How to Check Your Thesis for Plagiarism Before Submission
Ensure your thesis is plagiarism-free before submission! Learn how to check similarity using university-approved tools like iThenticate and Turnitin. Discover acceptable plagiarism thresholds and professional removal services for Arabic, English, and French theses offered by SITA Academy.
Completing a thesis is a monumental achievement for students. After months or even years of research, writing, and editing, the last thing any student wants is an unexpected rejection due to plagiarism concerns.
Universities worldwide require that all theses undergo plagiarism checks to ensure originality and academic integrity. Submitting a thesis with a high similarity index can result in serious consequences, including delays in graduation, revisions, or even rejection.
For students, especially those submitting for the first time, it’s crucial to check for plagiarism before submission, understand the acceptable similarity thresholds, and know which tools are recognized by universities. This article provides a practical, step-by-step guide for checking your thesis for plagiarism and introduces services available at SITA Academy to help you ensure originality.
Why Checking Your Thesis for Plagiarism is Important
Plagiarism isn’t just about copying someone else’s work. It can also include:
Paraphrasing without proper citations
Using someone else’s ideas without acknowledgment
Self-plagiarism (reusing parts of your previous work without citation)
Checking your thesis for plagiarism helps:
Ensure Academic Integrity – Demonstrates that your research is original and credible.
Avoid Delays or Rejection – High similarity indices can lead to mandatory revisions.
Improve Quality of Citations – Ensures all references are correctly cited and formatted.
Boost Confidence – Knowing your work is original gives peace of mind before submission.
Applications and Tools Verified by Universities for Plagiarism Checks
Not all plagiarism checkers are accepted by academic institutions. Universities often require the use of official, verified software. Some of the most widely accepted tools include:
iThenticate
Used by most international publishers and universities
Compares your thesis against a large database of published papers, journals, and web content
Turnitin
Commonly used by educational institutions for student submissions
Provides a detailed similarity report and highlights problematic sections
Grammarly Premium (Plagiarism Check)
While primarily a grammar tool, it includes a plagiarism checker that compares content against billions of web pages
Unicheck
Used in several universities worldwide
Integrates with learning management systems for smooth submission
PlagScan
Recognized by academic institutions in Europe and the US
Offers detailed similarity reports and citation analysis
Tip: Always check with your university to confirm which software is officially approved for thesis submissions. Using unverified tools might not be accepted, even if they detect plagiarism.
Acceptable Percentage of Plagiarism According to Universities
Universities typically have thresholds for acceptable similarity. While exact percentages vary by institution and discipline, general guidelines include:
0–15% Similarity: Usually considered acceptable if properly cited
15–25% Similarity: May require review and revision of specific sections
Above 25%: Often flagged for major revisions, potential investigation, or rejection
Important Notes:
Minor similarity in references or common phrases is usually excluded from the similarity index.
Self-plagiarism is sometimes treated separately and may have stricter rules.
Always focus on proper citation and paraphrasing to reduce similarity.
Step-by-Step Guide: Checking Your Thesis for Plagiarism Before Submission
Here’s a practical workflow for students to ensure their thesis is plagiarism-free:
Step : Complete Your Thesis Draft
Before checking for plagiarism, ensure your thesis is as close to final as possible. This avoids multiple unnecessary scans.
Step : Choose a Verified Plagiarism Checker
Select a tool approved by your university, such as iThenticate, Turnitin, or Unicheck.
Step : Prepare Your Document
Save your thesis in an accepted format (usually .docx or PDF)
Remove unnecessary elements that may cause false positives, such as cover pages or appendix files
Step : Upload Your Thesis
Follow the instructions of the plagiarism checker. For example:
Log in to the platform
Upload your file
Select the appropriate database comparison (e.g., journals, student papers, internet sources)
Step : Review the Similarity Report
Once the scan is complete, carefully review the similarity report:
Identify high-similarity sections
Check citations to ensure all sources are correctly referenced
Look for accidental self-plagiarism
Step : Revise and Paraphrase
If the similarity percentage is above your university’s threshold:
Paraphrase the content in your own words
Ensure proper citations for all borrowed ideas
Remove unnecessary quotations or repeated text
Step : Re-Check
After revisions, re-upload your thesis for a second plagiarism check. Repeat until your similarity index falls within the acceptable range.
Step: Save the Final Report
Most universities require submitting the similarity report along with your thesis. Keep a copy for your records and future reference.
Plagiarism Checking and Removal Services at SITA Academy
For students who want professional assistance, SITA Academy offers specialized plagiarism checking and removal services for Arabic, English, and French theses and research papers.
What We Offer:
Comprehensive Plagiarism Scan
Using iThenticate and other verified platforms
Covers journals, theses, and web content in Arabic, English, and French
Detailed Similarity Report
Highlights problematic sections
Provides percentage similarity for each chapter or section
Plagiarism Removal and Paraphrasing
Professional academic editors help reword and cite content
Ensures your thesis meets university standards without altering your original research
Guidance on Acceptable Similarity
Advises on what similarity levels are acceptable in your field
Provides actionable steps to reduce similarity percentages
Final Verification
Re-checks your thesis after edits to ensure compliance
Provides a plagiarism-free certificate ready for submission
Conclusion
Checking your thesis for plagiarism is an essential step before submission. It ensures that your research is original, credible, and ready for evaluation by your university. By using verified plagiarism tools and following a structured review process, students can avoid delays, reduce revision risks, and confidently submit their work.
Professional services provide comprehensive plagiarism checking, removal, and guidance, helping students achieve academic integrity while saving time and effort.
Taking these steps not only protects your academic reputation but also ensures that your hard work receives the recognition it deserves.
Verified Contact Channels
If you have any questions, inquiries, or would like to learn more about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
