Official proof you graduated from your undergraduate program — the degree certificate, sometimes called the diploma. Required by most US grad programs.
Available at graduation; 1-3 weeks if requesting a certificate-in-lieu
Free at graduation; replacement copies typically cost GHS 200+ / ₦10,000+ / KSh 2,000+
Your university registrar
The formal certificate awarded at the conclusion of your Bachelor's degree, listing your full name, the degree (e.g. BSc Computer Science), the class of degree (First Class, Second Class Upper, etc.), and the date of conferment. Issued by your university at graduation.
Programs need to verify you actually finished your undergrad. The transcript shows the courses; the degree certificate confirms the credential was awarded.
Receive the certificate at your graduation ceremony, or collect it from the university registrar afterward if you missed the ceremony.
If you have not yet graduated at the time of application: request a certificate-in-lieu or "expected graduation" letter from your registrar. Most US programs accept this for now-graduated and final-year applicants.
Scan the certificate at high resolution (600 DPI minimum) — both sides if relevant.
For some programs / countries, get the certificate notarised or apostilled. Check program-specific requirements.
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