Orkney College UHI Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides Orkney College UHI degree verification and apostille services for graduates who need to use their academic documents overseas.

Our solicitor-led service can include:

• direct UHI degree verification;
• awarding-body checks;
• 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.

Orkney College UHI is an academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Today, the college uses the public name UHI Orkney. However, the University of the Highlands and Islands manages the central records for degrees that it awarded.

Quick answers

Who verifies an Orkney College UHI degree?

The University of the Highlands and Islands, commonly known as UHI, verifies degrees that it awarded.

Applicants cannot complete the verification through HEDD. Instead, they must contact UHI directly and provide the graduate’s consent. The HEDD record states that written requests should come from the third-party organisation.

Is Orkney College UHI now called UHI Orkney?

Yes.

The college now operates publicly as UHI Orkney. It remains an academic partner within the University of the Highlands and Islands structure.

Can every Orkney College qualification follow the UHI route?

No.

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

For example, an older document may name:

• the University of the Highlands and Islands;
• the UHI Millennium Institute;
• the Open University;
• the University of Aberdeen;
• the University of Strathclyde;
• SQA or one of its predecessor organisations; or
• another validating institution.

UHI gained taught degree-awarding powers in 2008. Since February 2011, UHI has awarded its taught degrees under the University of the Highlands and Islands name.

Can an Orkney College UHI certificate receive an apostille?

Yes.

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

How quickly can Ginkgo Advisory arrange the 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 begins after the required academic verification and solicitor certification are complete.

Do I need embassy legalisation?

You may also need embassy or consular legalisation if the destination does not accept an apostille as the final step.

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

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Orkney College UHI and UHI Orkney

Orkney College UHI formed part of the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership.

Today, the college uses the name UHI Orkney. It provides college and university-level education from Orkney while remaining an academic partner of UHI.

As a result, academic documents may refer to:

• Orkney College;
• Orkney College UHI;
• UHI Orkney;
• the UHI Millennium Institute; or
• the University of the Highlands and Islands.

These different names do not automatically affect the validity of a qualification.

However, an overseas employer or regulator may need evidence that connects the teaching college with the awarding university.

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Direct verification rather than HEDD

Orkney College UHI qualifications do not use the standard online HEDD verification process.

Instead, the HEDD record directs third-party enquirers to contact the University of the Highlands and Islands directly.

The verification may check:

• whether the candidate was a student;
• the award obtained;
• the grade or classification; and
• the attendance dates.

UHI’s Student Records Office maintains the University’s central student records. It also issues taught undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates and transcripts.

The current central contact is:

Student Records Office
Email: SRO@uhi.ac.uk

For local UHI Orkney enquiries, the current contacts are:

Telephone: +44 (0)1856 569000
Email: info.orkney@uhi.ac.uk

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Candidate consent

UHI requires the graduate’s consent before it releases personal academic information to a third party.

The HEDD record does not provide a standard consent form. Instead, it tells the enquirer to contact UHI for the current requirements.

A suitable consent form should normally include:

• the graduate’s full name;
• any former name used during study;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• programme title;
• qualification title;
• study dates;
• the authorised third party;
• the information that UHI may release;
• the purpose of the request;
• the graduate’s signature; and
• the date.

Ginkgo Advisory can prepare the consent form and submit the verification request on professional headed paper.

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Information required for verification

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;
• the full name used during study;
• any later name;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• programme title;
• qualification title;
• award year;
• grade or classification;
• attendance dates;
• place of study;
• the awarding body;
• evidence of any name change; and
• signed candidate consent.

Accurate details help UHI locate the correct record.

For example, a shortened course title, missing middle name or incorrect award year may delay the search.

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

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Check the awarding body

The teaching college and the awarding body may not be the same organisation.

A student may have studied at Orkney College while another university formally awarded the degree.

UHI received taught degree-awarding powers in 2008. The current UHI regulations state that all taught degrees have carried the University of the Highlands and Islands name since February 2011.

However, older certificates may name:

• the Open University;
• the University of Aberdeen;
• the University of Strathclyde;
• the UHI Millennium Institute;
• another university; or
• a national qualifications body.

Therefore, we check:

• the institution named at the top of the certificate;
• the awarding-body logo;
• the signatures and seals;
• the award wording;
• the reverse side; and
• any transcript or diploma supplement.

This check determines who should provide:

• award verification;
• a replacement certificate;
• an academic transcript;
• an official confirmation letter; or
• another supporting document.

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UHI-awarded degrees

Where the certificate names the University of the Highlands and Islands, UHI’s Student Records Office should normally hold the central award record.

UHI transcripts can include:

• modules taken during each year;
• assessment results;
• grades;
• academic credits;
• recognised prior learning;
• the final degree; and
• the degree classification.

Therefore, a UHI transcript may support:

• overseas employment;
• professional registration;
• further study;
• immigration applications;
• credential evaluation; and
• enhanced solicitor certification.

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Older degrees awarded by another university

Some students studied through Orkney College or the UHI partnership before UHI awarded its own degrees.

In those cases, another institution may hold the final award record.

For example, the HEDD entry refers to degrees awarded through Aberdeen, Strathclyde and the Open University.

Therefore:

• UHI may hold the local study record;
• UHI Orkney may confirm the place of study;
• another university may verify the final award; and
• the awarding university may control replacement certificates.

In some cases, the strongest evidence pack will include documents from both UHI and the original awarding body.

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HNC, HND and other SQA qualifications

Not every Orkney College UHI qualification is a university degree.

A student may hold:

• an HNC;
• an HND;
• an SVQ;
• a Professional Development Award;
• a National Certificate;
• a Higher;
• an apprenticeship qualification; or
• another Scottish qualification.

UHI states that its university transcript does not include courses or modules validated by other institutions. This exclusion includes SQA qualifications such as HNCs, HNDs, PDAs and SVQs.

Therefore, these qualifications may require verification from:

• the relevant Scottish awarding body;
• UHI Orkney as the education provider;
• another official record holder; or
• a combination of sources.

An HNC or HND should not automatically be described as a UHI degree.

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Academic transcripts

UHI provides transcripts for eligible undergraduate and taught postgraduate degree programmes.

A standard transcript currently costs £5 per copy. UHI also provides an electronic transcript with the paper copy. Applicants should normally allow at least seven working days for production.

However, an important historic-record limit applies.

UHI retains detailed module-achievement data for up to ten years after a student leaves the programme.

After that period, the University may still confirm the final award. Nevertheless, it may not be able to produce a complete module transcript.

Therefore, an older graduate may receive:

• a complete transcript;
• limited module information;
• confirmation of the final award; or
• guidance to contact another institution.

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Replacement certificates

UHI can provide replacement certificates for eligible awards.

The graduate must request an application form from the Student Records Office.

The current administration charge is £35, with an additional charge for delivery outside the UK. However, the University issues duplicate certificates at its discretion.

UHI can only replace a certificate for an award within its responsibility.

Therefore, another provider may control the replacement route where:

• the Open University issued the original award;
• Aberdeen or Strathclyde awarded the degree;
• SQA issued the qualification; or
• another body appears on the certificate.

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Degree verification and solicitor certification

Academic verification and solicitor certification perform different roles.

Academic verification

UHI or the correct awarding body checks the underlying academic record.

Solicitor verification

Our solicitor reviews the certificate, verification evidence and identification documents.

Solicitor certification

The solicitor places a formal certification statement on the document or copy.

FCDO apostille

The FCDO authenticates the relevant UK public signature, stamp or seal.

Therefore, one stage does not replace another.

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Basic solicitor certification

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

It answers one main question:

Does this copy match the original document presented?

However, basic certification does not automatically prove that UHI or another institution issued the original certificate.

As a result, some overseas authorities may also request independent academic verification.

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Enhanced solicitor certification

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

First, we identify the correct awarding body.

Next, we obtain or review academic verification.

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

Finally, the solicitor prepares wording that reflects the checks completed.

The enhanced process may include:

1. direct UHI or awarding-body verification;
2. review of the original certificate;
3. review of an academic transcript or university letter;
4. confirmation of the awarding institution;
5. comparison of the award details;
6. identity and name checks;
7. authenticity confirmation; and
8. solicitor certification.

Therefore, enhanced certification connects the certificate with an independent academic record.

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

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FCDO apostille

An Orkney College UHI qualification 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 academic transcript;
• an official UHI letter;
• a replacement certificate;
• an Open University document;
• an SQA document; or
• another eligible academic record.

The receiving authority may require a specific document format.

Therefore, we first check whether it needs:

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

What does the apostille confirm?

An apostille does not check the graduate’s academic record.

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

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

A strong route may therefore follow this order:

academic verification → authenticity review → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Each stage provides 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, this period covers the FCDO stage only.

It begins after:

• we identify the correct awarding body;
• academic verification is complete;
• the required 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:

• UHI record searches;
• external-university verification;
• SQA verification;
• transcript production;
• replacement-certificate production;
• solicitor evidence enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• international delivery.

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Embassy legalisation

Some destinations require embassy or consular legalisation after the FCDO stage.

A typical process may involve:

1. academic verification;
2. solicitor certification;
3. FCDO apostille or authentication;
4. embassy legalisation; and
5. further approval in the destination country.

However, every embassy sets its own rules.

For example, it may require:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• direct UHI verification;
• an academic transcript;
• an official award letter;
• a certified translation;
• a passport copy; or
• specific certification wording.

Therefore, we check the destination requirements before preparing the document.

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Our process

Step 1: Document review

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

We identify:

• the teaching institution;
• the awarding body;
• the qualification;
• the award date;
• the grade or classification;
• the signatures; and
• the seals.

Step 2: Verification-route selection

Next, we decide whether the case requires:

• direct UHI verification;
• UHI Orkney confirmation;
• the Open University;
• Aberdeen or Strathclyde;
• an SQA record;
• another awarding body; or
• more than one source.

Step 3: Candidate consent

The graduate signs the required consent form.

Step 4: Academic verification

We submit the request using the exact details shown on the academic documents.

Step 5: Authenticity review

Our solicitor compares the verification evidence with the certificate and identification documents.

Step 6: Solicitor certification

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

Step 7: FCDO apostille

We submit the document for an apostille.

A 2-working-day express option is available for eligible cases.

Step 8: Embassy legalisation

Where required, we arrange the embassy or consular stage.

Step 9: Return delivery

Finally, we provide a completion scan where requested.

We then return the documents through the agreed postal or courier service.

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Frequently asked questions

Is an Orkney College UHI qualification still valid?

Yes.

The use of the newer UHI Orkney name does not invalidate an earlier qualification.

What is Orkney College UHI called now?

The college now uses the name UHI Orkney. It remains part of the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership.

Who verifies an Orkney College UHI degree?

The University of the Highlands and Islands verifies degrees that it awarded.

Another institution may verify the qualification where that institution appears as the awarding body.

Can I verify the degree through HEDD?

No.

HEDD directs applicants to contact UHI directly.

Who should receive the verification request?

UHI’s Student Records Office manages central university student records.

The current email address is SRO@uhi.ac.uk.

Do I need candidate consent?

Yes.

A third-party request requires the graduate’s authority.

Can I obtain a UHI transcript?

Yes, for eligible UHI undergraduate and taught postgraduate degree records.

The current price is £5 per copy.

Can UHI provide a full transcript for an old award?

Not always.

UHI retains detailed module information for up to ten years after the student leaves. It may still confirm the final award after that period.

Does a UHI transcript include an HNC or HND?

No.

UHI excludes SQA-validated qualifications such as HNCs, HNDs, PDAs and SVQs from its university transcript.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

Possibly.

UHI currently charges £35 for an eligible replacement certificate. However, the correct provider depends on the awarding body.

What if the Open University awarded my degree?

The Open University may control verification and replacement documents for the final award.

UHI may still hold supporting information about the course and place of study.

Is academic verification the same as solicitor certification?

No.

Academic verification checks the underlying record. Solicitor certification formally certifies the document or copy.

Does an apostille verify the 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 further embassy or consular processing where the destination does not accept an apostille as the final step.