University of Wales College Cardiff Degree Verification and Apostille

University of Wales College, Cardiff was a recognised UK institution that gave awards between 1988 and 1996. Cardiff University now maintains and verifies its academic records.

Ginkgo Advisory can arrange HEDD verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille and embassy legalisation. A 2 working day express FCDO apostille option is available after verification and solicitor certification are complete.

Quick answer

University of Wales College Cardiff qualifications can be verified through HEDD.

The usual process is:

HEDD verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → embassy legalisation where required

Cardiff University is an exclusive HEDD partner. Third-party verification requests must therefore be submitted through HEDD. The current degree enquiry fee is £14.

HEDD verification requirements

HEDD can confirm:

• current or former student status;
• qualification type and course;
• year of award;
• grade or classification; and
• attendance dates.

Cardiff University accepts only hand-signed consent forms. The form must also include the candidate’s student ID number.

The signed consent can be uploaded as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF.

The enquiry should use the candidate’s details exactly as they appear on the degree certificate. This reduces the risk of delay or an inconclusive result.

Transcripts and confirmation of study

Cardiff University can provide former students with:

• academic transcripts;
• confirmation-of-study letters;
• verification of degree classification; and
• other available academic records.

For undergraduate programmes, Cardiff generally holds transcript services for study from 1 October 1998 onwards. Earlier University of Wales College Cardiff graduates may have limited transcript availability, although a confirmation-of-study letter may still be possible.

Replacement certificates

Most University of Wales College Cardiff awards were issued before 30 September 2005.

Cardiff University directs replacement-certificate requests for awards from this period to the University of Wales. Cardiff Registry can assist with transcripts and confirmation of study where it holds the relevant records.

The University of Wales can provide:

• replacement certificates;
• Confirmation of Award letters;
• certified certificate copies; and
• certified copies of transcripts or diploma supplements.

Its current replacement-certificate fee is £30.

Solicitor verification and certification

A basic solicitor-certified copy confirms that the copy matches the document presented to the solicitor.

It does not independently prove that the candidate obtained the qualification.

Our enhanced service reviews the document against reliable evidence, such as:

• a HEDD verification;
• an official Cardiff transcript;
• a confirmation-of-study letter;
• a University of Wales replacement certificate;
• a Confirmation of Award; or
• another secure academic record.

Where the evidence supports it, our solicitor can provide certification with authenticity confirmation.

This creates a stronger evidence chain than a basic certified true copy.

FCDO apostille

After academic verification and solicitor certification, the document can proceed to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

An apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not independently verify the underlying degree.

The recommended sequence is:

academic verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Our 2 working day express FCDO apostille option covers the apostille stage only.

It excludes:

• HEDD processing;
• university record searches;
• transcript production;
• replacement certificates;
• courier delivery; and
• embassy legalisation.

Embassy legalisation

Documents intended for a destination outside the Hague Apostille Convention may require further embassy or consular legalisation.

A typical process is:

solicitor certification → FCDO legalisation → embassy legalisation

The receiving authority may also request an official transcript, Confirmation of Award, certified translation or identity document.

What to send us

Please provide:

• a clear certificate scan;
• the transcript, if available;
• the candidate’s name during study;
• student ID number;
• course and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• award year and classification;
• destination country; and
• the receiving authority’s requirements.

We will confirm whether the document should follow HEDD, Cardiff University, the University of Wales or another awarding-body route.

Frequently asked questions

Who verifies University of Wales College Cardiff qualifications?

Cardiff University verifies the historic qualifications through HEDD.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

The current degree enquiry fee is £14.

Is a handwritten consent form required?

Yes. Cardiff University accepts only hand-signed consent forms.

Must the student ID be included?

Yes. HEDD states that Cardiff University requires the candidate’s student ID number on the consent form.

Can former students obtain a transcript?

Possibly. Transcript availability depends on the programme and study period. Cardiff can also provide confirmation of study where records remain available.

Who issues a replacement certificate?

For awards obtained before 30 September 2005, the replacement certificate should normally be requested from the University of Wales.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. HEDD or the relevant university verifies the academic record. The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

Can Ginkgo Advisory manage the complete process?

Yes. We can coordinate HEDD verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille, embassy legalisation and return delivery.

Start your University of Wales College Cardiff verification

Send a clear scan and the receiving authority’s requirements to:

Email: info@ginkgoadvisory.com
WhatsApp: +44 7388 833283