专科 vs 本科: How to Translate These Terms on Chinese Academic Certificates
- Ka Yee Meck
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever needed to translate a Chinese academic certificate into English – whether for studying abroad, applying for a job, or immigration purposes – you may have come across the terms 专科 and 本科.
At first glance, both refer to types of higher education in China. But they are not the same, and using the wrong translation can cause confusion or even harm your application.
In this guide, I’ll explain:
What 专科 and 本科 mean in the Chinese education system
The key differences between them
How to translate these terms accurately into English for UK, US, or Canadian contexts
Common mistakes to avoid
Understanding 专科 in China
专科 refers to a junior college or associate degree level of education in China.
Length of study: Usually 2–3 years after completing senior secondary school.
Focus: More vocational or technical in nature, with an emphasis on practical skills rather than academic research.
Institutions: Offered by higher vocational colleges (高等职业院校) and some universities.
Graduation certificate: Known as 专科毕业证书.
Possible English translations:
The thing to note is that (to my knowledge at least) there is, in fact, no standard translation for the term 专科.
Some common translations include:
“Junior College”
“Associate Degree” (more recognisable internationally, especially in the US and Canada)
“Diploma of Higher Education” (in UK contexts, though note it is not identical to the UK’s Level 5 qualification)
I’ve done a bit of research on Proz.com (the go-to website for freelance translators around the world) and found a few entries regarding the term 专科 in the “term search” database. The consensus appears to favour “Associate Degree” as the preferred translation (see screenshot).
However, this can, of course, depend on how the word 专科 is used in the source text.
As a general guideline, I recommend choosing the term that best matches the receiving country’s understanding, and keep it consistent throughout the document.
Understanding 本科 in China
本科 refers to undergraduate-level education – the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree.
Length of study: Usually 4 years (5–6 years for certain disciplines such as medicine).
Focus: Academic study in a specific discipline, preparing students for either employment or further study at master’s level.
Institutions: Offered by universities and colleges authorised to award bachelor’s degrees.
Graduation certificate: Known as 本科毕业证书.
Degree certificate: 学士学位证书 (Bachelor’s Degree Certificate) is a separate document.
Possible English translations:
“Bachelor’s Degree”
“Undergraduate Degree”
专科 vs 本科 – Key Differences
Here’s a table that summarises the key differences between 专科 and 本科 at a glance!
Feature | 专科 (Junior College / Associate Degree) | 本科 (Bachelor’s Degree) |
Length of Study | 2–3 years | 4–6 years |
Academic Level | Post-secondary but below bachelor’s | Undergraduate level |
Focus | Vocational / technical | Academic / professional |
Typical Next Step | Employment or upgrading to 本科 via 专升本 | Employment or postgraduate study |
International Equiv. | Associate degree / higher diploma | Bachelor’s degree |
Can I Translate My Certificate Myself?
In most cases – no.
If you are submitting your academic certificates to an official body such as a university, employer, the Medical Council of Canada, or the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates), they will almost always require a certified translation carried out by a professional translator.
While it may be tempting to save money by translating your certificate yourself – or running it through Google Translate – this is risky. A DIY translation is likely to be rejected, meaning you will have to pay again for a proper translation and potentially delay your application.
Working with a reputable translation agency or a certified translator ensures:
The translation meets official requirements for accuracy and format
The translator’s credentials are recognised by the authority reviewing your documents
You avoid misunderstandings caused by incorrect terminology
Yes, professional translation will cost more than a free online tool – but it will save you time, stress, and the headache of a rejected application.
Need a certified translation of your Chinese academic certificate?
I am a Chartered Linguist (Translation) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), with over 14 years of experience translating official documents for clients moving to the UK, US, and Canada.
📩 Get in touch to request a quote and ensure your translation meets the highest professional standards.
Comments