How to handle name discrepancies on your academic records

One of the most frequent reasons credential evaluation agencies put applications on hold is a mismatch between the name on the applicant profile and the name on the academic record.

Common causes of name discrepancies

• Change of surname through marriage: Graduate holds a degree in a maiden name but an international passport in a married name.
• Inverted first and middle names: Cultural differences in surname ordering on registration records.
• Typographical errors on graduation registers: A missing letter or altered vowel on historical paper gazettes.

Standard legal documentation package

To satisfy evaluators and foreign visa authorities, assemble this documentation packet:

1. Sworn Affidavit of Name Correction / Confirmation: Executed before a Commissioner for Oaths or High Court registry.
2. National Gazette Publication or Major Newspaper Advert: Providing formal public notice of the name clarification.
3. Marriage Certificate / Legal Deed Poll: For changes resulting from marriage or formal civil name change.
4. Official Registrar Letter of Confirmation: Many universities will issue a one-page "To Whom It May Concern" letter confirming that both names represent the identical matriculated student.