Translation guide
A document proving completion of a course of study. In Japanese contexts, the most common equivalent is 卒業証明書, but the specific term depends on the level of education and formality.
A document certifying that someone has graduated from a school or program.
The standard, formal term for a graduation certificate. Used for universities, high schools, and other institutions.
Can I get a graduation certificate issued?
I need a graduation certificate for job hunting.
Often refers to the diploma itself, the decorative certificate given at the graduation ceremony. Can be used interchangeably with 卒業証明書 in some contexts, but 卒業証明書 is more explicitly a proof document.
I received my diploma at the graduation ceremony.
Specifically for high school (senior high school) graduation.
Specifically for university/college graduation.
The standard term for a university graduation certificate.
Can you issue a university graduation certificate in English?
For completion of a master's or doctoral program.
Used for graduate programs (master's, doctoral) rather than 卒業証明書, because 卒業 implies finishing an undergraduate or lower program. 修了 means completion of a course of study.
I need a certificate of completion for graduate school.
Specifically for a master's program completion certificate.
A document proving that a student is expected to graduate soon, often used for job applications before actual graduation.
Issued to students who have not yet graduated but are expected to. Very common in Japanese job hunting.
You need to submit a certificate of expected graduation to the company.
卒業証明書 is a formal certificate of graduation, often a simple document used for administrative purposes. 卒業証書 is the decorative diploma awarded at the ceremony. In many everyday situations, 卒業証明書 is the safer choice when referring to a 'graduation certificate' as proof of completion.
Graduation certificates are issued at the administrative office. Diplomas are conferred at the graduation ceremony.
When requesting a graduation certificate from a Japanese school, use 発行 (はっこう, issuance) or 交付 (こうふ, issuance/grant). For example: 卒業証明書を発行してください (Please issue a graduation certificate).
I requested my high school graduation certificate.
I submitted my master's program completion certificate.