Nene College of Higher Education Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides Nene College of Higher Education degree verification and apostille services for former students who need to use their qualifications overseas.

Our solicitor-led service can include:

• direct university degree verification;
• University of Northampton verification letters;
• certified university copies;
• 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.

Nene College of Higher Education no longer operates under that name.

In 1999, Nene College became University College Northampton. Then, in 2005, the institution gained full university status and became the University of Northampton. Therefore, the University of Northampton now manages many former Nene College records.

However, older qualifications need careful review.

The University warns that it cannot guarantee verification of every award conferred before September 2005. In addition, a different university or external awarding body may have issued some older certificates.

For that reason, we check the certificate before choosing the verification and legalisation route.

Quick answers

Who verifies a Nene College of Higher Education qualification?

The University of Northampton handles current verification enquiries for many former Nene College students.

Verification requests should normally go to:

verifications@northampton.ac.uk

The University can issue formal verification letters and complete third-party forms. It requires the former student’s consent when a third party submits the request.

Can I verify a Nene College award through HEDD?

No reliable HEDD verification route currently applies.

The HEDD entry says that applicants must contact the institution directly. However, the same entry incorrectly names “Prospects test University” as the verifier.

That name appears to be test data rather than a real university.

Therefore, applicants should use the University of Northampton’s official verification service instead of relying on that incorrect label.

Can a Nene College certificate receive an FCDO apostille?

Yes, in many cases.

First, our solicitor must prepare an eligible document. For example, the solicitor may certify a copy of the original qualification certificate.

The FCDO can legalise qualification certificates and other documents after a UK public official, such as a solicitor, certifies them correctly.

Can a solicitor confirm the certificate’s authenticity?

Yes, when reliable evidence supports the conclusion.

Our solicitor may rely on:

• a University of Northampton verification letter;
• a University-certified copy;
• an official transcript;
• a replacement certificate;
• direct written confirmation from the University;
• the original academic document; and
• the graduate’s identification.

How quickly can Ginkgo Advisory arrange the apostille?

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

However, this period covers the apostille stage only.

The two-working-day period starts after:

• the correct record holder confirms the qualification;
• our solicitor completes the document review;
• the evidence supports the required certification; and
• the document becomes ready for FCDO submission.

Do I need embassy legalisation?

You may need further embassy or consular legalisation if the receiving country does not accept an apostille as the final step.

Therefore, we check the destination and receiving authority before we prepare the document.

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About Nene College of Higher Education

Nene College developed from several Northampton education institutions.

The institution’s history included teacher training, art, technology, health and professional education.

In 1999, Nene College became University College Northampton.

Later, in 2005, University College Northampton gained full university status and became the University of Northampton.

As a result, the University of Northampton acts as the modern successor institution for many Nene College records.

However, the certificate itself remains important.

An older certificate may name:

• Nene College;
• Nene College of Higher Education;
• University College Northampton;
• another validating university;
• an external examination body;
• City & Guilds;
• a nursing or professional body; or
• more than one institution.

Therefore, the place of study may not always be the formal awarding body.

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The HEDD record contains an error

HEDD lists Nene College of Higher Education as a former UK institution.

It also states that applicants cannot verify the qualification through HEDD and must contact the relevant university or college directly.

However, the page currently names “Prospects test University” as the verifying body. That is not the genuine successor institution.

The University of Northampton’s own website confirms the real institutional history:

1. Nene College operated under its former name.
2. It became University College Northampton in 1999.
3. It became the University of Northampton in 2005.

Therefore, the correct current route is through the University of Northampton.

Clients should not:

• contact “Prospects test University”;
• copy that name into a legalisation application;
• describe it as the successor institution;
• use it in SEO content; or
• place it in solicitor certification wording.

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Who handles Nene College degree verification?

The University of Northampton’s Ceremonies and Certification team handles formal award-verification requests.

The University currently offers:

• verification letters;
• completion of third-party forms;
• certified copies of certificates and transcripts;
• electronic transcripts;
• replacement certificates and transcripts;
• WES requests; and
• other alumni certification services.

However, the University assesses older cases individually.

The official guidance states that it cannot guarantee verification of awards conferred before September 2005 because of limitations in the records it holds.

Since Nene College stopped using that name in 1999, this warning applies to every Nene College case.

Therefore, applicants should begin the process early.

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Direct university verification rather than HEDD

Nene College qualifications do not follow the same HEDD route as many current UK university degrees.

Instead, applicants must contact the University of Northampton directly.

The University can issue a formal verification letter or complete a form supplied by:

• an employer;
• an overseas university;
• a government body;
• an embassy;
• a regulator;
• an immigration authority;
• a credential-evaluation service; or
• another authorised organisation.

The verification team currently uses:

verifications@northampton.ac.uk

Ginkgo Advisory can coordinate the request when the University permits a third party to apply with the graduate’s consent.

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What can a University of Northampton verification letter confirm?

The University states that a standard verification letter can include:

• the former student’s full name;
• date of birth;
• student number;
• award title;
• classification, where applicable;
• award date;
• start and end dates;
• mode of attendance;
• place of study;
• partner-institution information; and
• language of teaching and assessment.

Therefore, a formal verification letter may provide more information than the original certificate.

For example, the certificate may show only:

• the graduate’s name;
• the award;
• the classification; and
• the award date.

By contrast, the verification letter may also explain:

• where the student studied;
• whether the course was full-time or part-time;
• the period of attendance;
• the relationship between Nene College and the current University; and
• whether English was the language of instruction.

This extra information can help an overseas authority understand an old qualification.

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University verification fee

The University of Northampton currently charges £15 for a formal verification letter or form completion.

The University states that the service can take up to four working weeks after it receives:

• the order;
• payment;
• the required information; and
• signed student consent, where applicable.

The University’s fee does not include:

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

University fees and processing times may change.

Therefore, we confirm the current position when the case begins.

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Candidate consent

The University of Northampton requires the former student’s consent when a third party requests a verification letter or form.

The signed consent allows the University to release personal academic information to the authorised enquirer.

The consent should normally identify:

• the former student;
• the institution attended;
• the organisation making the request;
• the academic information that may be released;
• the reason for the disclosure;
• the student’s signature; and
• the date.

Ginkgo Advisory can prepare a suitable consent form for the verification request.

However, the University may ask for its own data-protection form or additional wording.

Therefore, we check the latest University requirement before submission.

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Information normally needed for verification

We usually request:

• the graduate’s full name during study;
• any later name;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course title;
• qualification title;
• award year;
• classification or grade;
• attendance dates;
• place of study;
• a clear colour scan of the certificate;
• a scan of the transcript, if available;
• a copy of the graduate’s passport;
• evidence of any name change; and
• signed consent.

Older cases often need more information.

For example, the University may need:

• the academic department;
• the campus;
• the validating body;
• the exact course name;
• the date of the final examination;
• a former address;
• an old student card; or
• copies of existing academic documents.

Therefore, applicants should provide every record they still hold.

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Verification limits for pre-2005 awards

The University of Northampton states that it cannot guarantee verification of awards conferred before September 2005.

It reviews those cases individually and issues a refund where it cannot complete the verification.

This limit does not mean that all Nene College records have disappeared.

Instead, it means that:

• the University may not hold every old record digitally;
• some files may contain incomplete information;
• another awarding body may hold the record;
• the University may need to search archived material; or
• the surviving information may not support every requested statement.

Therefore, a successful result may vary from case to case.

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Check the exact awarding body

The University of Northampton gained independent powers to award taught degrees during Nene College’s later history.

However, earlier students may hold qualifications that another institution or professional body awarded.

The University’s official history notes that Nene College developed its independent taught degree-awarding powers before it became University College Northampton.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that every qualification studied at Nene College was also awarded by Nene College.

The certificate may show:

• Nene College as the awarding body;
• Nene College as the teaching institution;
• another university as the validating body;
• a professional organisation as the awarding body;
• an HNC or HND awarding organisation; or
• City & Guilds.

This distinction controls:

• who verifies the award;
• who can issue a replacement;
• who can certify an official copy;
• which supporting evidence the solicitor can obtain; and
• how the overseas authority should understand the qualification.

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Older HNC and HND qualifications

The University of Northampton states that it does not produce replacements for HNC or HND awards conferred before 1997.

It also does not produce replacements for qualifications that City & Guilds processed.

Therefore, an older Nene College student may need to approach another awarding organisation.

For example, a different route may apply if the certificate identifies:

• BTEC;
• Edexcel;
• Pearson;
• City & Guilds;
• a professional body;
• a nursing authority; or
• another external organisation.

Consequently, Ginkgo Advisory reviews the entire document before contacting the University.

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University-certified copies

The University of Northampton provides certified copies of certificates and transcripts.

For this service, the graduate or an authorised third party sends a clear colour scan of the academic document.

The University then:

1. checks the document against the available record;
2. confirms its authenticity;
3. stamps the copy; and
4. signs it through the Ceremonies and Certification Officer.

The University currently charges £10 per certified-copy request.

That fee covers delivery to up to five email addresses. Applicants can also order hard copies and pay the relevant postage charge.

A University-certified copy can provide strong supporting evidence for enhanced solicitor certification.

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The University does not keep copies of every certificate

The University explains that it does not hold copies of each graduate’s original certificate and transcript.

Therefore, the applicant must normally supply a scanned copy for the University-certified-copy service.

If the graduate no longer holds the document, they may need to request a replacement first.

However, replacement limits apply to older awards.

This creates a practical problem for some Nene College graduates:

• the graduate no longer has the original;
• the University cannot guarantee a replacement;
• the academic record may be incomplete; and
• another body may have issued the qualification.

Therefore, we recommend keeping any surviving original document safe.

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Replacement certificates and transcripts

The University of Northampton provides replacement documents for some former students.

However, several restrictions apply.

The University currently states that:

• a graduate may hold only one certificate for each award;
• applicants must choose the correct option based on the award date;
• it cannot produce replacement documents for awards before 1 January 1990;
• it cannot guarantee replacements for awards before September 2005;
• it does not produce pre-1997 HNC or HND replacements; and
• it does not produce replacements for City & Guilds awards.

The service can take up to eight working weeks.

Therefore, applicants should not rely on replacement documents for an urgent legalisation deadline.

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What if the award predates 1990?

The University says that it cannot produce replacement documents for awards conferred before 1 January 1990.

However, the graduate may still hold:

• the original certificate;
• an old transcript;
• an official result letter;
• correspondence from the College;
• a professional registration record; or
• another document that helps prove the qualification.

In that situation, the University may still consider a verification request on a case-by-case basis.

However, it does not guarantee success.

Therefore, enhanced solicitor certification will depend on the evidence that the University or another record holder can provide.

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Electronic transcripts

The University of Northampton can issue electronic transcripts for eligible awarded students.

The University sends the transcript as a password-protected PDF. It can also send a copy directly to a third party, such as an employer or another university.

A transcript normally lists:

• modules;
• grades;
• credit values; and
• academic years.

However, historic Nene College records may not contain all modern transcript information.

Therefore, applicants should confirm availability before placing an order.

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University verification letter or certified copy?

These services have different purposes.

Verification letter

A verification letter confirms information from the student record.

It may include:

• study dates;
• award title;
• classification;
• award date;
• mode of study;
• study location; and
• language of instruction.

University-certified copy

A certified copy focuses on the document itself.

The University checks a supplied scan, confirms its authenticity against the available record, and then signs and stamps the copy.

Transcript

A transcript focuses on the academic programme.

It may include:

• modules;
• grades;
• credits; and
• yearly results.

Replacement certificate

A replacement certificate substitutes for an original that has been lost or destroyed.

However, strict limits apply to older awards.

In some cases, we use more than one route.

For example, a strong verification pack may include:

• the original Nene College certificate;
• a University of Northampton verification letter;
• a University-certified copy;
• an academic transcript;
• identification documents; and
• solicitor certification.

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What is degree verification?

Degree verification checks the academic record behind the qualification.

For a Nene College award, this normally involves a direct request to the University of Northampton.

Depending on the surviving information, the University may confirm:

• that the person studied there;
• the qualification received;
• the grade or classification;
• the dates of attendance;
• the award date;
• the mode of study; and
• the place of study.

Therefore, degree verification does more than inspect the design of the certificate.

It checks whether the current record holder supports the academic claim.

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What is solicitor verification?

Solicitor verification involves a legal professional reviewing the academic document and the independent supporting evidence.

For example, our solicitor may examine:

• the original certificate;
• a colour scan;
• a University verification letter;
• a University-certified copy;
• an academic transcript;
• a replacement certificate;
• the graduate’s passport;
• evidence of a name change;
• details of the successor institution; and
• the overseas authority’s instructions.

Next, the solicitor compares the key information.

This may include:

• the graduate’s name;
• the historic institution;
• the current successor institution;
• the course;
• the qualification;
• the classification;
• the study dates;
• the award date; and
• the student number.

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

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What is basic solicitor certification?

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

The solicitor normally:

• writes the certification statement;
• signs the document;
• dates the certification;
• prints their name;
• states their occupation; and
• provides professional contact details.

Basic certification answers one question:

Does this copy match the document presented to the solicitor?

However, it does not automatically answer:

Does the University’s academic record confirm that the certificate is genuine?

Therefore, some cases need enhanced solicitor certification.

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Enhanced solicitor certification

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

This service goes beyond a simple photocopy check.

First, we identify the correct record holder.

Next, we obtain or review independent university evidence.

Our solicitor then compares the university evidence with the certificate and the graduate’s identity.

Finally, the solicitor prepares certification wording that reflects the documents reviewed.

The enhanced process may include:

1. direct University of Northampton verification;
2. review of a University-certified copy;
3. review of an official transcript or letter;
4. examination of the original certificate;
5. identity and name checks;
6. authenticity confirmation; and
7. solicitor certification.

Therefore, enhanced certification creates a clearer evidence trail.

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Authenticity confirmation

Authenticity confirmation means that independent evidence supports the academic document.

For example, the evidence may confirm that:

• the University holds a matching record;
• the graduate received the stated award;
• the award date matches;
• the classification matches;
• the study dates match;
• the University recognises the supplied certificate; and
• no unexplained material difference appears.

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

If the University cannot verify the award, we will explain the limitation.

We will not use stronger certification wording than the evidence supports.

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Basic certification compared with enhanced certification

A basic certified true copy answers:

Does the copy match the document shown?

Enhanced certification may also address:

Does reliable university evidence support the document’s authenticity?

Therefore, enhanced certification can provide stronger assurance.

It may help with:

• overseas employment;
• immigration;
• professional registration;
• teacher registration;
• nursing or healthcare applications;
• further study;
• licensing;
• government procedures; and
• formal credential checks.

Nevertheless, the receiving authority decides what it will accept.

For that reason, clients should send us its written instructions before we begin.

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Can a Nene College certificate receive an FCDO apostille?

Yes, in many cases.

The FCDO can legalise a qualification certificate or another document after an eligible UK public official certifies it.

GOV.UK specifically lists qualification certificates among the documents that a solicitor or notary can prepare for legalisation.

Depending on the case, the apostille route may use:

• a solicitor-certified copy of the original certificate;
• a certified academic transcript;
• a certified University verification letter;
• a University-certified copy;
• a replacement certificate; or
• another eligible supporting document.

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

Therefore, we check whether it needs:

• the original certificate;
• a certified copy;
• an official university letter;
• a transcript;
• direct university verification; or
• a combined document pack.

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What does the FCDO apostille confirm?

The FCDO Legalisation Office checks the signature, stamp or seal on the document.

If the details match its records, it attaches an apostille.

Therefore, the apostille does not check the Nene College academic record.

It does not prove by itself that the graduate completed the course.

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 different tasks.

A strong route may follow this order:

university verification → authenticity review → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Each stage adds a different type 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 identify the correct awarding body;
• the University completes the 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 case time.

It does not include:

• the University’s verification period;
• archived-record searches;
• certified-copy production;
• transcript production;
• replacement-document production;
• solicitor evidence enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• international delivery.

The University currently allows up to four working weeks for a verification letter and up to eight working weeks for replacement documents.

Nevertheless, the express option can shorten the apostille stage once the document becomes 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.

Meanwhile, an e-Apostille forms part of a PDF that a UK solicitor or notary has signed electronically.

However, not every receiving authority accepts an e-Apostille.

For example, the overseas authority may require:

• the original paper certificate;
• a wet-ink solicitor signature;
• a physical apostille;
• an embassy stamp;
• a sealed university envelope; or
• original supporting records.

Therefore, we confirm acceptance before selecting the electronic route.

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Embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries

An FCDO apostille may complete the UK process where the receiving country follows the Hague Apostille Convention.

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

A typical process may involve:

1. direct university verification;
2. solicitor certification;
3. FCDO authentication or apostille;
4. embassy or consular legalisation; and
5. further local approval after arrival.

Every embassy sets its own rules.

For example, an embassy may request:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• a University verification letter;
• a University-certified copy;
• an academic transcript;
• a sealed university envelope;
• 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 approach reduces the risk of rejection and repeated fees.

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Documents we normally require

To review a Nene College 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;
• any old result or award letter;
• the graduate’s passport identification page;
• the full name used during study;
• any later name;
• date of birth;
• course title;
• qualification title;
• award year;
• classification or grade;
• start and end dates;
• student number, if known;
• place of study;
• evidence of any name change;
• the intended country of use;
• the receiving authority’s name;
• any written document requirements; and
• signed candidate consent.

We may also need the original certificate.

The exact requirement depends on the record, awarding body and destination.

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Our verification and legalisation process

Step 1: Initial document review

First, we review the front and back of the certificate.

We check:

• the institution name;
• the awarding body;
• the course;
• the qualification;
• the classification;
• the award date;
• the signatures;
• the seals; and
• any external validating organisation.

This review helps us identify the correct record holder.

Step 2: Successor-institution check

Next, we confirm whether the University of Northampton holds responsibility for the award.

We also check whether another university or awarding organisation appears on the certificate.

Step 3: Destination review

We then examine the receiving authority’s instructions.

We identify whether it needs:

• university verification;
• solicitor certification;
• enhanced authenticity confirmation;
• an FCDO apostille;
• embassy legalisation;
• a translation; or
• a full combination.

Step 4: Candidate consent

The graduate signs the required data-protection consent.

We check the personal details, signature, date and scope of authority.

Step 5: Direct university verification

We submit the verification request to the University of Northampton.

Where necessary, we also request:

• a formal verification letter;
• a certified university copy;
• a transcript; or
• another available record.

Step 6: Record assessment

We review the University’s response.

If the University cannot verify the award, we check whether another awarding body may hold the record.

Step 7: Authenticity review

Our solicitor compares the university evidence with the academic document.

Any material difference must be explained before certification.

Step 8: Enhanced solicitor certification

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

Where justified, the wording may include authenticity confirmation.

Step 9: FCDO apostille

We then submit the document to the FCDO.

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

Step 10: Embassy legalisation

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

Step 11: 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 qualification before obtaining an apostille?

An apostille does not check the University’s academic records.

Therefore, an apostille alone does not prove that the graduate received the qualification.

Direct university verification fills that gap.

It links the certificate with the record held by the University of Northampton or another awarding body.

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

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

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

This approach can prove especially useful for Nene College qualifications because:

• the institution changed its name;
• the current University uses a different campus and address;
• some records are several decades old;
• the University cannot guarantee every pre-2005 verification;
• another organisation may have awarded the qualification; and
• some replacement documents are no longer available.

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Common Nene College verification problems

Using “Prospects test University”

This name appears on the HEDD entry.

However, it is not the genuine successor institution.

Therefore, applicants should use the University of Northampton route.

Trying to verify the award through HEDD

The HEDD page states that applicants cannot verify the qualification through HEDD.

Instead, they must contact the university directly.

Using outdated Park Campus contact details

The HEDD entry shows an old Park Campus address, telephone number and fax number.

However, the University now operates from Waterside Campus and publishes its current verification process online.

Therefore, applicants should not rely on the historic postal and fax details without checking them first.

Assuming the University can verify every Nene award

The University cannot guarantee verification of every pre-September 2005 qualification.

It assesses those requests individually.

Assuming Nene College awarded the qualification

A different university, professional body or examination organisation may have issued the certificate.

Therefore, applicants must check the exact awarding body.

Expecting a replacement for a pre-1990 award

The University states that it cannot produce replacement documents for awards before 1 January 1990.

Expecting a replacement pre-1997 HNC or HND

The University does not issue replacements for HNC or HND awards conferred before 1997.

Expecting the University to replace a City & Guilds certificate

City & Guilds controls its own awards.

The University does not produce replacement documents for City & Guilds qualifications.

Sending only a scan without consent

A third-party verification request requires signed student consent.

Without consent, the University cannot release the academic information.

Confusing copy certification with degree verification

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

However, it does not check the University’s academic record.

Expecting the apostille to verify the qualification

The apostille authenticates a signature, stamp or seal.

It does not confirm that the student gained the award.

Starting the apostille before checking embassy rules

An embassy may require a specific academic document or certification statement.

Therefore, early review 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;
• successor-institution research;
• direct University of Northampton verification;
• candidate consent;
• verification letters;
• University-certified copies;
• transcript checks;
• 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 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 Nene College of Higher Education qualification still valid?

A historic qualification does not become invalid simply because the institution changed its name.

However, an employer or overseas authority may request current verification from the record holder.

What did Nene College become?

Nene College became University College Northampton in 1999.

Then, in 2005, University College Northampton became the University of Northampton.

Who verifies Nene College qualifications?

The University of Northampton handles verification requests for many former Nene College awards.

However, the University assesses older cases individually.

Is “Prospects test University” the successor institution?

No.

That wording appears to be incorrect test data on the HEDD page.

The real successor institution is the University of Northampton.

Can I verify the degree through HEDD?

No.

The HEDD page directs applicants to contact the university or college directly.

Which email address should I use?

The University currently publishes:

verifications@northampton.ac.uk

Can a third party request verification?

Yes.

However, the University requires signed consent from the former student.

What can the verification letter confirm?

It can confirm the student’s name, date of birth, student number, award, classification, award date, study dates, mode of study, location and other available information.

How much does a verification letter cost?

The University currently charges £15.

How long does university verification take?

The University allows up to four working weeks after it receives payment, consent and the required information.

Can the University verify every Nene College award?

No guarantee applies.

The University warns that it may not be able to verify awards conferred before September 2005.

Can I obtain a University-certified copy?

Yes, where the University can confirm the supplied document.

The University checks the scan, stamps it and signs it through the Ceremonies and Certification Officer.

How much does a University-certified copy cost?

The University currently charges £10 per request.

Does the University hold a copy of my old certificate?

Not necessarily.

The University states that applicants must supply a scanned copy for its certification service.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

Possibly.

However, the University cannot produce replacements for awards before 1 January 1990 and cannot guarantee replacements for awards before September 2005.

How long does a replacement document take?

The University currently allows up to eight working weeks.

Can the University replace an old HNC or HND?

It does not produce replacements for HNC or HND awards conferred before 1997.

Can the University replace a City & Guilds qualification?

No.

City & Guilds controls those awards.

Is university verification the same as solicitor certification?

No.

University verification checks the academic record.

Solicitor certification formally certifies the document or copy.

What is enhanced solicitor certification?

Enhanced certification combines solicitor review with reliable university evidence.

For example, our solicitor may rely on a formal verification letter and a University-certified copy before preparing the certification.

Does an apostille verify my degree?

No.

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

It does not check the 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 it for a non-Hague destination.

The exact process depends on the embassy and receiving authority.

Do I need to send the original certificate?

Possibly.

We can begin with a clear colour scan and then confirm whether our solicitor needs:

• the original;
• a University-certified copy;
• a formal verification letter;
• a transcript; or
• another document from the awarding body.

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