At the end of your program, The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University will send an official Arcadia University transcript to your home school and an unofficial copy to you. Additional copies of your transcript can be ordered online or in writing at any time from the Arcadia University Registrar's Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Will I Receive My Transcript?

Because overseas universities have different administrative structures, transcripts are not usually issued as quickly as they are in the US. While the timeline varies by program, transcripts are issued generally by the following dates:

  • Summer programs – late September
  • STEM summer programs – early to mid-October
  • Academic Year Southern Hemisphere and Fall programs – late March
  • Academic Year and Spring programs – late September

Transcripts are processed on a rolling basis, in the order they are received by Arcadia University across all programs. Processing time is typically within 4-6 weeks from when official documentation is received. The above dates are presented as a guide only. You will likely have your transcript before the end date listed, but occasionally some take longer to receive from overseas and to be processed.

special note for arcadia+ and virtual global internship students

For students taking courses at an Arcadia Center combined with host institution courses, or participating in a Virtual Global Internship option alongside host institution courses. 

Please note that host institution transcripts arrive later than Arcadia Center grades. In both of the above scenarios, your final transcript is released when we receive all components of your record. This means that your transcript will issue later than a program transcript with all Arcadia-Center-based courses.

What If I Need It Faster?

We understand it is difficult when you need a transcript and you have a deadline. However, advance planning is key, and we want to ensure all students receive their transcripts as quickly as possible.

If you have a documented special circumstance that requires you to receive your transcript earlier than the above guidelines, we will endeavor to accommodate it. A special circumstance includes financial aid disbursement, scholarship eligibility, employment or other similar situations. Please note that this is a request, and may not be possible to fulfill.

Please share the documentation noting the deadline in order for your request to be considered. It may be helpful to note that an expedited transcript query is a request, and factors beyond Arcadia's control mean that it may not be possible to fulfill. We will do our best to assist. 

From Spring 2024 onward, expedited transcript requests must be received by the following dates prior to or during your period of overseas study (not afterward) so that we can properly manage your record in the process queue.

We have created deadlines because the process of preparing individual rush requests is distinct from the batch process that serves a larger number of students and we try to use the individual process sparingly to ensure the greatest number of records are produced in the shortest possible amount of time. We appreciate your understanding of this distinction. 

In order to preserve equity in the transcription process, requests for expedited transcripts will be evaluated individually. Requests which include support from students' home schools (eg. advisor requests, affirmation of upcoming graduation, etc) will be favorably considered. 

Expedited Transcript Request Deadlines

  • Spring and Academic Year Southern Hemisphere  - March 10
  • Summer - July 10
  • Fall and Academic Year - October 15

Address all correspondence regarding expedited transcripts to tcgsregistrar@arcadia.edu. Requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Expediting refers to the process of priority processing the transcript once Arcadia receives official academic documentation from your program. It is critical that you inform Arcadia of the need for a rush transcript well in advance.

Can I Get an Electronic Copy?

Arcadia Abroad sends a secure, unofficial electronic student copy to you. Watch the primary email you shared with Arcadia for your copy. Official electronic copies are available through the Arcadia University Registrar's Office.

What if my Home School Does Not Receive My Transcript?

While it doesn’t happen very often, email tcgsregistrar@arcadia.edu and we can tell you when and where it was sent. If it is established that your transcript went missing, we simply issue another copy. Please allow for mailing and processing times.

How are Transcripts SENT to my home school? 

Arcadia sends an electronic scan of your record to the designated contact(s) at your home school. Most home schools accept electronic copies. For those home schools that require a mailed copy, transcripts are sent through Arcadia University’s Mail and Print Services via regular, first-class US Mail in a window envelope with the address showing through the window. This is initiated on your behalf by Arcadia once your transcript is prepared. Please note that Arcadia does not have any control over when your home school processes the Arcadia University transcript from your program.

What Does my Transcript Look Like?

Your transcript is issued in the name that appears on your passport. It will list the course numbers and titles exactly as they appear on the original transcript from the university or program which you attended. The credits and grades will be translated as posted on the program courses page.

How Do You Translate Credits and Grades?

Credits and grades will be translated into US semester hours and a 4.0 grade scale based on the program information you received at orientation, which is also available on the website. Please refer to your program’s course page for the grade scale that pertains to your specific Arcadia program transcript.

Can I Dispute One of My Grades?

Email tcgsregistrar@arcadia.edu so we can ensure that grades and credits were accurately translated and recorded. If they were, and you attended a program at an Arcadia Center, and still wish to dispute a grade, we can provide you with a petition form to complete. If you attended a direct-enroll institution, you will need to contact your host institution instructor and/or international office directly, depending upon your host institution's process. Please copy us on any correspondence regarding a grade dispute so we may follow up on your behalf.

A Grade was Changed, or I’ve Completed a Re-sit, How Long Do I Have to Wait for my New Transcript?

When we are aware you have a grade change pending, we will continue to follow up until we receive updated documentation. This can take time. We will stay in touch with you and are happy to answer any questions you have along the way.

Further Questions

If you have questions, please email tcgsregistrar@arcadia.edu or contact Rose Koch, Academic Records and Systems Manager, at kochr@arcadia.edu or (215) 572-2901.