Olena scored 186 on her NMT math exam, translated her school certificate and transcript, submitted everything to the Technical University of Munich through uni-assist - and got a request back: “Please submit your NMT certificate with a certified translation.” She was sure NMT results were only needed for Ukrainian universities. Turns out - no. By the time she ordered the transcript from UCEQA and got a sworn translation done, the application deadline had passed. An entire semester lost because of one document nobody warned her about.
If you’re planning to study abroad after graduating from a Ukrainian school or after your first year at a Ukrainian university - let’s figure out who needs a translated ZNO/NMT certificate, where to get it, how much it costs, and how to avoid Olena’s mistake.
ZNO vs NMT: what are they and what’s the difference¶
ZNO (zovnishnie nezalezhne otsiniuvannia, or External Independent Evaluation) is a standardized test that Ukrainian high school students took from 2008 to 2021. Think of it as Ukraine’s version of the SAT or A-levels. ZNO results were the primary basis for university admission and came as a separate certificate with scores on a 100-200 scale.
In 2022, after Russia’s full-scale invasion, ZNO was replaced by NMT (natsionalnyi multypriedmietnyi test, or National Multi-Subject Test). The format changed: instead of separate exams per subject, students take one combined test in a single day. In 2026, NMT follows a “3+1” formula: three mandatory subjects (Ukrainian language, mathematics, History of Ukraine) plus one elective (foreign language, biology, geography, physics, chemistry, or Ukrainian literature).
The minimum threshold for admission is 100 points per subject on the 100-200 scale. Score below that on even one subject, and your entire results are invalid.
For 2026 admissions, NMT results from 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 are accepted. Old ZNO certificates (pre-2021) still hold legal validity but can no longer be used for Ukrainian university admission - only for foreign institutions.
Does it matter for a foreign university?¶
From a foreign university’s perspective, there’s no fundamental difference between ZNO and NMT - both confirm a graduate’s knowledge level. But here’s the catch: the certificate format and scoring system differ, so the translator needs to accurately convey the test name, structure, and point scale. If the translation is off and the admissions office can’t figure out what the document is - they’ll ask you to redo it.
Who needs a translated ZNO/NMT certificate: country breakdown¶
This is where things get interesting - because requirements vary wildly by country. Some require the NMT certificate, some don’t care about it at all, and some want to see it but won’t make it a deal-breaker. Let’s go through them.
Germany¶
The most complex scenario. When applying through uni-assist, you need:
- Certificate of complete secondary education with transcript
- NMT/ZNO certificate with translation
- If you haven’t completed at least one year at a Ukrainian university - you’ll be directed to a Studienkolleg (preparatory college)
Uni-assist accepts translations from Ukraine only if the translator’s signature is notarized by a Ukrainian notary. Alternatively, you can get a sworn translation done in Germany by a beeidigter Übersetzer (a translator who has taken an oath in court and is authorized to certify translations). The second option is more reliable - you won’t run into any issues.
A sworn translation of an NMT certificate in Germany costs 30 to 60 euros, depending on volume and language pair. According to ukraineberatung.de, the minimum order is 30 euros, and the standard rate is about 1.25 euros per 55 characters.
Poland¶
Depends on the type of institution. Private universities generally don’t require the NMT certificate and don’t even factor it into their scoring. Public universities, however, may ask for the NMT certificate as a PDF. According to StudyHelp, admission to a public Polish university requires a ZNO/NMT certificate and proof of language proficiency.
If you need a Polish translation - a notarized translation runs 200-500 UAH for the translation plus 250-420 UAH for notarization. Or you can order a sworn translation from a tłumacz przysięgły (sworn translator in Poland) - from 30 to 50 PLN per page.
Czech Republic¶
Much simpler. Virtually all Czech universities accept Ukrainian applicants without a ZNO/NMT certificate. You just need your certificate of complete secondary education with a transcript. That said, having an NMT certificate can still be a plus when your application is being reviewed.
France, Croatia, Greece¶
NMT certificate is formally required. For France, you need a sworn translation (traduction assermentée), which can only be done by a translator registered with the Cour d’appel. Price: 30 to 50 euros per document.
USA and Canada¶
ZNO/NMT results don’t have a direct equivalent in the American or Canadian system - they aren’t converted to SAT or ACT scores. But they might be needed as part of a credential evaluation package through WES or other NACES members. Some universities ask for all educational documents, including standardized test results. If they ask - you need a certified English translation.
United Kingdom¶
Most UK universities don’t require the NMT certificate, but some may request it as a supplementary document. The translation must be done by a professional translator and include a statement of accuracy. NARIC recognizes Ukrainian educational documents.
| Country | NMT/ZNO certificate | Translation type | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Usually required | Sworn (beglaubigte Übersetzung) | €30-60 |
| Poland (public) | Required | Sworn or notarized | 200-500 UAH + notarization |
| Poland (private) | Not required | - | - |
| Czech Republic | Not required | - | - |
| France | Required | Sworn (traduction assermentée) | €30-50 |
| USA/Canada | On university request | Certified | $20-50 |
| United Kingdom | On university request | Professional with declaration | £20-40 |
NMT results transcript: how to get the official document¶
A lot of people think that printing out the PDF from their UCEQA account is enough. For some universities - sure. But most serious institutions want an official document with a signature and seal. This is called a “transcript of NMT results” - a document signed by the director of UCEQA (Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment) and stamped with the institution’s seal.
How to order¶
You can only order the transcript through the electronic form on the UCEQA website: my.testportal.gov.ua/extracts. There’s no other way - not by phone, not by email, not in person.
According to Ukrainska Pravda:
The transcript of NMT results will be prepared free of charge within five business days in accordance with Ukraine’s law “On Citizens’ Appeals.”
So it’s free and takes up to 5 business days. But there’s a catch: delivery outside Ukraine isn’t available. You can receive the transcript via Ukrposhta (free) or Nova Poshta (at your own expense) - but only within Ukraine. If you’re already abroad, you’ll need to arrange pickup through someone you trust back home.
What the transcript contains¶
The transcript includes:
- Full name of the test participant
- Certificate number and issue date
- Results for each subject (raw score and score on the 100-200 scale)
- Year the test was taken
- Director of UCEQA’s signature and seal
This is the document you take to the translator. Note: the transcript is in Ukrainian. For submission abroad, you need it translated into the relevant language - and not just any translation, but one certified in whatever form the target country requires.
How to properly translate a ZNO/NMT certificate¶
Translating a ZNO/NMT certificate isn’t just moving text from one language to another. There are specific terms and nuances that a bad translation can turn into real problems.
What to watch for¶
Test name. NMT translates as “National Multi-Subject Test” (English), “Nationaler Multifachtest” (German), “Test national multi-matières” (French). ZNO is “External Independent Evaluation” or “External Independent Testing” (English), “Externe unabhängige Bewertung” (German). If the translator wrote “External exam” or just “test results” - that’s inaccurate and will raise questions.
Scoring scale. 100-200 points is Ukraine’s specific scale. The translator should render it literally, without trying to convert to GPA or ECTS. Conversion is the job of a credential evaluation service, not the translator. The translation should read: “Score: 186 out of 200 (on a scale of 100-200).”
Subject names. “Українська мова” is Ukrainian Language, not just “Ukrainian.” “Історія України” is History of Ukraine, not “Ukrainian History” (these mean different things in English-language academia). “Математика” is Mathematics, not just “Math.”
Name transliteration. Your name in the translated certificate MUST match your passport. If your passport says “Olena” but the translation says “Yelena” or “Helena” - that’s a formal discrepancy. Check immediately.
Types of translation¶
Depending on the country, you’ll need one of these:
- Notarized translation (Ukraine) - translator does the translation, a notary certifies the translator’s signature. Cost: from 200 UAH for the translation + 250-420 UAH for notarization. Works for Poland and some other countries
- Sworn translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung, traduction assermentée) - translation by a translator who has taken an oath in court and has an official seal. Cost: 30 to 60 euros. Required for Germany, France, Belgium
- Certified translation - translation with the translator’s declaration of accuracy and completeness. Cost: $20-50 or £20-40. Works for the USA, Canada, UK
As uni-assist states:
You must submit all copies of your certificates in their original language, accompanied by a certified translation in German or English.
If you’re short on time and don’t want to deal with the nuances - upload your certificate to ChatsControl and get a translation in minutes. The AI translator will correctly handle all terms, subject names, and the scoring system, and then an AI critic will verify accuracy 2-3 times.
Score conversion: how NMT translates to GPA and ECTS¶
Here’s the key thing to understand: there’s no direct conversion between NMT/ZNO scores and GPA or ECTS. These are different systems for different purposes. NMT is an entrance exam, GPA is a cumulative academic average, and ECTS is a credit system for measuring study workload.
According to Nuffic (the Dutch organization for evaluating foreign qualifications), Ukraine’s school system uses grades from 1 to 12, divided into four levels:
| Ukrainian grade | Level | Approximate US equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 | High | A / A+ |
| 7-9 | Sufficient | B / B+ |
| 4-6 | Average | C / C+ |
| 1-3 | Initial | D / F |
NMT scores (100-200) are a separate scale that doesn’t equal school grades or GPA. Foreign universities typically treat NMT scores as a supplementary indicator, focusing primarily on the school certificate and grade average.
Pro tip: if a university asks you to convert your scores to GPA - don’t do it yourself. Use an official credential evaluation service like WES, ECE, or other NACES members. They’ll do it correctly and issue a recognized report.
Duplicate and restoration of ZNO/NMT certificates¶
A separate headache - when your certificate is lost or destroyed. Because of the war, this has unfortunately become common.
If you have access to your account¶
Go to my.testportal.gov.ua and download the electronic version of your certificate. It has the same legal validity as the paper one. For some universities, this is enough - but most will still need the official transcript (see section above).
If you need a paper duplicate¶
You can order a duplicate ZNO certificate from the UCEQA website. Submit an application explaining the reason (loss, damage, name change). Processing time: up to 30 days. The service is free.
If your documents were destroyed because of the war - there’s a simplified restoration procedure. We wrote about this in detail in What to do if your Ukrainian documents were destroyed or lost due to war.
Pitfalls: 5 mistakes applicants keep making¶
Here are the typical errors I see over and over:
1. Not ordering the transcript early enough. Five business days is the best case. During peak season (May-July), it can take longer. Add delivery time. Add translation time. Start the process at least a month before your deadline.
2. Getting the wrong type of translation. A notarized translation from Ukraine isn’t always accepted in Germany. Uni-assist explicitly states: translations from Ukraine are accepted only if the translator’s signature is notarized by a Ukrainian notary. A sworn translation done in Germany is the safer bet.
3. Forgetting about transliteration. Your name in the certificate translation must match your passport. “Юлія” could be “Yuliia,” “Yulia,” or “Julia” depending on the transliteration system. Make sure the translation and passport match.
4. Trying to convert scores on their own. Writing in the application “my NMT score 186/200 = GPA 3.8.” That’s wrong - these systems don’t convert directly. The university or credential evaluation service will handle it.
5. Submitting only the PDF from their account. Some universities accept it, others don’t. Always check the specific university’s website to see if they need an original transcript or certified copy.
Step-by-step plan: from NMT to applying abroad¶
So you don’t miss anything - here’s a concrete checklist:
Step 1: Check university requirements (2-3 months before deadline) - Visit the university’s website or uni-assist and verify whether the NMT/ZNO certificate is needed - Find out which type of translation they accept (sworn, notarized, certified)
Step 2: Order transcript from UCEQA (1.5-2 months before) - Fill out the form at my.testportal.gov.ua/extracts - Choose delivery method - If you’re abroad - arrange pickup through someone in Ukraine
Step 3: Get the translation done (1-1.5 months before) - Find a translator of the right type for your target country - Verify that name transliteration matches your passport - Check the accuracy of the test name and scoring system in the translation
Step 4: Get the translation certified (2-4 weeks before) - For Germany: beglaubigte Übersetzung from a sworn translator, or notarial certification of the translator’s signature - For France: traduction assermentée from a translator registered with the Cour d’appel - For USA/Canada: certified translation with declaration
Step 5: Submit your documents - Double-check the completeness of your package - Keep copies of all documents and translations
Total budget for translating and certifying an NMT certificate: from 450-700 UAH (notarized translation in Ukraine) to 30-60 euros (sworn translation in Germany/France).
When you definitely don’t need the NMT¶
There are situations where the NMT certificate doesn’t matter at all:
- Applying after your bachelor’s. If you already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and you’re applying for a graduate program abroad - nobody cares about your high school test results. You need your diploma with translation and Diploma Supplement
- Czech Republic, Slovakia - most universities accept students without NMT
- Many private universities in Poland and other EU countries - they have their own entrance exams
- Language courses and preparatory programs (Studienkolleg, foundation year) - usually require only the school certificate
But even when NMT isn’t mandatory - a high score can work in your favor. Some universities factor it in as an additional indicator during competitive selection.
FAQ¶
Do I need to translate my ZNO certificate if I took the NMT?¶
If you took the NMT - translate that one. The ZNO certificate is only needed by those who took exams before 2022 and don’t have NMT results. Both documents have equal legal validity; the difference is just the format.
How much does it cost to translate an NMT certificate?¶
In Ukraine, a notarized translation runs 200-500 UAH for the translation plus 250-420 UAH for notarization. In Germany, a sworn translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) costs 30 to 60 euros. In Poland, a sworn translation is 30 to 50 PLN per page.
Can I submit the electronic PDF certificate instead of a paper one?¶
Depends on the university. Some accept the electronic version, others require the official transcript with UCEQA’s signature and seal. Always check the specific university’s website. For applications through uni-assist, a certified copy is required.
How do I convert NMT scores to GPA?¶
There’s no direct conversion. NMT scores (100-200) and GPA (0-4.0) are different systems for different purposes. For an official conversion, use a credential evaluation service like WES, ECE, or IQAS. Don’t try to calculate it yourself - the university might not accept your numbers.
Where do I find a sworn translator for translating my NMT into German?¶
The official registry of sworn translators in Germany is justiz-dolmetscher.de. Look for a translator with the Ukrainian-German language pair. You can also use the BDÜ directory (Bundesverband der Dolmetscher und Übersetzer).
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