University translation for academic institutions
Universities, colleges and State bodies send us the documents that carry an international application from first enquiry to enrolment. University translation for these institutions means we translate, certify and format each file to hold up to CAO, NARIC, QQI, ISD and Erasmus+ scrutiny. Accuracy and terminology are decided once, then reused everywhere.
Who we work with
University translation is the work of making institutional records accurate and usable across recognition checks. We work with universities, technological universities, colleges, English-language schools, Irish-medium schools, adult education and FET bodies.
One learner's file passes several decision points. Names, dates and level names must match at each one. We agree the terminology once, then reuse it across the whole file.
Where translation meets recognition and compliance
Foreign qualifications are compared to NFQ levels through NARIC Ireland comparability statements. A mistranslated award title or level misleads the recognition decision.
QQI validates programmes, assures quality and certifies awards under the Quality Assurance and Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 2012. QQI still verifies and replaces awards from the legacy bodies FETAC, HETAC, NCVA and NCEA.
TrustEd Ireland codes of practice now govern international learner protection. English-language education providers face statutory quality assurance for the first time.
Documents for use abroad need certified translation and notarisation. Where the destination requires an apostille, we tell you and point you to the DFA or the relevant embassy. For a fee, we handle that step.
The deadlines and seasons that shape the work
CAO applications close on 1 February. The advice is to enquire before mid-December.
Erasmus+ mobilities run on academic calendars. Learning agreements must be signed before mobility starts. September and January are the peak months.
Study-visa windows and graduation certification runs fill the rest of the year. A missed deadline can cost a student a year and an institution a cohort.
How we work with institutions
Every file runs the same ISO 17100-compliant process: translation, editing and proofreading, with 6-eyes QA.
- Terminology management: one glossary and one translation memory per client. Both are reused across every document in a learner's file, from transcript to NARIC to visa.
- Format-aware delivery for Erasmus+ digital workflows: structured data fields, XLIFF and DOCX, with ECTS terminology handled consistently.
- Certified translation and notarisation. We advise whether an apostille is needed and point you to the DFA or the relevant embassy. For a fee, we handle the step.
- Native Irish-language linguists deliver bilingual EN/GA layout for Irish-medium schools.
- Prospectus and course content can run on machine translation with defined post-editing, light or full, with CMS-ready output.
Standards and framework credentials
Our capability is documented and auditable. Each item below is verifiable.
- OGP Irish Language Translation Services framework participant (Lots 1 & 2).
- ISO 9001, ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 certified since 2021.
- Sector fluency in QQI, NARIC, NFQ and ECTS. This covers the legacy awarding bodies FETAC, HETAC, NCVA and NCEA, whose awards are still verified.
How a project runs
The project starts with scope and terminology agreement, then moves through translation, editing and proofreading to formatting. The delivery package includes your translation memory and your glossary. You own both, and you reuse them on every file and project that follows.
Capacity is planned around the CAO, Erasmus and graduation peaks, so deadlines are met rather than chased.
Handoffs are defined at each stage. One invoice covers each project.
Frequently asked questions
Can you meet our CAO or visa application deadline?
Yes. Work is scheduled around the February and August peaks, with the CAO enquiry window before mid-December. Deadlines are planned rather than chased.
How do you keep terminology consistent across a student's whole file?
A per-client glossary and one translation memory are reused from transcript to NARIC to visa. Level names and award titles match everywhere in the file.
Will the translation be accepted for NARIC comparability or QQI verification?
Certified translation carries 100% verification of proper nouns and NFQ/ECTS terminology, on the ISO 17100 process. Where the destination requires an apostille, we advise and point you to the DFA or the relevant embassy. Acceptance decisions rest with the competent authority. NARIC statements are advisory.
Do you handle certified translation and the DFA apostille in one go?
Yes. We tell you whether an apostille is needed and point you to the DFA or the relevant embassy. For a fee, we handle the step, with one invoice for the full file.
How do you protect confidential student documents?
Student files are handled under GDPR obligations, with EU-only handling and secure transfer. Sensitive documents such as bank statements and police clearances get the same treatment as clinical data.
Do you use machine translation?
Yes, for marketing content, with defined post-editing, light or full. Certified records and recognition documents stay on the full human ISO 17100 process.
Talk to us about your next intake
Talk to us about your next intake or application cycle. The conversation is tender-ready. We can discuss a document set, a deadline, framework participation or a preferred-supplier list. There is no obligation.