Benke Diploma Explained: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Translate It for the UK/US/Canada
- Ka Yee Meck
- 22 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Are you a Chinese university graduate, or an international student who has graduated from a Chinese university?
Are you planning to study, work, or move abroad?
Chances are you’ve come across the term “Benke diploma” – and may be wondering what exactly it means in an international context.
Let’s break it down in simple terms: what it is, why it matters, and how to get it translated properly so you don’t run into avoidable delays with universities, employers, or immigration authorities.
What Is a Benke Diploma?
In Chinese, “Benke” (本科 / běnkē) refers to a standard undergraduate-level programme, typically lasting four years. For certain degrees like medicine, the programme is often five or even six years long.
When students complete their Benke studies, they’re usually issued two documents:
本科毕业证书 (Benke/ Undergraduate Degree Graduation Certificate)
学士学位证书 (Bachelor’s Degree Certificate)
Together, these two form the official proof that a student has graduated and earned a recognised academic degree.
💡 Further reading: I’ve written a separate post that dives into the difference between a “diploma” and a “degree” – and how the term “diploma” can be confusing when translating Chinese education credentials.
💡 Further reading: I’ve also covered the dual certificate system (毕业证书 vs 学位证书) in more detail in another blog post. If you’re not sure whether you need to translate both documents – hint: you usually do – make sure to check out my blog post!
Is Benke Diploma Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree Abroad?
Short answer: Yes.
A Benke diploma is generally recognised as equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in countries like the UK, US, and Canada.
However – and this is important – you may still need to go through a credential evaluation process. Bodies like:
UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) in the UK
WES (World Education Services) in the U.S.
Or other local authorities depending on your destination
…may ask for supporting documents or official verifications.
If you studied medicine, your documents might need to be submitted to:
(Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates – they verify medical degrees for US licensure or exams)
(Medical Council of Canada – responsible for evaluating medical qualifications for practice in Canada)
These organisations are strict about formatting and accuracy – which brings us to the next point.
Why You Might Need a Benke Diploma Translated
If you’re planning to:
Apply for a postgraduate course in the UK, US, or Canada
Submit documents for immigration, permanent residency, indefinite leave to remain or visa applications
Register for a professional licence in medicine, law, or engineering
Apply for a job that requires credential verification
…then you’ll very likely be asked to submit a certified translation of your Benke diploma (and often your degree certificate 学位证书 too).
Why Certified Translation Matters
Most universities and institutions do not accept "DIY" or machine translations – even if the English seems “good enough.”
They require a certified translation from a qualified professional, which includes:
A signed and dated statement of accuracy
The translator’s credentials
Contact information in case verification is needed
If you order a certified translation from a translation agency, all the necessary paperwork for certification purposes should be provided by the agency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🛑 Using machine translation tools
They often miss context, especially when it comes to official stamps, handwritten notes, or formatting. I previously shared a blog post about how machine translation once translated 神外 (神经外科 or "neurosurgery" as "outside god" – oops!). Human expertise is not optional but essential!
🛑 Forgetting visual elements
Visual elements such as university logos and signatures must be included and translated. These details matter for verification!
🛑 Overly literal translation
While the translation should always be as closely aligned with the source text as possible, a word-for-word approach that’s still readable and grammatically correct in English is usually the most appropriate – not clunky machine-style translations that confuse more than clarify.
Tips for a Smooth Translation Process
✔️ Tell your translator where the document is going
Is it for the UK? Canada? The US? Even something as small as date formatting can vary — and that alone could make or break an application.
I recently had a client come back to me asking for a date format change because their document was going to the MCC (Medical Council of Canada), not ECFMG in the US – and the required formats are different!
A good reminder that even the tiniest details matter.
✔️ Send a clear scan/ photo
Make sure all corners and edges of the document are visible, with no cut-off seals, stamps, or text.
The clearer the scan, the better – so please use a high-resolution file format, and ensure the text is fully legible. Blurry or low-quality images can lead to delays (or worse, rejection), especially when official bodies need to verify every detail.
✔️ Include both certificates, if available
If you have both the 毕业证书 (Graduation Certificate) and the 学位证书 (Degree Certificate), send both. Many institutions require them as a set.
Need Help Translating Your Benke Diploma?
I’m a chartered and certified Chinese-to-English translator with over 14 years of experience, specialising in academic documents, certified translations, and applications to institutions across the UK, US, and Canada.
Whether you’re applying to a university, moving abroad, or navigating paperwork for your next big step, I’d be happy to help.
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