critical step in your journey to Australia. Whether you’re pursuing education, skilled migration, or a new job, having a certified, accurate translation ensures your application process moves forward without unnecessary hiccups.
✅ Use a NAATI-certified translator
✅ Include all required details and formatting
✅ Submit both the original and translated documents
With the right preparation, this step is straightforward — and it brings you one step closer to starting your new life in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I translate my diploma myself?
No. For migration and official purposes in Australia, the translation must be completed by a NAATI-certified translator.
How much does it cost to translate a diploma in Australia?
Prices vary depending on the language pair, complexity, urgency, and translation type, but generally starts from AUD $60 per page.
Do universities in Australia accept translations from overseas translators?
Only if the translator is officially recognised in your home country and meets Australia’s standards. NAATI translations are preferred.
Is notarization required?
No, unless specifically requested by the receiving institution. NAATI certification is usually sufficient.
