Thai university degree and transcript: translation and recognition in Germany

Two documents, two purposes

The degree certificate shows the name of the university, the degree title, the field of study, the date of conferral and signatures. The transcript lists courses, credits, grades and often the grading scale and the study period. Thai universities may issue the transcript in Thai, in English or in both. Many German offices want to see the Thai original together with the translation, even when an English version exists.

Translation is not recognition

Recognition (Anerkennung) answers a different question: is this qualification comparable to a German or a regulated professional qualification? Depending on the purpose, this is decided by a university, a regulated-profession authority, the chamber responsible for the profession, or an employer. Their staff can use databases such as anabin to assess foreign institutions and degrees. You cannot use the database as proof, and its entry does not guarantee a result.

Ask the office that handles your case which documents it needs and in which form.

Which documents recognition offices may ask for

The list differs by purpose. Common items are the degree certificate, the transcript, proof of identity, a CV and sometimes a description of the study programme from the university. Some offices ask for certified copies and sworn translations of each document.

• Degree certificate and transcript, original language.
• Sworn German translation of both, when the office requires it.
• Certified copies, as specified by the office.

Legalisation and consistency

Thai public documents used in Germany have so far needed legalisation by the German Embassy in Bangkok. Whether a university document counts as a public document and needs a legalisation depends on the requesting office, so ask. Thailand joins the Apostille Convention on 28 February 2027. Dates on Thai degrees are in the Buddhist Era, for example 2562 B.E. is 2019 CE, so the translation must state them clearly. Your name should be spelled as in your passport.

How we help, and when you need a sworn translator

DocDee reads your degree and transcript, gives you a summary in your language and lists the fields found: university, degree title, field, dates (converted from B.E.), course list and grades. This helps you see what you hold and prepare the application.

We do not assess or recognise degrees. When an office requires an official translation, you need a sworn translator, which we offer as an optional paid step. A recognition office decides on recognition.