Translating a diploma into Russian for work and study in Russia

A Russian translation of a diploma is most often needed by people moving to Russia to work or study, as well as to other Russian-speaking countries. An employer, a university or a recognition body must see clearly what qualification you hold, which university you graduated from and in what specialisation. In this article we cover the details that often become a problem specifically with Russian translations.

When you need a diploma translated into Russian

In our practice, Russian translations are ordered mainly in the following cases:

• when taking up a job in Russia and the employer asks for proof of education
• when applying for a master’s or postgraduate programme at a Russian university
• for an application for recognition or confirmation of equivalence of the diploma
• to work in regulated professions (doctor, teacher, engineer)
• in other Russian-speaking countries: Belarus, Kazakhstan and others

Requirements can differ in each case, so before ordering ask the receiving party for a written list of documents.

Diploma recognition in Russia: the general picture

Diploma recognition (sometimes called nostrification) is a state procedure that depends on the country, the level of education and the specialisation. In some cases it is enough to present the diploma and its translation to the employer; in others you must apply separately to an authorised body. Regulated professions usually require additional steps.

We do not give legal advice on recognition and cannot guarantee the outcome of the procedure. Our job is an accurate translation in an acceptable form. Check the current recognition requirements with the receiving university, the employer or the responsible body.

For example, Narek, a programmer, was joining a Moscow company. A notarized translation of his diploma was enough for the employer, and no separate recognition procedure was needed. His friend, a doctor, had to go through additional steps because medicine is a regulated profession.

Documents usually requested

• the diploma and its supplement, with a Russian translation
• a Russian translation of the passport
• if your name has changed, a marriage certificate or another supporting document
• sometimes a certificate from the university on the length of study or the programme

This is a general list. A specific body may ask for more or less.

Other Russian-speaking countries

In Belarus, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries, Russian is often accepted for official documents, but sometimes a translation into the local language may also be required. We work in the Armenian–Russian pair, so check in advance whether a Russian translation is sufficient for that country.

Soviet-era and new Armenian diplomas

In terms of language, Armenian diplomas fall into two groups, and what needs translating depends on this.

For example, Gagik graduated from the Yerevan Polytechnic Institute in 1987. His diploma was in Russian, and his Russian employer accepted it without a translation, with just a notarized copy. His daughter’s Armenian diploma from 2019, however, required a full notarized translation.

It also often happens that the diploma was issued under a maiden name, while the passport now shows a different surname. In that case the receiving party will also ask for a translation of the marriage certificate so that the link between the documents is clear. We translate it together with the diploma — see document translation.

If your diploma is partly in Russian, send us a scan and we will tell you exactly which parts are worth translating.

Names and specialisation titles

First name and surname

Armenian surnames can be written in different ways in Russian. For example, “Hovhannisyan” may become “Оганесян”, “Ованнисян” or “Оганисян”. If you already have Russian documents — a residence permit, a work permit, a Russian passport — send us a copy and we will use the same spelling. Even a one-letter difference can raise questions.

Specialisation and qualification

We translate the name of the specialisation exactly as it appears in the diploma and do not replace it with an “approximate” specialisation from the Russian classifier. Qualifications are translated with accepted equivalents: bachelor — «бакалавр», master — «магистр», certified specialist — «дипломированный специалист». The question of equivalence is decided by the receiving party.

Dates, numbers and grades

The diploma series and number, the date of issue, and the number and date of the state qualification commission’s decision are translated without any change. Grades are rendered as written, without conversion to another scale. These are the details the receiving party uses to verify the document, so our editor checks them against the original separately.

The university’s name

Many Armenian universities have been renamed over the years. In the translation we write the university’s name as it appears in your diploma and do not replace it with today’s name. If the receiving party does not understand which university it is today, it is best to obtain an official certificate of the renaming from the university and have it translated as well.

The supplement

Russian employers are often satisfied with the diploma itself, while universities and recognition bodies usually also want to see the supplement with subjects and hours. If you are not sure, it makes more sense to translate both at once than to go back to the notary later.

Notarized diploma translation into Russian

When a notarized translation is needed

Official bodies and universities in Russia usually require a notarized translation. It is made on the basis of the original or its notarized copy: the notary binds the translation to the document. So the diploma must physically reach our office — in person or by courier. We go to the notary ourselves; your presence is not required. More in notarized translation.

When a stamped translation is enough

If the employer only wants a preliminary look at your education, or the application is filled in online, a stamped translation is often enough. It is fully online: a stamped PDF from your scan, and a paper copy delivered in Yerevan or collected at our office.

When an apostille is needed

For educational documents, the apostille is issued by the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. Some CIS countries may not require an apostille, but this must be checked with the receiving party, not assumed. We do not issue apostilles, but we will advise you free of charge on the order of steps and translate the apostille text. More: how to get an apostille in Armenia.

If a Russian notary is required

Some Russian organisations accept a notarized translation made in Armenia, while others require the translation to be certified in Russia. This depends on the specific body. So before ordering, ask whether a translation certified in Armenia is acceptable. That way you avoid paying twice.

Not sure which option you need? Call +374 33 130371 or write on WhatsApp/Viber and we will help you ask the receiving party the right questions.

How we work and what it costs

1. You send a scan of the diploma and supplement for a quote.
2. We agree the spelling of names and the required form of certification.
3. For a notarized translation, you bring the original to our office or send it by courier.
4. We translate and check the figures, dates and names.
5. We take it to the notary and return the finished document.

The price of a diploma translation into Russian is calculated per standard page. Russian translation starts at 3,000 AMD per standard page (1,800 characters), and urgent orders are +50%. You will see the notary fee and the total price in the price calculator. More about the service on the Armenian–Russian translation page.

In the finished pack you receive the original or notarized copy, the Russian translation bound to it and the notary’s certification, and on request a PDF of the translation for your records.

Checklist before sending to Russia

• You have a written list of documents from the receiving party
• You have checked whether a notarized translation is needed or a stamped one is enough
• You have checked whether a translation certified in Armenia is acceptable
• Your surname is spelled as in your other Russian documents
• The specialisation is translated literally, without “adaptation”
• The supplement is translated too, if required
• You have checked whether an apostille is needed

Frequently asked questions

Does a Soviet diploma in Russian need to be translated?

If the diploma is entirely in Russian, a Russian translation is usually not needed, but Armenian stamps and notes may be translated. Check with the receiving party whether a notarized copy is enough.

Can I order a notarized diploma translation into Russian from a scan?

From a scan you can get a quote and a stamped translation. For a notarized translation the original or a notarized copy must reach our office, because the notary binds the translation to it.

How will my surname be written in Russian?

If you have Russian documents, we will write it the same way. If not, we will suggest the accepted version and agree it with you before going to the notary.

Do you guarantee recognition of the diploma in Russia?

No. The recognition decision is made by the receiving university, the employer or the authorised body. We provide an accurate translation; the procedural requirements must be checked with them.

What if certification by a Russian notary is required?

Ask the receiving party in advance whether a translation certified in Armenia is acceptable. If certification in Russia is required, it is done there, so checking in advance saves you time and money.

Moving to Russia and want your diploma translation into Russian to be right the first time? Send us a scan of the diploma and copies of your Russian documents if you have any, and we will get started. Call +374 33 130371 or write on WhatsApp/Viber, calculate the price in the online calculator, and find our address and hours on the contact page.

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