Our solicitor can verify, certify, apostille & legalise
All UK recognised degree-awarding universities or colleges
471
recognised UK
institutions
About the Author
KH is a practising solicitor based in London, admitted in England & Wales and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. He is registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. KH has worked as legal counsel and in-house solicitor across leading firms and corporations. He personally oversees every case at Ginkgo Advisory, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and end-to-end quality control.
KH Lam, LLB, LLM
Legal Consultant of Ginkgo Advisory
Ginkgo Advisory provides New College Oxford degree verification and apostille services for graduates who need to use their academic documents overseas.
Our solicitor-led service can include:
- University of Oxford HEDD verification;
- consent-form checks;
- solicitor verification;
- enhanced solicitor certification;
- authenticity confirmation;
- certified true copies;
- FCDO apostille;
- a 2-working-day express apostille option;
- embassy or consular legalisation; and
- international return delivery.
New College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford.
Therefore, the University of Oxford, rather than New College itself, awards and formally verifies Oxford degrees. Third-party verification normally takes place through HEDD.
Quick answers
Who verifies a New College Oxford degree?
The University of Oxford verifies degrees held by New College students and alumni.
For employers, solicitors, screening agencies and other third parties, the main verification route is HEDD.
Is New College the awarding body?
No.
New College provides the student’s college membership, teaching and academic support. However, the University of Oxford awards the degree.
Therefore, the verification result normally comes from the University’s central Degree Conferrals Team.
What consent form does Oxford require?
The candidate must use the University of Oxford consent-to-disclosure form.
The form must name both:
- HEDD; and
- the organisation submitting the enquiry.
In addition, the candidate must sign it with a genuine wet-ink pen signature.
Can I use an electronic signature?
No.
Oxford does not accept:
- typed signatures;
- handwriting-style fonts;
- pasted signature images; or
- non-verifiable electronic signatures.
The candidate should print the form, sign it by hand and then scan it.
Can the degree receive an FCDO apostille?
Yes.
In most cases, our solicitor can certify a suitable copy before submitting it for an FCDO apostille.
How quickly can Ginkgo Advisory obtain the apostille?
We offer a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible documents.
However, this period starts after the required Oxford verification and solicitor certification are complete.
New College and the University of Oxford
New College forms part of the collegiate University of Oxford.
A student may live, receive tutorials and take part in college life at New College. Meanwhile, the University manages the central academic record and awards the degree.
Therefore, an Oxford degree certificate normally refers to the University of Oxford.
A HEDD verification may also focus on the University’s central record rather than on New College as a separate awarding institution.
This arrangement is normal.
However, an overseas authority may ask why the graduate studied at New College while the University of Oxford issued the certificate. In that case, the verification documents can explain the relationship.
Oxford degree verification through HEDD
HEDD stands for Higher Education Degree Datacheck.
It allows authorised third parties to check a candidate’s information against the University of Oxford record.
The service can verify:
- whether the candidate is a current or former student;
- the qualification awarded;
- the grade or classification; and
- the dates of attendance.
Therefore, HEDD provides more than a visual inspection of the degree certificate.
Instead, it checks the academic details against the University’s records.
HEDD currently lists an enquiry fee of £47 for New College, University of Oxford verification. However, platform fees may change.
Who can use HEDD?
HEDD serves third-party enquirers.
These may include:
- employers;
- recruitment companies;
- background-screening agencies;
- solicitors;
- professional regulators;
- universities;
- embassies;
- government bodies; and
- document legalisation providers.
A graduate cannot normally use the standard third-party HEDD route to issue a verification result to themselves.
Instead, the graduate authorises an organisation to submit the request.
Ginkgo Advisory can arrange the enquiry as part of the wider certification and legalisation service.
Oxford’s strict consent requirements
The University of Oxford applies strict consent rules.
First, the candidate must use Oxford’s own consent-to-disclosure form.
Next, the form must identify both HEDD and the third-party organisation that will submit the enquiry.
Finally, the candidate must add a wet-ink signature.
Oxford will not accept a signature that someone has:
- typed;
- created with a handwriting font;
- pasted into the document;
- copied from another document; or
- added through a non-verifiable electronic process.
Therefore, the safest process is:
- download the Oxford form;
- enter the candidate and third-party details;
- print the form;
- sign it with a pen;
- scan the complete signed form; and
- upload it to HEDD.
HEDD accepts the scanned consent form as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF file.
Information needed for the HEDD enquiry
A New College Oxford verification request normally requires:
- the candidate’s full name;
- any former name used while studying;
- date of birth;
- New College as the college;
- course title;
- qualification;
- graduation year;
- degree result or classification;
- dates of attendance;
- student number, if known;
- a clear scan of the certificate; and
- the signed Oxford consent form.
For a current student, the enquirer should provide:
- the start year; and
- the expected end year.
Oxford specifically requests these dates for current-student checks.
Small differences may prevent an immediate match.
For example, problems may arise because of:
- a missing middle name;
- an incorrect course title;
- a change of surname;
- an incorrect graduation year;
- incomplete attendance dates; or
- confusion between New College and the University.
Therefore, we use the wording on the Oxford records wherever possible.
Short and external Oxford courses
The University of Oxford cannot verify every course through HEDD.
In particular, HEDD does not cover short or external courses such as some Executive Leadership Programmes.
Therefore, applicants should first identify whether the document relates to:
- a formal University of Oxford degree;
- an Oxford Lifelong Learning award;
- a Saïd Business School online programme;
- an executive education course;
- a short course;
- a visiting-student programme; or
- another non-degree programme.
A certificate of attendance or executive programme certificate should not automatically be described as an Oxford degree.
Instead, the relevant department or programme provider may need to confirm it directly.
Oxford eDocuments
Students and alumni may also use the University of Oxford eDocuments service.
Depending on eligibility, the service can provide access to:
- degree confirmation letters;
- electronic degree certificates;
- academic transcripts; and
- diploma supplements.
Users can also share documents with third parties through secure electronic connections. The current one-off access fee for students and alumni is £17.
This route can provide useful supporting evidence.
However, an eDocument does not automatically replace:
- HEDD verification;
- solicitor certification;
- an FCDO apostille; or
- embassy legalisation.
The final authority decides what it accepts.
Oxford degree certificates and transcripts
Oxford issues the degree certificate after the University formally confers the degree at a ceremony, either in person or in absentia.
Therefore, completing examinations does not by[object Object],[object Object] itself cate. citeturn821732search14
New College also provides transcript guidance.
Students who began their studies in or after Michaelmas Term 2007 normally receive a final transcript after completing the degree.
However, students who began before Michaelmas Term 2007 should contact the New College Academic Officecript. citeturn515873search1
A transcript or degree confirmation letter can support enhanced solicitor certification where the details match the certificate.
Degree verification and solicitor certification
They perform different roles.
Degree verification
HEDD checks the University of Oxford academic record.
Solicitor verification
Our solicitor reviews the degree certificate, HEDD result, identification and supporting documents.
Solicitor certification
The solicitor places a formal certification statement on the document or copy.
FCDO apostille
The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, seal or stamp.
Therefore, one stage does not replace the others.
Enhanced solicitor certification
A basic certified true copy confirms that the copy matches the document shown to the solicitor.
However, it does not automatically confirm that the University of Oxford issued the original.
For stronger evidence, Ginkgo Advisory can provide enhanced solicitor certification.
The process may include:
- HEDD verification;
- review of the original Oxford degree certificate;
- review of an Oxford transcript or degree confirmation letter;
- comparison of the academic details;
- identity and name checks;
- authenticity confirmation; and
- solicitor certification.
Therefore, the certification can connect the physical certificate with an independent University record.
However, our solicitor will only confirm authenticity when reliable evidence supports that conclusion.
FCDO apostille
A University of Oxford degree certificate can usually receive an FCDO apostille after correct preparation.
Depending on the case, the apostille route may use:
- a solicitor-certified degree certificate;
- a certified transcript;
- a degree confirmation letter;
- a replacement certificate;
- an eligible Oxford eDocument; or
- another official academic document.
However, the receiving authority may require a particular format.
Therefore, we check whether it needs:
- the original certificate;
- a certified copy;
- an official letter;
- an academic transcript;
- HEDD verification; or
- a combination of documents.
What does the apostille confirm?
An apostille does not verify the student’s Oxford academic record.
Instead, it authenticates the relevant UK public signature, seal or stamp.
For a solicitor-certified copy, the FCDO normally authenticates the solicitor’s signature.
As a result, a strong process may follow this order:
Oxford HEDD verification → authenticity review → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille
Each stage provides a different type of assurance.
Two-working-day express apostille
Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible documents.
However, the express period only covers the FCDO stage.
It begins after:
- Oxford verification is complete;
- the correct academic document is available;
- our solicitor approves the evidence;
- the certification is ready; and
- the document meets the FCDO requirements.
Therefore, the two-working-day period does not include:
- HEDD processing;
- transcript or certificate production;
- Oxford record queries;
- solicitor evidence enquiries;
- embassy legalisation; or
- international delivery.
Embassy legalisation
Some destinations require embassy or consular legalisation after the UK authentication stage.
A typical route may involve:
- Oxford degree verification;
- solicitor certification;
- FCDO apostille or authentication;
- embassy legalisation; and
- further local processing after arrival.
However, each embassy sets its own requirements.
For example, it may ask for:
- the original Oxford degree certificate;
- a solicitor-certified copy;
- HEDD verification;
- an academic transcript;
- a degree confirmation letter;
- a certified translation;
- a passport copy; or
- specific certification wording.
Therefore, we check the destination rules before preparing the document.
Our process
Step 1: Document review
First, we review the certificate and confirm that it relates to a University of Oxford degree.
Step 2: Consent preparation
Next, the candidate completes the Oxford consent-to-disclosure form.
The form must name HEDD and Ginkgo Advisory as third parties. It must also carry a wet-ink signature.
Step 3: HEDD verification
We then submit the enquiry using the candidate’s exact academic details.
Step 4: Authenticity review
Our solicitor compares the HEDD result with the degree certificate and identity evidence.
Step 5: Solicitor certification
Where the evidence matches, our solicitor prepares the appropriate certification.
Step 6: FCDO apostille
We submit the document to the FCDO. A 2-working-day express option is available for eligible cases.
Step 7: Embassy legalisation
Where required, we arrange the embassy or consular stage.
Step 8: Return delivery
Finally, we provide a completion scan where requested and return the documents through the agreed delivery service.
Frequently asked questions
Is a New College degree awarded by New College?
No.
The University of Oxford awards and verifies the degree. New College is the student’s constituent college.
Who verifies a New College Oxford degree?
The University of Oxford verifies it through Hiries. citeturn515873search0
Which consent form should I use?
You must use the University of Oxford consent-to-disclosure form.
It should mention HEDD and the organisation submitting the enquiry.
Can I sign the form electronically?
No.
Oxford requires a genuine wet-ink signature and rejects typed, pasted or non-vertures. citeturn515873search0
What file formats does HEDD accept?
HEDD accepts PDF, JPG, PNG and TIF files.
How much does Oxford HEDD verification cost?
HEDD curry fee. citeturn515873search0
Can HEDD verify a current student?
Yes.
The enquirer should provide the student’s start year and expected end year.
Can HEDD verify an Oxford executive course?
Not necessarily.
Oxford cannot verify short or external courses such as Executive Leade HEDD. citeturn515873search0
Can alumni share Oxford documents digitally?
Eligible students and alumni can use Oxford’s eDocuments service to access and share documents such as certificates, transcripts antters. citeturn821732search5
Is HEDD verification the same as solicitor certification?
No.
HEDD checks the University record. Meanwhile, solicitor certification formally certifies the document or copy.
Does an apostille verify the Oxford degree?
No.
The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not check the academic record.
Can Ginkgo Advisory arrange a 2-working-day apostille?
Yes, provided that the document is eligible and ready for FCDO submission.
Do I need embassy legalisation?
You may need it where the destination requires further embassy or consular processing.
Contact Us
Address
Suite 161, 30 Red Lion Street, London, TW9 1RB, England