How to Get College Transcripts for Studying Abroad

So you’ve found your dream study abroad experience — congrats! As you get ready to apply for the program, you’ll come across a few important documents you’ll need to submit. One of the big ones is your college transcript. 

If you’ve never requested an academic transcript before, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through what a transcript is, why it matters for study abroad, and how to get yours with ease.

What Is a College Transcript?

If you’ve never requested one before, the idea of getting your college transcript might sound a little intimidating — but don’t worry, it’s simpler than it seems. A college transcript is an official record of your academic history. It includes the courses you’ve taken, the grades you’ve earned, and sometimes other key details like your GPA or academic standing. It’s essentially a snapshot of your academic journey so far, printed or digitally certified by your college or university.

Why Do You Need Your College Transcript to Study Abroad?

Study abroad programs ask for your transcript to understand where you are in your academic career — whether you’re just out of high school, an undergraduate student, or recently graduated — and ensure you’re ready for the coursework you’ll encounter while traveling. It helps the admissions team confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements and gives them context for your academic background. More importantly, it shows that you’re serious about your studies — and ready to bring that same commitment to your experience abroad.

Both university-run and third-party study abroad programs typically require a transcript, but the reasons and processes may vary slightly.

• University-run programs often already have access to your academic records (especially if you’re studying abroad through your home institution), but they may still ask for an official or unofficial transcript as part of the application to verify eligibility, GPA minimums, or prerequisites for specific courses.

• Third-party programs (like Semester at Sea) don’t have automatic access to your academic history, so submitting a transcript is essential. It ensures you’re on track academically and that the program is a good fit.

In general, a transcript is almost always required to apply to study abroad — it’s a standard part of demonstrating your academic readiness.

Unofficial Transcript vs. Official Transcript — What’s the Difference?

While some study abroad programs accept both types of transcripts, others may have stricter requirements — so it’s always smart to double-check what your program needs before you request this document.

So what is the difference?

• An unofficial transcript is usually available to download directly from your student portal. It shows your full academic history but doesn’t come with the security features or official seal that some universities require for more formal processes.

• An official transcript is typically issued by your registrar’s office and either sent directly to a program or sealed in an envelope. Some schools charge a small fee or take extra time to process these, so plan ahead if you decide to go this route.

If you’re applying to Semester at Sea, you’ll be asked to upload a copy of your college transcript; the good news is, you can submit either an unofficial or official version. Both options are accepted, so go with whichever is easiest for you to access quickly.

How to Request Your College Transcript

Getting a copy of your transcript might sound like a hassle, but most schools make it fairly easy. There are a few different ways you can go about it.

The easiest option is usually through your student portal. Most colleges and universities let you request your transcript online with just a few clicks. Log in to your portal and look for a section related to academic records, transcripts, or the registrar. From there, you’ll likely be directed to a request form where you can choose between an unofficial or official version.

If online isn’t an option — or if you or your preferred program need a hard copy — you can also:

• Request a transcript by mail: Visit your school’s website for specific instructions and mailing addresses. You’ll likely need to print and fill out a request form, then send it along with any required payment.

• Pick up a copy in person: If you’re on campus or live nearby, you can stop by the Registrar’s Office or Office of Admissions to request your transcript directly. Some schools can print unofficial transcripts on the spot, while official ones might take a few days.

No matter how you request it, be ready to:

• Submit a transcript request form
• Pay a small fee (usually between $5 and $15)
• Provide proof of ID, especially if you’re requesting in person or by mail

The sooner you take care of it, the smoother your application process will be — and you’ll have one more item checked off your study abroad to-do list.

Tips for Obtaining Your College Transcript

Before you hit “submit” on your study abroad application, here are a couple of things to keep in mind when requesting your transcript:

• Plan ahead: Transcripts aren’t always delivered instantly. Depending on your school and the type of transcript you request, it could take several days or even a few weeks to process and send. Starting early gives you plenty of time to troubleshoot if anything unexpected comes up.

• Make sure you’re in good financial standing: Most colleges won’t release a transcript if you have any financial holds on your account. That could include unpaid tuition, parking tickets, overdue library fees, or any outstanding charges. If you’re unsure, log in to your student portal or contact your registrar’s office to confirm there’s nothing blocking your request.
  
• Double-check where to send it: If you’re submitting an official transcript directly to a third-party program, make sure you have the correct email address or mailing address. Sending it to the wrong place can cause delays or require you to reorder and potentially spend more money.

• Confirm processing times: Some schools process transcript requests daily, while others only send them out once or twice a week. Look for any posted timelines on your school’s website so you know what to expect — and don’t get caught off guard.

A little preparation can go a long way here. Taking care of these steps early helps you stay ahead of deadlines and keeps your application moving forward without delays.

Ready to Set Sail?

Requesting your college transcript is just one step toward an unforgettable study abroad experience. Once you’ve got it in hand, you’re that much closer to joining a global learning adventure like the one you’ll get with Semester at Sea. 

Still exploring your options? Take some time to check out our upcoming voyages and see where the world could take you next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to send an official transcript for Semester at Sea?

Nope! Semester at Sea accepts both unofficial and official transcripts. If downloading one from your student portal is quicker, go for it — that’s totally acceptable for your application.

If I’ve transferred schools, do I need multiple transcripts?

If you’ve taken classes at more than one college or university, study abroad programs may ask for transcripts from each institution. It’s a good idea to have those records ready in case they’re requested during the review process.

How long does it take to get a transcript?

It depends on your school and the method you choose. You can often download unofficial transcripts yourself instantly, while official transcripts might take several business days (or longer) to process and mail. Check with your registrar’s office for specific timelines.