Some years later, I obtained a transcript, supposedly equivalent to my degree parchment, from my university. It had a watermark too! At that time, I recall Guangdong province was no longer accepting university degree transcripts, be they originals or photocopies! Very strange indeed!

I've received an e-mail from someone who wishes to remain completely anonymous. I had provided information to said correspondent to assist him/her hunt for a suitable job in the PRC. He/she has asked me if there are any differnces between a degree parchment/document and a degree transcript. He/she is wondering which one would be better as part of a job application. I have already given that correspondent my view, and I think it would benefit my fellow forum readers. So, here goes:

If your university academic record entails details such as September re-sits/absences for certain degree exams/repeating a subject for a whole academic year, you should present your degree parchment/document with your job application. Unlike transcripts, the parchment is less detailed - it only mentions what exams you have passed!

Guangdong province has a mind of its own, unlike western employers, many of whom will only accept transcripts, so as to obtain the full picture of a degreed jobseeker's academic record.