Are you a Pakistani student dreaming of pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Saudi Arabia? If so, you will likely need to have your degree and transcript translated into Arabic. Saudi universities require certified translation of academic documents as part of their admission process. In this guide, we explain where to get degree translation in Islamabad, what the attestation process entails, and how Lisan.pk can help you achieve a smooth, error‑free submission.
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in higher education, attracting international students with fully funded scholarships and world‑class universities. But to get accepted, your educational documents must be officially translated into Arabic and then attested by multiple authorities – both in Pakistan and in Saudi Arabia.
Why Your Degree and Transcript Must Be Translated into Arabic
Saudi universities and the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) require all foreign academic documents to be either in English or Arabic. Since most degrees and transcripts from Pakistan are in English or Urdu, they need certified Arabic translation before they can be submitted.
Key reasons for translation:
- To comply with Saudi Ministry of Education regulations
- To enable authentication by the Saudi Cultural Attache
- To satisfy university admission criteria
- To obtain a student visa
[!IMPORTANT] Documents issued in any language other than Arabic or English typically require certified translation before they are accepted by Saudi authorities.
Documents You Need for Saudi University Admission
To apply for a Master’s or PhD in Saudi Arabia, you will typically need the following documents:
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree certificate | Certified copy translated into Arabic |
| Academic transcript (all years) | Certified copy translated into Arabic |
| Master’s degree (for PhD applicants) | Certified copy translated into Arabic |
| Passport (valid for 6 months+) | Colour copy |
| English test score (IELTS/TOEFL) | As specified by the university |
| Letters of recommendation | As required |
| Medical report | Must be recent |
| Passport‑size photos | Saudi visa specifications |
Some universities also require a certified copy of the equivalency certificate from the Ministry of Higher Education if your qualification was obtained outside the Kingdom.
Lisan.pk – Your Trusted Partner for Certified Arabic Translation in Islamabad
When it comes to degree and transcript translation for Saudi universities, Lisan.pk is the name students in Islamabad trust. We specialise in certified, sworn Arabic translations of academic documents, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees, as well as complete transcripts. Our team understands the exact formatting and terminology required by Saudi Arabian universities and the Cultural Mission.
Why Choose Lisan.pk for Saudi University Documents?
- Certified translation with stamp & signature – Accepted by HEC, MOFA, Saudi Embassy, and Saudi universities.
- Arabic language specialists – Native‑level Arabic translators with experience in academic credential translation.
- Islamabad‑based – Easy document handling, with nationwide service available.
- Fast turnaround – We respect admission deadlines and offer urgent translation options.
- End‑to‑end guidance – We don’t just translate; we advise you on the attestation process and document preparation.
[!TIP] Always choose a translator who provides a certified translation with a stamp and signature, as Saudi universities and embassies will reject non‑certified versions. Lisan.pk guarantees both.
The 4‑Step Attestation Process for Saudi Arabia from Pakistan
Once your degree and transcript are translated into Arabic by Lisan.pk, they must go through a mandatory attestation process:
Step 1 – HEC Attestation
Your educational documents must first be attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan. HEC verifies that your degree is genuine and issued by a recognised institution.
- Timeline: 3–7 working days (normal) or 1–2 days (urgent).
Step 2 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation
Take your documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Islamabad. MOFA verifies the HEC stamp and adds its own attestation.
- Timeline: 2–5 working days.
Step 3 – Saudi Cultural Mission (Mosadaqa) Attestation
This is the most critical step. Your degree, transcript, and Arabic translations must be verified by the Saudi Cultural Attache through the online Mosadaqa system. Only regular (full‑time) degrees are accepted.
- Timeline: 2–6 weeks.
Step 4 – Saudi Embassy Attestation
The final step is attestation by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad. The embassy verifies all previous stamps and seals.
- Timeline: 3–7 days.
[!CAUTION] Start the attestation process at least 3–4 months before the admission deadline. Delays are common at the Mosadaqa stage.
Common Mistakes That Delay Saudi University Admission
Avoid these pitfalls to keep your application on track:
- Not translating documents into Arabic – Many students think English is sufficient. It is not.
- Using non‑certified translators – Only sworn translators like Lisan.pk are accepted.
- Waiting until the last minute – Attestation can take weeks.
- Applying with a distance learning degree – These are not eligible for Saudi attestation.
- Submitting incomplete documents – Missing one scan can cause immediate rejection.
Conclusion – Start Your Saudi University Journey with Lisan.pk
Getting your degree and transcript translated into Arabic in Islamabad is the first and most important step towards studying at a Saudi university. Partner with Lisan.pk for certified, accurate, and embassy‑accepted Arabic translations.
Ready to apply? 👉 Chat with an expert on our website or send us a message on WhatsApp at 0304-4296295 – we’re here to answer your questions and give you a free, no‑obligation quote. Let Lisan.pk handle the translation while you focus on your academic future in Saudi Arabia.
Need Expert Help with Your Documents?
Our Saudi scholarship consultants are ready to assist you with certified translations and attestation requirements. Get a response in minutes.
Written by Lisan.pk Editorial Team
Expert consultant at Lisan.pk specializing in international document legalization and translation services.
Related Articles
Translate Degree and Transcript into Arabic for Saudi University Admission
Applying to a Saudi university? Learn why certified Arabic translation of your degree and transcript is mandatory and how to get it done fast with guaranteed acceptance.
TranslationProfessional Arabic Translation Services in Pakistan: Accuracy You Can Trust
Discover why high-quality, professional Arabic translation services in Pakistan are essential for business, legal, and personal success in the expanding Arab markets.
TranslationNikah Nama Arabic Translation – Certified Marriage Certificate for Visa & Legal Use
A comprehensive guide to certified Nikah Nama Arabic translation in Pakistan, outlining why it's mandatory for family sponsorship, immigration, and legal use in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and the Gulf.