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Mundus Masterplan

Document guide

Academic transcripts

The official record of every course, credit and grade in your degree. Usually the most important document in the file.

What it is

An official document from your university listing every course you have taken, the credits (or hours) for each, the grade obtained, and usually your overall average. Also called a transcript of records, academic record or mark sheet.

Why programmes ask for it

To check eligibility (degree level, discipline, credits in required subjects, minimum grade) and to score your academic performance, which is often the most heavily weighted criterion.

Who issues it

Your university's registry, student office or examinations office. Some universities issue it online with a verification code; others only on paper with a stamp and signature.

What it usually contains

  • Your full name, student number and date of birth.
  • Degree programme and dates of study.
  • Every course with credits and grade, by semester or year.
  • The grading scale and pass mark (sometimes on the back or in a separate document).
  • Overall average or GPA, if your system calculates one.
  • Official stamp, signature or digital verification.

How to prepare it

  1. Request an official, complete transcript covering every year of study, including failed and repeated courses if your university shows them.
  2. If you are in your final year, request the most recent version and plan to send an updated one later if asked.
  3. Check whether the programme wants a translation, a certified copy, a grade conversion or a grading scale explanation. Examples: EMLDS asks for a 0 to 100 conversion; LASCALA and SERP+ accept only official, signed and stamped transcripts from the first bachelor year onwards; Mundus MAPP asks for the original-language transcript stamped and signed by a notary or authorised official.
  4. Scan in colour, all pages, readable stamps.
  5. Keep a spreadsheet of your courses grouped by subject area. You will need it for programmes that set credit minimums.

Common mistakes

  • Uploading a screenshot from the student portal instead of an official document.
  • Leaving out the first year or a previous degree.
  • Converting grades yourself when the programme asked for its own method, or not converting when it asked you to.
  • Uploading a transcript in a language the programme does not accept, without a translation.

Quality-control checklist

  • Official, complete, every page included.
  • Name matches the passport.
  • Grading scale included or explained.
  • Translation attached where required.
  • Conversion or GPA calculation done only as the programme instructs.
  • Readable stamps and signatures.

Lead time (planning estimate)

Two to six weeks for an official transcript from most registries; longer near graduation season or if certification or translation is needed. Request it as soon as your shortlist is drafted.

Commonly useful or programme-dependent?

Commonly useful. Almost every programme in our sample lists transcripts as mandatory. The format rules (certification, translation, conversion) are programme-dependent.