Napier University Degree Verification, Solicitor Certification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides Napier University degree verification and apostille services for graduates who need to use their academic documents overseas.

Our solicitor-led service can include:

• HEDD degree verification;
• Edinburgh Napier University record checks;
• Qualifications Scotland authentication;
• solicitor verification;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• certified true copies;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option;
• embassy or consular legalisation; and
• international return delivery.

Napier University no longer operates under that name.

In 2009, the institution changed its name to Edinburgh Napier University. Therefore, Edinburgh Napier University now manages verification of former Napier University awards.

However, not every historic Napier qualification follows the same route.

The award date and awarding body will decide whether the case should go through HEDD, Edinburgh Napier University or Qualifications Scotland.

Quick answers

Who verifies a Napier University degree?

Edinburgh Napier University verifies qualifications awarded under the former Napier University name.

For most third-party degree checks, the main route is HEDD.

HEDD lists Napier University as a recognised UK awarding body that gave awards between 1986 and 2009. It also names Edinburgh Napier University as the current verifying institution.

Can a Napier University degree receive an apostille?

Yes.

In most cases, our solicitor can certify a suitable copy before submitting the document to the FCDO for an apostille.

Can a solicitor confirm the degree’s authenticity?

Yes, provided that reliable evidence supports the conclusion.

For example, our solicitor may rely on:

• a HEDD result;
• an Edinburgh Napier University transcript;
• an official University letter;
• a Qualifications Scotland result; or
• another reliable academic record.

How quickly can Ginkgo Advisory obtain an apostille?

We offer a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible and correctly prepared documents.

However, this period covers the FCDO stage only.

It starts after we complete the required verification and solicitor certification.

Do I need embassy legalisation?

You may need embassy or consular legalisation if the destination does not use the Hague Apostille Convention.

Therefore, we check the final country and receiving authority before preparing the document.

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About Napier University

Napier University was a recognised UK degree-awarding body.

HEDD records that it awarded qualifications between 1986 and 2009. In 2009, the institution adopted its current name, Edinburgh Napier University.

The name change did not affect the validity of earlier awards.

Therefore, a certificate bearing the name “Napier University” remains a historic UK academic document.

However, graduates must now use Edinburgh Napier University when they need:

• degree verification;
• an academic transcript;
• an official study letter;
• confirmation of an award; or
• other student-record support.

The former name can still appear on the degree certificate.

Meanwhile, the current university name may appear on the verification result or supporting letter.

That difference is normal.

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Napier University and Edinburgh Napier University

Napier University and Edinburgh Napier University are not separate successor universities.

Instead, they are different names used by the same developing institution at different times.

The University adopted the Edinburgh Napier University name in 2009.

Therefore:

• a certificate issued before the name change may state Napier University;
• the current student-record holder is Edinburgh Napier University; and
• a current HEDD result may refer to Edinburgh Napier University as the verifying body.

An overseas authority may not understand this history.

For that reason, an official university letter or verification result can help connect the old and current names.

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Who handles Napier University degree verification?

Edinburgh Napier University handles verification of former Napier University awards.

For third-party enquirers, HEDD provides the main online route.

HEDD stands for Higher Education Degree Datacheck.

It allows authorised organisations to compare information supplied by a graduate with the university’s student record.

The check can confirm:

• whether the candidate attended the institution;
• the qualification awarded;
• the grade or degree classification; and
• the dates of attendance.

HEDD currently lists a £14 enquiry fee for Napier University checks. It also requires a consent form signed by the candidate.

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Route 1: Napier University verification through HEDD

HEDD is the main verification route for Napier University awards from the relevant period.

Edinburgh Napier University uses HEDD for degree checks submitted by employers and agencies.

In addition, solicitors and other professional representatives can use the service when they have the graduate’s authority.

Ginkgo Advisory can manage the HEDD application as part of the full legalisation service.

This means we can connect:

1. the academic record;
2. the degree certificate;
3. the graduate’s identity;
4. the solicitor certification;
5. the FCDO apostille; and
6. any embassy legalisation.

As a result, the receiving authority gets a clearer document chain.

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Who can use HEDD?

HEDD serves third-party enquirers.

These may include:

• employers;
• recruitment companies;
• background-screening agencies;
• solicitors;
• professional regulators;
• universities;
• government bodies; and
• document legalisation providers.

However, the graduate cannot normally use the third-party HEDD route to verify their own degree.

Instead, the graduate gives written consent to an authorised organisation.

That organisation then submits the enquiry.

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Information required for HEDD verification

A HEDD enquiry normally requires:

• the graduate’s full name;
• any former name used while studying;
• date of birth;
• institution name;
• course title;
• qualification type;
• year of graduation;
• degree classification or result;
• attendance dates; and
• signed candidate consent.

In addition, we normally request a clear colour scan of the degree certificate.

Edinburgh Napier University recommends using the certificate as the basis of the HEDD enquiry. An exact match may produce automatic verification. Otherwise, the University may need to review the case manually.

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Why exact information matters

HEDD compares the submitted details with the student record.

Therefore, even a small difference may prevent an automatic result.

Common problems include:

• a missing middle name;
• an incorrect graduation year;
• a shortened course title;
• an incomplete qualification name;
• a change of surname;
• reversed first and family names;
• an incorrect degree classification; or
• incomplete attendance dates.

For example, the certificate may use an older course title.

Meanwhile, the graduate may remember a shorter or informal version.

Therefore, we copy the information directly from the academic document wherever possible.

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HEDD candidate consent

HEDD requires a consent form signed by the candidate.

The form must be uploaded as:

• PDF;
• JPG;
• PNG; or
• TIF.

Without valid consent, HEDD cannot complete the third-party check.

The consent should clearly authorise the release or confirmation of academic information.

It should also identify the graduate and the third-party enquirer.

Before submission, we check:

• the graduate’s name;
• the signature;
• the date;
• the scope of the authority; and
• the quality of the uploaded copy.

This review helps prevent avoidable delays.

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HEDD fee

HEDD currently charges £14 per Napier University enquiry.

However, the platform may change its charges.

Therefore, the applicable fee should be checked when the application begins.

The HEDD fee does not include:

• Ginkgo Advisory’s professional service;
• solicitor review;
• solicitor certification;
• FCDO apostille;
• embassy legalisation;
• translation; or
• return delivery.

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HEDD processing time

An exact database match may produce an automatic result.

However, HEDD sends non-matching requests to Edinburgh Napier University for manual review.

The University currently states a 10-working-day turnaround for manually referred enquiries.

Nevertheless, some cases may take longer.

For example, extra time may arise where:

• the candidate used a different name;
• the course title has changed;
• the record is old;
• the information is incomplete;
• the certificate contains a historic institution name; or
• the University needs to search archived data.

Therefore, graduates with urgent deadlines should begin verification early.

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Special processing time for one Cyber Security course

HEDD states that enquiries for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security, course code 56230BH, take an average of 28 days.

This warning will not affect most Napier University graduates.

However, applicants should check the exact course title and code before assuming that the standard processing period applies.

The 28-day period relates to degree verification.

It does not include:

• solicitor certification;
• the FCDO apostille;
• embassy legalisation; or
• delivery.

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Route 2: Qualifications gained before 1992

HEDD directs graduates from before 1992 to the Scottish Qualifications Office.

However, that wording reflects the older name used in the HEDD record.

The current national awarding body is Qualifications Scotland. It replaced the Scottish Qualifications Authority on 1 February 2026.

Therefore, a pre-1992 applicant may need to contact Qualifications Scotland.

The correct route depends on the awarding body shown on the certificate.

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Why pre-1992 awards need extra care

A graduate may have studied at Napier.

However, Napier may not have acted as the formal awarding body for every qualification.

For example, an older certificate may show:

• Napier Polytechnic;
• Napier College;
• Napier Technical College;
• SCOTVEC;
• the Scottish Examination Board;
• another national awarding body; or
• more than one organisation.

Therefore, the teaching institution and awarding body may differ.

This distinction can decide who holds the official record.

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When Qualifications Scotland may hold the record

Qualifications Scotland may hold the record where the certificate names one of its predecessor organisations.

These include:

• the Scottish Qualifications Authority;
• SCOTVEC;
• the Scottish Certificate of Education;
• SCOTBEC;
• SCOTEC;
• the Scottish Examination Board;
• SANCAD; and
• SCCAPE.

Qualifications Scotland provides replacement certification and third-party authentication for eligible qualifications from these organisations.

Therefore, applicants should provide a scan of the full certificate.

The reverse side may also contain important information about the awarding body.

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Qualifications Scotland authentication

Qualifications Scotland offers an authentication service for companies and educational organisations.

The service can confirm:

• whether the candidate gained the qualification;
• the grade achieved; and
• the certification year.

However, Qualifications Scotland does not normally hold:

• attendance records;
• full-time or part-time study details; or
• the time taken to complete the course.

Therefore, Qualifications Scotland authentication differs from HEDD verification.

HEDD may confirm attendance information.

By contrast, Qualifications Scotland focuses on the award and certification record.

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Qualifications Scotland replacement certificates

Qualifications Scotland can issue replacement certification for eligible awards.

For qualifications from predecessor organisations before 1995, the replacement may not look like the original certificate.

Instead, Qualifications Scotland may issue a Certified Statement on secure hologram certificate paper.

The statement lists the qualifications held in the official record.

This can apply to awards such as:

• HNCs;
• HNDs;
• National Certificates;
• Scottish Vocational Qualifications; and
• other group awards.

Therefore, the graduate should not expect an exact copy of the original Napier document.

Nevertheless, the Certified Statement can provide current official evidence.

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Which route should a Napier University graduate use?

Use HEDD where:

• the certificate states Napier University;
• the award date falls within the relevant HEDD period;
• Edinburgh Napier University holds the record;
• the authority needs attendance information; or
• an employer or solicitor needs a third-party degree check.

Consider Qualifications Scotland where:

• the award predates 1992;
• SCOTVEC appears on the certificate;
• another Scottish national awarding body appears;
• the document is an HNC, HND or similar award; or
• Qualifications Scotland holds the certification record.

Use Edinburgh Napier’s Student Records Shop where:

• the graduate needs a transcript;
• the graduate needs an official study letter;
• the graduate needs a diploma supplement;
• the receiving authority asks for a document from the current University; or
• the solicitor needs more evidence.

In some cases, a combination provides the strongest route.

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Official documents from Edinburgh Napier University

Former students can request supporting documents from Edinburgh Napier University.

The Student Records Shop currently offers:

• academic transcripts;
• official letters;
• diploma supplements;
• paper copies; and
• PDF copies.

The University also confirms that former students can use the shop to buy letters confirming their awards and transcripts of their results.

These documents can support:

• solicitor verification;
• overseas employment;
• professional registration;
• further study;
• immigration applications; and
• document legalisation.

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Napier University academic transcripts

An academic transcript normally confirms:

• the programme of study;
• the number of credits;
• the modules completed; and
• the results for each module.

Edinburgh Napier University currently offers paper and PDF transcripts through its Student Records Shop. Both options currently cost £10.

However, older records can create limits.

The University keeps detailed student records for seven years after the student’s last attendance.

For older transcripts, it cannot guarantee complete information. However, it will provide as much detail as it can locate.

Therefore, a historic Napier University transcript may contain:

• a complete record;
• a partial record;
• limited module information; or
• only the information still available.

The receiving authority must decide whether the available format is sufficient.

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Processing time for transcripts and letters

Edinburgh Napier University states that Student Records Shop orders normally take 10 to 15 working days.

However, orders may take longer during busy periods.

The University may also need more time for an older record.

Therefore, this period remains separate from:

• HEDD verification;
• Qualifications Scotland processing;
• solicitor certification;
• the FCDO apostille;
• embassy legalisation; and
• delivery.

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Official Edinburgh Napier University letters

The Student Records Shop can issue letters confirming:

• the programme studied;
• the start date;
• the end date;
• whether the student received an award; and
• the graduation date, where applicable.

The University issues these letters on official headed paper.

A member of the Student Administration team signs them. In addition, paper copies can carry the University Seal.

An official letter can help explain that:

• Napier University later became Edinburgh Napier University;
• the current University holds the academic record;
• the graduate completed the stated programme; and
• the University awarded the qualification.

Therefore, the letter may strengthen an overseas application.

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Paper or PDF official letters

Edinburgh Napier University offers both paper and PDF official letters.

The current listed price for a PDF copy is £10.

However, the receiving authority may require:

• a physical original;
• a wet-ink signature;
• a university seal;
• a solicitor-certified copy; or
• a paper apostille.

Therefore, the PDF version may not suit every case.

We check the final requirements before recommending a format.

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Digital transcripts

Students graduating from summer 2025 onwards can access digital transcripts through Gradintelligence.

Graduates from before summer 2025 must normally purchase a transcript through the Student Records Shop.

Therefore, most Napier University graduates will not receive a historic transcript automatically through the current digital portal.

Instead, they may need to order:

• a paper transcript;
• a PDF transcript;
• an official letter; or
• another available record.

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Digital award certificates

Edinburgh Napier University now provides digital award certificates through Gradintelligence.

However, the service only covers eligible awards from 2024 onwards.

Therefore, it does not provide a digital version of a certificate issued under the Napier University name before 2009.

A scan of an old certificate also does not become a university-issued digital certificate.

It remains a scan of the physical original.

For historic awards, graduates should instead consider:

• HEDD verification;
• an official transcript;
• a University letter;
• Qualifications Scotland evidence; or
• solicitor verification.

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Replacement Napier University certificates

HEDD states that former students can follow the Edinburgh Napier route for replacement certificates and other official academic records.

However, the current public Student Records Shop mainly lists:

• transcripts;
• official letters; and
• diploma supplements.

Therefore, a graduate who needs a replacement degree certificate should contact Edinburgh Napier University directly and confirm:

• whether the University can replace the certificate;
• what evidence of loss or damage it needs;
• the current fee;
• the processing time; and
• whether the replacement will show the old or current institutional name.

A replacement certificate request should begin before the apostille application.

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Degree verification and solicitor certification are different

People often use the words “verification” and “certification” as though they mean the same thing.

However, they cover different stages.

Degree verification

Degree verification checks the academic record.

For a Napier University degree, this will usually involve HEDD or official evidence from Edinburgh Napier University.

For some earlier awards, Qualifications Scotland may hold the relevant record.

Solicitor verification

It involves a legal professional reviewing the academic document and the supporting evidence.

Solicitor certification

It places a formal certification statement on a copy or document.

Each stage has a different purpose.

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What is solicitor verification?

Our solicitor may review:

• the original degree certificate;
• a clear colour copy;
• a HEDD result;
• a transcript;
• an official University letter;
• a Qualifications Scotland result;
• a Certified Statement;
• the graduate’s passport; and
• evidence of any change of name.

Next, the solicitor compares the important details.

These may include:

• the graduate’s name;
• the institution;
• the course;
• the qualification;
• the degree classification;
• the attendance dates;
• the award date; and
• any student or candidate number.

If the information matches, the solicitor can consider the appropriate certification.

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What is solicitor certification?

A standard certified true copy usually confirms that the copy matches the original document shown to the solicitor.

This certification can prepare the document for an FCDO apostille.

However, basic copy certification has a limit.

It does not automatically confirm that Napier University genuinely issued the original document.

Instead, it confirms that the copy matches the document examined.

Therefore, clients should distinguish between:

• basic copy certification; and
• authenticity confirmation.

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Enhanced solicitor certification

Ginkgo Advisory offers enhanced solicitor certification where reliable evidence supports it.

This service goes beyond a simple photocopy check.

First, we identify the correct academic record holder.

Next, we obtain or review the independent verification.

Our solicitor then compares that evidence with the degree certificate.

Finally, the solicitor prepares wording that reflects the result.

The enhanced process may include:

1. HEDD, university or Qualifications Scotland verification;
2. review of the original certificate;
3. comparison of academic details;
4. identity checks;
5. authenticity confirmation; and
6. solicitor certification.

Therefore, the finished document has a clearer evidence trail.

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Authenticity confirmation

Authenticity confirmation means that reliable independent evidence supports the document.

For example, the evidence may show that:

• Edinburgh Napier University holds a matching record;
• the candidate received the stated award;
• the degree classification matches;
• the graduation year matches;
• the course details match; and
• the document contains no unexplained difference.

However, our solicitor will only confirm authenticity when the evidence justifies that wording.

If the record remains incomplete, we will explain the limit.

We will not make a stronger statement than the evidence supports.

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Basic certification compared with enhanced certification

A basic certified true copy answers:

Does this copy match the document shown to the solicitor?

Enhanced certification may also address:

Does independent academic evidence support the document’s authenticity?

Therefore, enhanced certification can offer stronger assurance.

It may help with:

• overseas employment;
• professional registration;
• immigration;
• further education;
• licensing;
• government applications; and
• formal credential checks.

Nevertheless, the receiving authority decides which form it accepts.

For that reason, clients should send us its written requirements before we start.

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Can a Napier University degree receive an FCDO apostille?

Yes.

The FCDO can legalise a UK qualification certificate after a UK public official, such as a solicitor, certifies it correctly.

Depending on the case, the apostille application may use:

• a solicitor-certified degree certificate;
• a solicitor-certified transcript;
• an official University letter;
• a Qualifications Scotland Certified Statement;
• a replacement certificate; or
• another eligible supporting document.

However, the receiving authority may require a specific base document.

For example, one authority may accept a certified copy.

Another may require an original university letter.

Therefore, we check the final instructions before preparing the certification.

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What does the FCDO apostille confirm?

The FCDO Legalisation Office checks whether the signature, seal or stamp on the document matches its records.

If the details match, it attaches an apostille.

Therefore, the apostille does not check the graduate’s academic record.

Instead, it authenticates the relevant UK public signature or seal.

For a solicitor-certified copy, the FCDO normally authenticates the solicitor’s signature.

As a result, degree verification and apostille perform separate roles.

A strong process may follow this order:

degree verification → authenticity review → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Each stage adds a different form of assurance.

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Two-working-day express FCDO apostille

Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible documents.

However, the two-working-day period only covers the FCDO stage.

It starts after:

• we receive the required document;
• we complete any necessary verification;
• our solicitor approves the evidence;
• we prepare the certification; and
• the document meets the FCDO requirements.

Therefore, the express period does not represent the total time for the case.

It does not include:

• HEDD verification;
• Qualifications Scotland processing;
• Edinburgh Napier record searches;
• transcript preparation;
• official letter production;
• replacement certificate production;
• embassy legalisation; or
• international delivery.

Nevertheless, the express option can reduce the FCDO stage once the document is ready.

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Paper apostille and e-Apostille

The FCDO offers:

• paper apostilles; and
• electronic apostilles, known as e-Apostilles.

A paper apostille attaches to a physical document.

By contrast, an e-Apostille forms part of an electronically signed PDF package.

However, not every academic document can follow the electronic route.

In addition, not every overseas authority accepts an e-Apostille.

For example, the recipient may insist on:

• a physical degree certificate;
• a wet-ink solicitor signature;
• a paper apostille;
• an embassy stamp; or
• original supporting documents.

Therefore, we confirm acceptance before selecting the format.

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Embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries

An FCDO apostille may complete the UK process where the destination uses the Hague Apostille Convention.

However, a non-Hague destination may require embassy or consular legalisation.

A typical route may involve:

1. degree verification;
2. solicitor certification;
3. FCDO authentication or apostille;
4. embassy or consular legalisation; and
5. further local processing, where required.

Each embassy sets its own requirements.

For example, it may ask for:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• HEDD verification;
• an official University letter;
• a transcript;
• a certified translation;
• a passport copy;
• an application form; or
• specific certification wording.

Therefore, we check the destination rules before our solicitor certifies the document.

This step reduces the risk of rejection and repeated fees.

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Documents we normally require

To review a Napier University degree verification and apostille case, we normally request:

• a clear colour scan of the certificate;
• a scan of the reverse side;
• an academic transcript, if available;
• the graduate’s passport identification page;
• the full name used during study;
• any previous names;
• date of birth;
• course title;
• qualification title;
• year of graduation;
• degree classification;
• attendance dates;
• student or candidate number, if known;
• evidence of any name change;
• the intended country of use;
• the receiving authority’s name;
• any written document instructions; and
• a signed HEDD consent form.

We may also need to inspect the original certificate.

The exact requirements depend on the document, record holder and final use.

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Our Napier University verification and legalisation process

Step 1: Initial document review

First, we review the certificate and any transcript or University letter.

We check:

• the institution name;
• the awarding body;
• the qualification;
• the award date;
• the degree classification;
• the signatures;
• the seals; and
• any qualification code.

This review helps us select the correct route.

Step 2: Verification route selection

Next, we decide whether the case should use:

• HEDD;
• Edinburgh Napier University;
• Qualifications Scotland; or
• more than one source.

We also check the final authority’s requirements.

Step 3: Candidate consent

The graduate then signs the required consent.

We check the personal and academic information before submission.

Step 4: Independent verification

After that, we obtain or review the official result.

This may include:

• a HEDD result;
• a Qualifications Scotland authentication;
• a Certified Statement;
• an academic transcript; or
• an Edinburgh Napier University letter.

Step 5: Authenticity review

Our solicitor compares the official evidence with the certificate.

Any material difference must be resolved before certification.

Step 6: Enhanced solicitor certification

Once the evidence matches, our solicitor prepares the correct certification.

Where justified, the wording may include authenticity confirmation.

Step 7: FCDO apostille

We then submit the document to the FCDO.

For urgent cases, the client may choose the 2-working-day express option.

Step 8: Embassy legalisation

Where the destination requires embassy or consular legalisation, we manage that stage after the FCDO process.

Step 9: Completion scan and delivery

Finally, we can provide a scan of the completed document.

We then return the originals using the agreed postal or courier service.

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Why verify the degree before obtaining an apostille?

An apostille does not check the university’s student record.

Therefore, an apostille alone does not prove that the graduate earned the degree.

HEDD or another official verification route fills that gap.

It connects the certificate with the academic record.

Enhanced solicitor certification then links the verification result with the document presented.

As a result, the full process creates a stronger chain:

academic record → degree certificate → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → overseas authority

This approach can prove especially useful for Napier University certificates because the institution now uses a different name.

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Common Napier University verification problems

Selecting only Edinburgh Napier University without mentioning the old name

The current University holds the record.

However, the certificate may state Napier University.

Therefore, the HEDD enquiry must use accurate historic award information.

Confusing Napier University with Napier Technical College

These names relate to different periods in the institution’s history.

Consequently, the applicant should select the exact institution shown on the certificate.

Ignoring the pre-1992 instruction

HEDD directs pre-1992 graduates to the Scottish qualifications route.

Therefore, an older award may require Qualifications Scotland rather than a standard HEDD check.

Assuming Napier awarded every historic qualification

A student may have studied at Napier while another organisation awarded the qualification.

Therefore, the full certificate must be checked.

Entering an informal course title

An informal title may not match the student record.

For that reason, applicants should copy the course name from the certificate or transcript.

Expecting an automatic HEDD result

An exact match may produce an automatic result.

However, a difference will send the enquiry for manual review.

Expecting a complete old transcript

Edinburgh Napier cannot guarantee full information for older student records.

Therefore, the University may provide only the details that remain available.

Expecting a digital historic certificate

The current digital certificate service covers eligible awards from 2024 onwards.

Therefore, it does not include Napier University awards issued before 2009.

Confusing certification with authenticity confirmation

A basic certified copy confirms that the copy matches the document shown.

However, it does not automatically confirm that the academic record supports the award.

Obtaining an apostille before checking embassy rules

An embassy may require a particular document or certification statement.

Therefore, early checking can prevent rejection and extra costs.

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Why choose Ginkgo Advisory?

Ginkgo Advisory provides a complete solicitor-led service from London.

We can manage:

• initial document review;
• awarding-body identification;
• HEDD verification;
• Qualifications Scotland authentication;
• Edinburgh Napier document checks;
• candidate consent;
• solicitor verification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• certified true copies;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option;
• embassy legalisation;
• completion scans; and
• tracked international return delivery.

Therefore, clients do not need to coordinate several providers.

Instead, one team manages the document chain from verification to final delivery.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a Napier University degree still valid?

Yes.

Napier University was a recognised UK degree-awarding body. Edinburgh Napier University now verifies its former awards.

When did Napier University become Edinburgh Napier University?

The University adopted the Edinburgh Napier University name in 2009.

Who verifies a Napier University degree?

Edinburgh Napier University verifies the award.

Third-party enquirers normally use HEDD.

Can I verify my own degree through HEDD?

Usually not through the third-party verification route.

Instead, the graduate authorises an employer, solicitor, agency or another organisation.

What can HEDD check?

HEDD can confirm student status, the award, the grade and attendance dates.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

HEDD currently lists a £14 enquiry fee for Napier University.

Do I need a consent form?

Yes.

HEDD requires a consent form signed by the candidate.

Which consent file formats does HEDD accept?

HEDD accepts PDF, JPG, PNG and TIF files.

How long does HEDD verification take?

An exact match may produce an automatic result.

However, Edinburgh Napier currently states a 10-working-day turnaround for manual verification.

Why does HEDD mention a 28-day processing time?

The 28-day average applies to BSc (Hons) Cyber Security, course code 56230BH.

What happens if I graduated before 1992?

HEDD directs pre-1992 graduates to the Scottish qualifications route.

Today, that route may involve Qualifications Scotland.

Can I obtain a Napier University transcript?

Possibly.

Edinburgh Napier University sells paper and PDF transcripts through its Student Records Shop.

How much does a transcript cost?

The current listed price is £10 for either a paper or PDF transcript.

Will an old transcript contain every module?

Not necessarily.

Edinburgh Napier cannot guarantee complete information for transcripts older than its detailed record-retention period.

Can I obtain an official University letter?

Yes.

The Student Records Shop can issue a letter confirming the programme, study dates, award and graduation date where applicable.

Can I obtain a digital Napier University certificate?

No current public route provides digital certificates for historic Napier University awards.

Edinburgh Napier’s digital certificate service covers eligible awards from 2024 onwards.

Can Qualifications Scotland verify my award?

Possibly.

It may hold the record if a Scottish national or predecessor awarding body issued the qualification.

What is a Qualifications Scotland Certified Statement?

It is replacement evidence printed on secure paper for eligible qualifications from predecessor organisations.

It may not look like the original certificate.

Is HEDD verification the same as solicitor certification?

No.

HEDD checks the academic record.

Meanwhile, solicitor certification formally certifies the document or copy.

What is enhanced solicitor certification?

Enhanced certification combines solicitor review with independent academic evidence.

For example, our solicitor may rely on HEDD, Edinburgh Napier or Qualifications Scotland records.

Does an apostille verify my degree?

No.

The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, seal or stamp.

It does not check the university’s student record.

Can Ginkgo Advisory arrange a 2-working-day apostille?

Yes, provided that the document is eligible and ready for FCDO submission.

The two-working-day period covers the FCDO stage only.

Can I obtain an e-Apostille?

Possibly.

The document must qualify for the electronic route, and the receiving authority must accept it.

Do I need embassy legalisation?

You may need embassy or consular legalisation for a non-Hague destination.

The exact route depends on the receiving authority.

Do I need to send the original certificate?

Possibly.

We can start with a clear colour scan and then confirm whether our solicitor needs the original or another official source.