Do I really need to submit my original BA diploma if it’s in the US and I am in Thailand?

posted 29th January 2010

Full question and background

I have a BA, but my diploma is in storage in the US. If I want a new original, my University can get me one for $25, but this will take 6 weeks plus. They can, however, send me a letter of “verification of degree received” with any and all official University stamps and signatures - this can be emailed or faxed to me in days. If I submit this with a copy of my transcripts, resume, letters of reference from schools I have worked at in the US, will it satisfy school administrators? I have studied on exchange at Thammasat and am currently completing research to complete my Masters Degree in Education at a US University, so Thammasat could verify my degree also (since I had to have one to be accepted into the International college there. My main reason for not wanting to wait 2 months for my new diploma is I need to start working soon, or the money will run out. What do you think my best options are?

Answer - I think this simply comes down to a matter of employer preference, which admittedly you have no control over. Some employers might be happy with the letter of verification whilst others may insist on seeing the original degree. There’s little or nothing I could add to that. Why not go ahead and obtain a copy of the original degree and at least you’ll eliminate this worry in future.

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