Recent graduates may experience some delays in receiving their final degree certificate from universities. If you’re one of them, you’re probably aware that it can limit your prospects for higher education and work. This is the sole reason why almost all colleges provide you the option of receiving a provisional certificate while you wait for your final degree certificate.
If you are wondering what a provisional certificate is, then read ahead. We have listed 5 important things you need to know about the same.
First, it is a temporary document that proves to a third party that you have completed your graduation. While some universities may provide a specific date until which this certificate is valid, most certificates do not mention it. Generally, these certificates are only valid until the final degree certificate has been issued.
Therefore, you may produce your provisional degree certificate along with your application form for higher education. Besides, you can also submit this certificate with your resume to prospective employers. But, mention that it is a temporary substitute for your final degree certificate, which is yet to be issued.
When claiming this certificate from your educational institution, you should always check whether your full name, the name of the institution, and the signatures of the higher authorities are present on it.
While you may already know the difference between the two, there is sometimes more than what meets the eye. Therefore, here is a list of all the differences for you to know.
If you are wondering how to submit an application for a provisional certificate, we have got you covered. The process of securing this certificate may differ depending upon the university, but there is one common step in all of them, and that is approaching the right authorities.
In most cases, you need to get in touch with the respective heads of departments of the university or the principal/dean. While some universities may be able to provide you with this certificate in just a few days (or even instantly), others might take a couple of months to process your application.
To know how to approach your university for this certificate, simply follow these steps –
On the other hand, some universities might have a ready-made application form that you need to fill and submit to get your provisional degree certificate.
If your university or college does not have any ready-made application form, then you will have to draft your own application letter. Make sure to address it to the head of your department or the head of your institution.
Here is a format that you can follow when drafting such an application letter.
Date: __/ __/ ____
Subject: Application for Issuance of Provisional Certificate
This is to bring to your kind notice that I, (full name), a student of (name of department), have completed the (name of the degree) for the academic year of (starting and ending year of the degree program).
I now wish to pursue higher education from (name of university or college)/apply for a job at (name of employer) and will therefore require a provisional certificate of graduation.
I would be greatly indebted to you if you could provide me with the same so that I can work on my academic/professional ambitions without much delay.
Thanking you in advance,
You can use this sample template, put in all the relevant details, and submit the letter to the respective authorities. After this, wait for at least two working days for a reply or an acknowledgment. Once you receive your provisional degree certificate, you can apply for jobs or even submit your application for higher studies in your field of interest.
However, you must remember that once your original degree certificate is issued, you must provide your employer or the educational institution with a copy of the same as a replacement for the provisional one.
If you feel we have missed out on mentioning some information on a provisional certificate, please let us know in the comments section.
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Q1. Can we get a provisional certificate online?
Answer- While most universities may not provide you with such a certificate online, some might entertain this request, given the circumstances.
Q2. Can a provisional certificate be attested?
Answer- Yes, such a certificate will need to be attested if you wish to use it to apply to foreign universities. You may also need to get this certificate attested if you want to apply for a student visa to study abroad.
Q3. When will a provisional certificate be issued?
Answer- When there is a delay in receiving the final degree certificate, your institution or university will normally issue a provisional certificate. Depending on which college you graduated from, the time it takes to receive this temporary certificate can range from 3 to 6 months.
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