Translating Graduation Certificates into Japanese: Importance and Standard Format

With globalization on the rise, an increasing number of Chinese students are choosing to study, work, or immigrate to Japan. In these processes, translating a graduation certificate into Japanese is an essential step. Whether applying to Japanese universities, seeking employment, or dealing with immigration formalities, official institutions such as the Ministry of Justice and the Immigration Bureau often require an officially translated graduation certificate.

How can you ensure that your graduation certificate translation meets Japan’s official standards? This article will explore the necessity of translating graduation certificates into Japanese, the key translation requirements, standard formatting, and provide a sample translation template for reference.

1. Why Translate a Graduation Certificate into Japanese?

1.1 University Applications

Japanese universities often require applicants to submit a translated graduation certificate, especially for master’s or doctoral degree programs. During the admission review process, universities need official academic records in a language they understand. If the original graduation certificate is in Chinese, a Japanese translation is necessary to ensure the admissions committee accurately evaluates the applicant’s educational background.

1.2 Employment and Work Visa Applications

For job seekers in Japan, employers and HR departments often require proof of academic qualifications, making a translated graduation certificate essential. Furthermore, when applying for a work visa (such as the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa), the Immigration Bureau of Japan may request a translated version of the graduation certificate to verify the applicant's eligibility.

1.3 Naturalization (Japanese Citizenship) or Permanent Residency Application

For those planning to settle in Japan permanently, applying for Permanent Residency (永住者) or Japanese Citizenship (帰化申請) requires various documents, including a translated graduation certificate, to confirm the applicant’s educational background.

2. Key Requirements for Graduation Certificate Translation

2.1 Accuracy

A graduation certificate translation must precisely match Japan’s academic terminology. For example:

• “Bachelor’s Degree” should be translated as 「学士号」
• “Master’s Degree” should be 「修士号」
  Using incorrect terminology could result in an application being rejected.

2.2 Certification Requirements

Some institutions require the translation to be completed by a certified translator or an officially recognized translation company. In some cases, a translation statement or official seal may be required to validate the document. For example, certain graduate schools in Japan require translations to be notarized or officially stamped to confirm their authenticity.

2.3 Formatting Requirements

The translated certificate should match the original document as closely as possible, maintaining the structure of the university name, major, issue date, and official stamp. Some Japanese institutions may also request a copy of the original document to be attached to the translation for verification purposes.

3. Standard Template for Translating Graduation Certificates into Japanese

To help ensure an accurate and properly formatted translation, here is a standard Japanese translation template for a graduation certificate:

Original Chinese Version (Graduation Certificate)

markdown复制编辑**毕业证书**  学生姓名：XXX，性别：X，于XXXX年XX月XX日出生，于XXXX年XX月XX日入学，在我校XXX学院XXX专业学习，学制X年，修完规定课程，成绩合格，准予毕业。  

特发此证。  

校长：XXX  
学校名称：XXX  
学校盖章  
发证日期：XXXX年XX月XX日  
证书编号：XXXXXXXXXX

Japanese Translation (卒業証書)

markdown复制编辑**卒業証書**  氏名：XXX  
性別：X  
生年月日：XXXX年XX月XX日  
入学年月日：XXXX年XX月XX日  
学部：XXX学部  
専攻：XXX  
修業年限：X年間  
本学において所定の課程を修了し、卒業資格を取得したことを証明する。  

以上を証明し、本証書を授与する。  

校長：XXX  
学校名：XXX大学  
学校印  
発行日：XXXX年XX月XX日  
証明書番号：XXXXXXXXXX

4. How to Obtain a Proper Japanese Graduation Certificate Translation?

If you need to translate your graduation certificate into Japanese, here are three main ways to do it:

4.1 Using a Professional Translation Agency

For official purposes such as university applications, work visas, and immigration, it is recommended to use a certified translation agency that provides notarized or sworn translations. Some well-recognized options include:

• JTA (Japan Translation Association) Certified Translators
• Embassy-Approved Translation Agencies
• Universities’ Official Translation Services

4.2 University-Provided Translation

Some universities provide official translations through their international exchange offices or academic affairs departments. If your university offers this service, it is best to use their official translation to ensure acceptance.

4.3 Self-Translation with Professional Certification

If you are proficient in Japanese, you may translate the document yourself and then have it certified by a professional translator or translation agency. This ensures accuracy and compliance with official standards.

5. Conclusion

Graduation certificate translation is a crucial step in academic, professional, and immigration processes in Japan. An accurate translation enhances your chances of smooth application approvals and ensures your academic credentials are correctly recognized.

To ensure success, it is advisable to use an official translation service, follow proper academic terminology, and adhere to Japan’s official formatting standards. Whether you are planning to study, work, or settle in Japan, preparing a well-translated graduation certificate in advance will make your application process much smoother.

If you need further assistance or a custom translation, feel free to ask!

◀️：Graduation Certificate Translation (English Version)

▶️：Where to Find an Education Ministry-Approved Translation Company for Academic Credential Certification? – AiRui Translation, Your Trusted Choice