Does the diploma translation for Uni-Assist need to be certified?

Yes, a certified translation is mandatory. Uni-Assist and German universities accept translations made by an officially certified translator.

#What is a "Certified Translator"?

A certified translator = a translator approved by courts or state institutions:

• In TR, certified by a Noter (notary public) or Sulh Hukuk Mahkemesi (Civil Court of Peace)
• In DE, certified by a Landesgericht (state court) — "öffentlich bestellt und beeidigt"

#Which Translators Are Accepted?

#The Safest: Certified Translators in Germany

• Certified by a German court
• Stamped "Beglaubigte Übersetzung"
• 100% accepted by every Universität and consulate
• Fee: 1-2 €/line, ~80-150 € for diploma+transcript

#Certified Translators in TR

• Translator sworn in by a Noter
• Accepted, but some Universitäten dispute it
• Especially in BW, SH, Niedersachsen, Hamburg — they prefer a DE translator
• Fee: 50-150 ₺/page, ~500-1500 ₺ for diploma+transcript

#Online Translation + Notary Certification

• Generally not accepted (Google Translate + Noter)

#Risks When Using TR Certified Translations

Some Universitäten reject TR translations → resubmission is required:

• "Vereidigter Übersetzer in Deutschland erforderlich"
• In this case, re-translation in DE + additional fees

#The Safest Way

1. Get a TR certified translation first (cheaper, faster)
2. Apply to Uni-Assist with this translation
3. If rejected, get a re-translation in DE
4. Or: opt for a DE translator from the start (more expensive, faster results)

#Finding a Certified Translator

Türkiye:

• Lists of certified translators on Noter websites
• Sahibinden, yeminli-tercume.com
• Goethe Institut recommendations for German

Germany:

• https://www.justiz-dolmetscher.de (official list)
• Search for "Almanca-Türkçe vereidigter Übersetzer + city name"
• Turkish-speaking translators in cities: Berlin, München, Köln, Hamburg

#Content of the Translation

The translation must include:

• Full text of diploma + transcript
• Translation of the Apostille seal
• Certified translator's stamp + signature
• Date of translation
• "İdentisch mit dem Original" (Identical to the original) declaration

#Practical Tip

Translation + Apostille is an expensive step — translate only 1 copy of your diploma, then make copies of the original German translation using photocopy + Noter. It will be cheaper.

Related: Is an Apostille required?