A university transcript is the official record of your academic history — every course you took, the grades you earned, and the degree you were awarded. Whether you are applying for a job, a postgraduate programme, or a visa in the UAE, you will often be asked to produce one. This guide explains How to Request a University Transcript step by step, how long it takes, what it typically costs, and how to get it attested for official use.
Transcripts are issued by the university’s registrar or student records office, and most UAE universities now handle requests online through a student portal or a dedicated request form.
Quick Answer
To request a university transcript, log in to your university’s student/alumni portal (or the registrar’s online request form), select “official transcript,” choose how you want it delivered (electronic, sealed hard copy, or sent directly to an institution), pay the fee, and wait for processing. Most UAE universities process transcript requests within 3 to 10 working days. If the transcript is for use with a UAE government authority or employer, you will usually need it attested afterwards.
How to Request a University Transcript: Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm where to apply
Transcripts are issued by the Office of the Registrar (sometimes called Student Records or Academic Registry). Go to your university’s website and search for “transcript request” — you will find either an online portal for current students and alumni, or a request form you can submit by email or in person. If you studied outside the UAE, the same rule applies: the degree-awarding university is the only place that can issue the official record.
Step 2: Choose the transcript type
Universities generally offer two versions:
- Official transcript: printed on security paper or sent as a certified electronic file, stamped and sealed by the registrar. This is what employers, other universities, and government authorities ask for.
- Unofficial transcript: a plain printout or portal download for your own reference. It is faster and often free, but it is not accepted for official purposes.
Always request the official version when the transcript will be submitted anywhere formal. Our guide on how to verify a university transcript explains how recipients confirm an official transcript is genuine.
Step 3: Decide on the delivery method
- Electronic delivery: the fastest option — a secure digital transcript sent to your email or directly to the receiving institution. Many universities use certified e-transcript services that let the recipient verify the document online.
- Direct to institution: the registrar sends the transcript straight to the university or employer requesting it. This is the most trusted format because it never passes through the applicant’s hands.
- Sealed hard copy: a paper transcript in a sealed, stamped envelope. Open the envelope and it is no longer considered official — hand it over sealed.
- In-person collection: some universities still require you (or an authorised representative with a letter of authorisation and ID copies) to collect the document from the registrar’s counter.
Step 4: Provide identification and details
You will typically need your full name as enrolled, student ID number, dates of attendance, programme and degree, and a copy of your Emirates ID or passport. If someone else is requesting on your behalf, most universities require a signed authorisation letter — registrars do not release academic records to third parties without the graduate’s consent.
Step 5: Pay the fee
Transcript fees vary by university. In the UAE, a standard official transcript typically costs between AED 50 and AED 200 per copy, with express processing and international courier charged extra. Fees are set by each institution, so check the registrar’s published fee schedule on the university website before you apply — never rely on a fee quoted on a third-party site.
Step 6: Track and receive
Keep your request reference number and the payment receipt. Standard processing is usually 3 to 10 working days; express services, where offered, can deliver within 1 to 3 working days for an additional charge. If you also need a replacement for a lost degree certificate, the process is similar — see our guide on how to get a duplicate degree certificate.
Official vs. Unofficial Transcripts at a Glance
| Feature | Official transcript | Unofficial transcript |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Registrar’s office, stamped and sealed | Student portal download or printout |
| Accepted by employers and universities | Yes | Usually no |
| Accepted by UAE government authorities | Yes (often with attestation) | No |
| Cost | Fee per copy | Usually free |
| Processing time | 3–10 working days typically | Instant |
Getting Your Transcript Attested for Use in the UAE
A transcript issued inside the UAE is normally ready to use once it carries the university’s stamp — though some authorities may ask for additional attestation. A transcript issued outside the UAE almost always needs attestation before UAE employers or government departments will accept it:
- Home-country attestation: the transcript is first attested by the education authorities and foreign ministry of the issuing country.
- UAE embassy attestation: the UAE embassy or consulate in that country attests it next.
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation: final attestation happens in the UAE.
This chain is the standard route for foreign-issued academic documents used in the Emirates. The full procedure, including where to submit and what it costs, is covered in our UAE document attestation process guide. If any part of your transcript is not in English or Arabic, you will also need a certified translation — see the UAE legal translation requirements.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Outstanding fees are blocking your request
Universities routinely withhold transcripts until tuition balances, library fines, and other dues are cleared. Check your student account for any outstanding balance and settle it before requesting — this is the single most common cause of transcript delays.
You graduated years ago and cannot access the portal
Contact the registrar’s office directly by email with your full enrolled name, student ID (if you remember it), programme, and graduation year. Alumni records are kept permanently, but older files may take longer to retrieve.
The receiving institution wants the transcript sent directly
This is normal for postgraduate admissions and professional licensing. Choose the “send to institution” option on the request form and provide the exact recipient name, department, and address — a transcript sent to the wrong office can add weeks of delay.
Your name on the transcript does not match your passport
Name mismatches cause rejections at attestation and visa stages. If your legal name changed after graduation (for example, after marriage), request a name-correction or carry the legal documents proving the change, such as a marriage certificate. Keep your documents consistent — our university document checklist helps you organise everything in one place.
You need the transcript urgently
Ask the registrar about express processing and electronic delivery — an e-transcript sent directly to the recipient is usually the fastest legitimate route. Be wary of any third party promising “instant attested transcripts”; only the issuing university can produce a genuine record.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get a university transcript in the UAE?
Standard processing is typically 3 to 10 working days from a complete request, depending on the university. Express services can reduce this to 1 to 3 working days where available. Attestation, if needed, adds further time on top.
How much does a university transcript cost?
Fees are set by each university and typically range from around AED 50 to AED 200 per official copy in the UAE, with extra charges for express processing or international courier. Always check the registrar’s official fee schedule on the university’s website.
Can someone else collect my transcript for me?
Usually yes, with a signed authorisation letter from you plus copies of both your ID and theirs. Some universities have their own authorisation form — check the registrar’s page before sending someone to the counter.
Is an electronic transcript as valid as a paper one?
A certified electronic transcript sent through the university’s official e-transcript system is an official document and is widely accepted. A simple PDF you downloaded yourself from the student portal is unofficial and generally not accepted for formal purposes.
Do I need my transcript attested to get a job in the UAE?
Many UAE employers — and government-related hiring processes — require attested academic documents, especially for degrees earned abroad. Check with the employer first, but getting the attestation done early avoids delays in onboarding or visa processing.
What is the difference between a transcript and a degree certificate?
The transcript is the detailed record of courses and grades; the degree certificate (or diploma) is the formal document confirming the award of the degree. Most official processes ask for both. If you need the certificate document itself, request it from the same registrar’s office — the process is very similar to requesting a transcript.
The Bottom Line
Requesting a university transcript is a simple administrative task as long as you go through the right channel: the registrar’s office of the university that awarded your degree. Choose the official version, clear any outstanding dues first, pick direct-to-institution delivery when it is offered, and arrange attestation early if the transcript will be used with UAE authorities or employers. Done in that order, the whole process is smooth and predictable.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.