Summary
Many international students applying to University of the People face delays or rejections because their academic documents are not properly translated into English.
UoPeople requires a "certified translation," which includes a signed Certificate of Accuracy from a professional translator; self-translated or machine-translated documents are not accepted.
Affordable options are available, with most reputable services charging between $20-$25 per page and delivering the certified documents within 24 hours.
To ensure acceptance and meet deadlines, students can use a trusted service like Bluente's certified translation, which provides human-certified translations for a flat rate of $25 per page.
You've been accepted to University of the People—congratulations! But now you're staring at an email requesting certified English translations of your high school diploma and transcripts. Your heart sinks as you think: "How much is this going to cost?" "Will they accept my translations?" "What if I miss the deadline?"
If you're feeling overwhelmed about document translations for UoPeople enrollment, you're not alone. Many international students find themselves caught off-guard by this requirement, with some even facing rejection because their documents were in Portuguese, Spanish, or other non-English languages.
One student shared their frustration on Reddit: "My transcript was translated by a translator and the diploma was translated by me but they didn't accept the diploma until I got it translated by a translator..." Another lamented, "The translation for the HS diploma alone cost me 10-11 hours of work so I don't want to pay only for it to be rejected."
This guide will help you navigate the often confusing world of certified translation services, focusing specifically on affordable options that UoPeople accepts. We'll compare costs, turnaround times, and even explore some lesser-known alternatives that might save you money without compromising quality.
Why a 'Certified' Translation is Non-Negotiable for UoPeople
Before diving into service options, it's crucial to understand what makes a translation "certified" and why UoPeople won't accept anything less.
A certified translation includes:
A word-for-word translation of your original document
A signed statement (a "Certificate of Accuracy") from the translator or translation company attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation
The translator's credentials and contact information
Universities like UoPeople require certified translations to ensure they're reviewing authentic and accurate representations of your academic records. Self-translated documents or basic translations without certification will almost always be rejected, costing you valuable time and potentially delaying your enrollment in important courses like UNIV 1101 or CS 1101.
As one student learned the hard way: "I read just before I submitted them that a certified translation was required, but I was dead broke and took a chance." Unfortunately, this approach rarely works and often creates more stress and expense in the long run.
Top Budget-Friendly Certified Translation Services (Comparison)
To help you make an informed decision, here's a comparison of reliable, affordable certified translation services that are widely accepted for academic purposes:
Service | Price Per Page | Standard Turnaround | Key Benefit for Students |
|---|---|---|---|
$25 | Within 24 hours | Flat-rate pricing, human-certified for academic use | |
Universal Translation Services | $20 (<200 words) | 24 hours | Offers a 10% student discount |
RushTranslate | $24.95 | Within 24 hours | Trusted by over 215,000 customers |
IEE | $60 | 1 business day | Specializes in educational documents |
A Deeper Look at Your Options
Bluente
Pricing: A competitive flat rate of $25 per page for certified translations.
Why it's good for UoPeople students: Bluente offers official translations completed by certified human linguists, ensuring accuracy for academic purposes. Their standard delivery within 24 hours helps meet tight UoPeople submission deadlines. They support over 50 languages and deliver in both PDF and Word formats to accommodate different submission requirements.
While Bluente is also known for their AI-powered document translation platform, their certified translation service specifically uses human translators to meet the strict requirements of educational institutions.
Visit Bluente Certified Translation
Universal Translation Services
Pricing: $20 per page for documents with fewer than 200 words. Custom quotes for longer documents at $0.10 per word.
Why it's good for UoPeople students: Universal Translation Services offers a 10% student discount, making it one of the most affordable options. They guarantee a 100% acceptance rate with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), which is a high standard that typically transfers well to university requirements.
Additional services: Notarization available for an extra $20 per document if needed for specific requirements.
Process: You'll receive digital certified copies via email in PDF format, which is acceptable for initial UoPeople document submission.
RushTranslate
Pricing: A flat rate of $24.95 per page, making budgeting straightforward.
Why it's good for UoPeople students: With over 65 languages translated by native-speaking professionals, RushTranslate is a reliable choice for international students from diverse backgrounds. Their streamlined process delivers most 1-3 page documents (like HS diplomas and transcripts) within 24 hours.
Additional services: Optional notarization ($19.95 per order) and expedited turnaround ($14.95 per page) for tight submission deadlines.
IEE (International Education Evaluations)
Pricing: $60 per page - a premium option.
Why it's good for UoPeople students: While more expensive, IEE specializes specifically in educational and legal documents, using ATA-certified translators (American Translators Association). This specialization can provide peace of mind for students concerned about rejection.
Process: Their straightforward online process includes: "1. Create Account and Upload, 2. Translation Process, 3. Receive Translation."
Alternative & Community-Based Resources
If the services above still stretch your budget too thin, consider these alternative resources:
Community Interpreter Services (CIS)
This non-profit organization employs certified human translators who are members of the American Translators Association and are fluent in over 90 languages. As a non-profit, their pricing is often more affordable, and revenue supports social services. Students must inquire directly for pricing, but it's worth exploring if cost is a major concern.
Visit Community Interpreter Services
American Translators Association (ATA) Directory
The ATA is a professional association for translators and interpreters. Their online directory allows you to search for individual certified translators by language and specialty. Contacting translators directly can sometimes result in lower prices than going through a large agency, though it requires more research and vetting on your part.
Your Pre-Submission Checklist for Success
To avoid the common pitfalls that cause document rejections and unnecessary stress, follow this checklist:
Double-Check UoPeople's Exact Requirements:
Are only certified translations needed, or are notarized translations required for certain documents?
Do documents need to bear an original seal?
Check if both your HS diploma and transcript are required or if just one will suffice initially
Verify Translator Credentials:
Ensure the service explicitly states their translations are "certified" and suitable for university admissions
Look for affiliations like the ATA or other professional translation associations
Check reviews specifically from other students who used the service for academic purposes
Get a Final Quote and Turnaround Time:
Before committing, confirm the total cost (including any additional fees)
Get a guaranteed delivery date in writing
Ask about their policy if your documents are rejected by UoPeople
Communicate with Your Advisor:
If you're worried about a submission deadline, contact your UoPeople advisor
They can provide guidance and potentially note your file if there are legitimate delays
Keep documentation of all communications regarding your document submission
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using Machine Translation or Translating It Yourself
Tools like Google Translate are never acceptable for official documents. As one student discovered, "they didn't accept the diploma until I got it translated by a translator." Even if you're fluent in both languages, universities require the objectivity and certification that only professional translators can provide.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Cheapest, Unverified Option
When students say, "I don't want to pay only for it to be rejected," they're expressing a valid concern. The cheapest option can become the most expensive if it results in rejection and delays. Look for services with clear certification guarantees and positive reviews from other students.
Mistake 3: Waiting Until the Last Minute
Certified translation typically takes at least 24 hours, and that's just the translation process. Allowing buffer time for unexpected issues is crucial, especially when your enrollment in courses like UNIV 1101 depends on timely document submission. When students worry, "if I miss it does it mean I'm out?" they're recognizing the high stakes involved.
The Test Alternative
Some students have mentioned, "I'd just rather take that test" as an alternative to document submission. While UoPeople does offer ability-to-benefit testing as an alternative pathway for admission in some cases, advisors often don't recommend this route without careful consideration. If you're exploring this option, discuss it thoroughly with your advisor to understand if it's appropriate for your situation.
Final Thoughts
Getting your documents translated for UoPeople doesn't have to drain your budget or cause unnecessary stress. By choosing a reputable and affordable certified translation service like Bluente, you can meet UoPeople's requirements with confidence.
Remember that proper document submission is just one step in your educational journey. Once this administrative hurdle is cleared, you can focus on what really matters: your studies and future success at University of the People.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a certified translation and why does UoPeople require it?
A certified translation is a word-for-word translation of a document that includes a signed "Certificate of Accuracy" from a professional translator or translation company. UoPeople requires this certification to ensure your academic records are authentic, accurate, and have been translated by an impartial, qualified third party, which is crucial for a fair admissions process.
How much does a certified translation for UoPeople typically cost?
You should expect to pay between $20 and $25 per page for a standard certified translation. Most high school diplomas and transcripts are one or two pages, so the total cost is often around $25-$50. Services like Bluente and RushTranslate offer competitive flat-rate pricing in this range, making them budget-friendly options for students.
How long does it take to get a certified translation?
Most services can deliver a certified translation within 24 hours for standard documents of 1-3 pages. This quick turnaround is ideal for meeting UoPeople's enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the delivery time before ordering, and consider services that offer expedited options if you're on a very tight schedule.
Can I translate my own high school diploma for UoPeople?
No, you cannot translate your own documents for university admission, even if you are fluent in English. UoPeople requires the objectivity and formal certification that only a professional, third-party translator can provide. Submitting a self-translated document will almost certainly result in rejection.
What happens if my translated documents are rejected by UoPeople?
If your translation is rejected, immediately contact the translation service you used. Reputable companies usually offer an acceptance guarantee and will work to fix any issues free of charge. You should also communicate with your UoPeople advisor to understand the specific reason for the rejection so it can be corrected promptly.
Is a notarized translation the same as a certified one?
No, they are different. A certified translation vouches for the accuracy of the translation, while a notarized translation verifies the identity of the person who signed the certification. For UoPeople admissions, a certified translation is typically all that is required. You usually do not need to pay extra for notarization unless specifically requested.