If you are applying to study in Australia, you will almost certainly need to submit official documents that are not in English. Universities, education providers and the Australian Department of Home Affairs all have specific requirements when it comes to document translations.
This guide explains when official translations are required, what NAATI certification means, how to choose a reliable translator for student visa applications, costs and turnaround times, and why many students choose NAATI-certified translations even when they are not strictly required.
Whether you are applying for a student visa (subclass 500), a university degree, or an education pathway in Australia, this article will help you prepare compliant translations and avoid unnecessary delays.
When Do Students Need Official Translations in Australia?
If you are applying to study in Australia, any document that is not in English must be translated into English before it can be submitted.
For international students, this usually applies at two stages.
University or education provider applications
Australian universities, colleges and education providers often require official English translations of academic and identity documents as part of the admissions process. Translation requirements may vary between institutions, but accuracy and completeness are essential.
Student visa applications
For student visa applications, the Department of Home Affairs requires that all non-English documents be translated into English.
When applying from outside Australia, translations may be accepted if they are completed by a qualified translator who provides their full name, contact details and credentials.
While NAATI certification is not strictly mandatory for offshore student visa applications, it remains the most widely accepted and lowest-risk option, particularly for students who may later apply for other Australian visas.
What Is a NAATI-Certified Translation and When Is It the Safer Choice?
NAATI (the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is the official body that certifies translators in Australia.
A NAATI-certified translation includes:
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The translator’s name and NAATI ID
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A certification statement confirming accuracy
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The translator’s signature and date
Although NAATI certification is not always required for student visa applications lodged offshore, many students choose NAATI-certified translations because they are recognised across Australian government departments, universities and institutions.
A future-proof option for other visas
One major advantage of using NAATI-certified translations as a student is that they can usually be reused later if you apply for another visa that does require NAATI certification, such as:
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Partner or family visas
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Skilled migration visas
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Permanent residency applications
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Citizenship applications
Certified translations do not expire, unless the original document itself expires or changes. This makes NAATI-certified translations a practical long-term choice, even at the student visa stage.
Common Student and Personal Documents That May Require Translation
International students commonly translate documents such as:
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Academic transcripts
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Degree certificates and diplomas
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School completion certificates
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Birth certificates
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Household registration documents
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Household or family record books
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Property or house deeds
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Passports and identity documents
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Marriage certificates (if applicable)
Many of these documents — particularly birth certificates, household registration records and property deeds — are often reused later for other Australian visa applications, making certified translations a long-term investment.
How to Find a Reliable Translator for Student Visa Applications
Choosing the right translation service is an important part of your student visa and education journey.
A reliable service should:
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Use qualified and experienced translators
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Have experience with student visas and education documents
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Provide translations accepted by universities and the Department of Home Affairs
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Clearly explain pricing and turnaround times
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Offer support if further information is requested
Check the NAATI directory
If you wish to verify a translator’s credentials, you can search the official NAATI online directory, which lists all currently certified translators in Australia.
At Immi Translating Service, all translations are completed by NAATI-certified translators. While NAATI certification may not always be mandatory for offshore student visa applications, many students choose this option to ensure their translations are accepted without issue and can be reused for future Australian visa applications.
Online vs Local Translators for Student Applications
Many students believe they must use a local, in-person translator. In reality, online translation services are fully accepted, provided the translations meet Australian requirements.
Online services often offer:
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Faster turnaround times
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More affordable options for students
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Secure online document submission
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Accessibility from anywhere in the world
For Australian visas and university applications, translation quality and compliance matter more than location.
How Much Does Translation Cost for Student Visas and Universities?
The cost of translating student documents in Australia depends on several factors.
What affects the cost
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Number of documents
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Document type (academic, civil or legal)
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Language pair
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Urgency
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Certification requirements
Typical pricing structure for students
Most student documents are priced:
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Per document or per page (for certificates and transcripts)
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As a bundle when multiple documents are submitted together
At Immi Translating Service, pricing is based on per document or per page, rather than per word count, which often provides clearer and more predictable costs for students.
Be cautious of extremely low prices, as translations that are not compliant may need to be redone later.
Turnaround Times for Student Document Translation
Turnaround times vary depending on document complexity and language, but typical timelines include:
Standard turnaround
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1–3 business days for most student documents
Factors that may affect timing
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Handwritten or unclear documents
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Rare language combinations
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Large bundles of academic records
Submitting clear, complete scans helps avoid delays.
Are Urgent Translation Services Available for Student Visas?
Yes. Urgent and express translation services are commonly used by students facing tight deadlines.
When urgent services are helpful
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University offer deadlines
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Last-minute visa lodgements
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Requests for further information from Home Affairs
At Immi Translating Service, students may use a self-service submission option for suitable documents, where key details are entered directly into a secure system. This allows NAATI-certified translators to focus on review and certification, which can help reduce turnaround times.
However, self-service extraction is not suitable for all situations. Some documents — such as complex academic records, or documents with extensive annotations — require a full translation to ensure accuracy and acceptance.
Urgent services remain fully compliant and professionally certified, regardless of turnaround time.
Why Accurate Translations Matter for Student Visas
Student visa applications are assessed carefully, and errors in translated documents can result in:
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Processing delays
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Requests for additional information
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Missed intake deadlines
Using a professional translation service helps ensure:
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Accuracy and consistency
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Compliance with Australian requirements
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A smoother application process
For many students, correct translations are key to meeting deadlines and securing their place in Australia.
FAQs: Student Visa and University Document Translation
Do student visas require NAATI-certified translations?
Not always. When applying from overseas, translations may be accepted if completed by a qualified translator with full credentials. However, NAATI-certified translations are the most widely accepted and lowest-risk option.
Can students translate documents themselves?
No. Self-translations are not accepted for visa purposes.
Are online translations accepted for student visas?
Yes, provided they meet Australian requirements and are completed by qualified translators.
How long are translations valid?
Certified translations generally do not expire unless the original document expires or changes.
Final thoughts
Getting your documents translated correctly is an important step in studying in Australia. By understanding translation requirements, planning ahead, and choosing a reliable service, students can avoid unnecessary delays and complications.
Many students choose NAATI-certified translations because they are widely accepted and can be reused for future Australian visa applications. If you are preparing a university or student visa application, you can securely submit your documents to Immi Translating Service for professional, compliant translations suitable for Australian education and visa requirements.
