For Studienkolleg admission, does your high school diploma translation need to be certified?

Yes — a sworn translation of your high school diploma is mandatory for Studienkolleg applications, same rules as university applications.

#Mandatory Documents

#Apostille + Translation

• High school diploma (original/certified copy)
• High school transcript (4 years of grades)
• Graduation exam scores (TYT/AYT)

#Original Only (No Translation/Apostille)

• Passport (valid for 3+ months beyond visa expiry)
• Biometric photo
• B2 German certificate (already in German)

#Valid Translation Types

Sworn translator in Germany — "vereidigter Übersetzer"

• Most secure, 100% accepted
• Cost: ~2 €/line (~80-150 € for diploma+transcript)

Sworn translator in Turkey — Notary or court sworn

• Most Studienkolleg accept this
• Some require a DE translator (especially in Bundesländer like BW, SH)
• Cost: 50-150 ₺/page

Invalid:

• Google Translate
• Online translation + notary certification
• Sworn translation without Apostille

#Apostille Process

For high school diploma + transcript:

1. Approval from the Provincial Directorate of National Education
2. Provincial Governor's Office, Directorate of Provincial Affairs → Apostille stamp (1-3 business days)
3. The sworn translator also translates the Apostille stamp

First Apostille, then translation.

#Cost Calculation

#Duplication Strategy

You can use your apostilled + translated documents multiple times:

• Studienkolleg application
• Uni-Assist (later for your Bachelor's)
• Visa application
• Anmeldung in Germany

Prepare 2-3 sets — making copies is cheap, but the risk of loss is high.

#Which Language for Translation?

• German — most secure, accepted by every Studienkolleg
• English — sufficient for some international programs, but Studienkolleg mostly prefer German

#Practical Tip

Before getting a translation, check the website of your target Studienkolleg — it will state the "Beglaubigte Übersetzung" requirement + in which language. This saves you time and money.

Related: Is an Apostille necessary?