Academic certificates are official documents that prove you have completed a degree, diploma, or course — and they are a mandatory requirement for most international study abroad applications. Here is what each certificate type means and how to submit them correctly.
Certificate Types at a Glance
Depending on your application, ApplyBoard or your institution may request one or more of the following certificate types:
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Degree Certificate
A degree certificate is an official document issued by a university or institution confirming that a student has successfully completed all requirements for their degree. It typically includes the student's name, degree title, completion date, and GPA or classification.
Degree certificates are most commonly required when applying to postgraduate (master's or PhD) programs abroad. If you completed your undergraduate degree some time ago, your institution's registrar or examination office is the right contact to request a certified copy.
Diploma Certificate
A diploma certificate is an official document confirming completion of a diploma program at a college or institution. It contains similar information to a degree certificate — student name, program title, completion date, and GPA — but relates to a diploma rather than a degree qualification.
Provisional Certificate
A provisional certificate is a temporary official document issued by an institution when a student has completed all their course requirements but has not yet received their final degree or diploma certificate. It serves as proof of completion until the official document is ready.
While a provisional certificate is accepted to start your application and receive a conditional offer, your target institution will usually require you to present your official degree certificate once it is released by your university prior to final enrollment.
Note: Provisional certificates are especially common for students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, where official degree certificates can take several months or even years to be issued after graduation. Most institutions abroad accept a provisional certificate in the interim — but always check your specific program's requirements on the Application Requirements tab.
Provisional certificates are issued by your institution's administrative or examination office. If your institution has not yet issued yours, contact them directly and explain that it is required for an international application — most universities will process this request within a few weeks.
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Backlog Certificate
A backlog certificate is an official document confirming that a student has successfully cleared subjects or exams that were previously failed or left incomplete. Backlogs can occur due to illness, personal circumstances, or academic difficulties during a student's program.
Note: Backlog and "no backlog" certificates are most commonly requested from students educated in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal). If your country's education system does not issue separate backlog certificates (for example, in Nigeria), any retaken or failed subjects will simply reflect directly on your official academic transcript.
Whether a backlog document is needed for your application will be shown on the Application Requirements tab. If you have no backlogs, you may be asked to provide a statement or certificate confirming this — sometimes called a "no backlog certificate" or "clear record certificate."
Tip! If your institution does not issue backlog certificates automatically, visit the examination or records office and submit a written request. Include your student ID, program name, and the years of study you need covered.
How to Submit Certificates on ApplyBoard
You upload your certificates directly through your application in the ApplyBoard platform. The Application Requirements tab shows exactly which certificates are needed for each program and their current status.
- Upload clear, complete scans — blurry or cropped images are a common reason for document rejection
- If your certificate is not in English, include a certified or notarized translation alongside the original
- Submit the original-language document and the translation together — a translation alone is not accepted
- Check the requirements tab before uploading — some institutions require documents sent directly from your institution rather than uploaded scans
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if your certificate is not in English, a certified or notarized translation is required. Translation requirements vary by institution — check the specific requirements for your program before arranging a translation. Always submit the original document alongside the translation.
Yes — in most cases you can submit a provisional certificate as a temporary substitute while you wait for your official degree certificate. Most institutions abroad accept provisional certificates for conditional admission. Once your official certificate is issued, you will be required to submit it before your enrollment is finalized. Check the Application Requirements tab for your specific program's policy.
A no backlog certificate (also called a clear record certificate) is a document from your institution confirming that you have no failed or incomplete subjects on your academic record. Some institutions abroad request this as part of the admissions process for South Asian applicants. Whether you need one will be shown on the Application Requirements tab in your ApplyBoard application.
A certificate confirms that you completed a program — it is a credential. A transcript is a detailed record of every subject you studied and the grades you received. Both are often required for study abroad applications, but they serve different purposes. Learn more in our Academic Transcripts Guide.
This is a common situation for students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Nigeria, where official document processing can take months. In most cases, a provisional certificate or an official letter from your institution confirming completion is accepted in the interim. Contact your institution's examination or records office as early as possible and explain that the document is needed for an international application. If you are experiencing delays, reach out ApplyBoard for guidance on next steps.
Not sure what to submit?
Check the Application Requirements tab in your ApplyBoard profile, or speak to our support team directly.