Check the transcript field before combining files
UCL asks for transcripts in the Education section of the application. Its transcript page requires files smaller than 5 MB and lists PDF as preferred, alongside DOCX, JPEG and JPG. It says not to password-protect or encrypt files.
Where a transcript needs an English translation, the original-language and English transcripts are uploaded as two separate documents. Do not merge them merely to simplify uploading. The page separately allows a particular mainland-China grade certificate and its translation as one document; that exception is not a general transcript-merging rule.
Prepare a complete copy of each required document
Keep the official originals. For paper records, scan every required page with edges, marks and verification details visible. If the pages are JPG or PNG images and the field needs one PDF, use Images to PDF, check their order and rotation, then download. It does not translate, perform OCR or repair blurred text.
If one transcript is already split across ordinary PDF files, Merge PDF can join those pages when they belong in the same field. Keep the translation separate where required. These browser-local tools accept up to 40 inputs, 30 MB total and 200 PDF pages; images are limited to 24 megapixels each. PDFs with annotations, attachments, encryption, digital signatures or interactive forms are unsupported.
Compress only an oversized ordinary PDF
Open Compress PDF and select a custom target of 4.9 MB (4,900,000 bytes) for an eligible oversized transcript. This is a suggested working margin, not a new UCL requirement. Download the output and check its actual byte size rather than relying on the selected target or a rounded file-size label.
Compression runs on the server and uploads the file to the server for processing. Input is limited to 30 MB and 200 pages; encrypted, digitally signed and interactive-form PDFs are rejected. Do not strip protections from an official record. Ask its issuer for an appropriate copy or follow UCL’s instructions. A small, readable file that already fits needs no compression.
Check marks and every page before submission
Compare the saved output with the original, especially module names, grades, small print, seals and dates. Verify page order and completeness. Compression may reduce image detail and cannot guarantee a target. If the result is still too large or becomes unclear, improve the source scan settings or seek guidance instead of dropping pages.
Upload each checked file yourself into the matching field and review any portal preview. Technical preparation cannot establish document authenticity or admission eligibility. A successful download does not prove that UCL will accept it.
Frequently asked questions
Should I merge my transcript with its translation? Follow the field instructions. The verified transcript guidance calls for two separate documents; do not generalise the specific grade-certificate exception.
Can I compress a digitally signed transcript? No. Preserve the original and use an institution-approved submission route.
What if the file is below 5 MB but still fails? Check its format, protection and the current portal instructions. Compression will not resolve every upload failure.
Can PDFMinto translate or certify the transcript? No. Obtain the required documentation through the appropriate issuer or translator.