Queen Margaret University Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides Queen Margaret University degree verification and apostille services for graduates and students using their academic documents overseas.

Our solicitor-led service can include:

• HEDD degree verification;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• certified true copies;
• FCDO paper apostille or e-Apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option; and
• embassy legalisation where required.

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh is a recognised UK degree-awarding university. Its former names include Queen Margaret College and Queen Margaret University College.

Who verifies a QMU degree?

Third-party enquirers can verify Queen Margaret University qualifications through HEDD.

The verification can check:

• whether the candidate is a current or former student;
• the qualification awarded;
• the grade or classification; and
• attendance dates.

The current HEDD enquiry fee is £14.

University contact: registry@qmu.ac.uk

Candidate consent

QMU requires the consent form to authorise both:

• HEDD; and
• the organisation submitting the request.

Therefore, the consent should clearly name HEDD and Ginkgo Advisory.

The candidate must sign the form. The enquirer can upload it as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF file.

Information required

We normally request:

• the front and back of the degree certificate;
• any available academic transcript;
• the candidate’s passport;
• full name used during study;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course and qualification titles;
• award year and classification;
• attendance dates;
• signed candidate consent; and
• the intended country of use.

Accurate information helps QMU locate and match the correct student record.

Official QMU documents

Former students can also request official documents directly from QMU.

Current options include:

• Confirmation of Award Letter: £15;
• duplicate academic transcript: £20;
• certified copy of a degree certificate: £10;
• replacement degree certificate: £25; and
• course document: £50.

A transcript is available for records dating from 1990. However, transcripts from before 1997 do not show credit values.

Replacement degree certificates are available for awards dating from 1994. QMU asks former students who studied before 2000 to contact its Document Request Team before paying.

Document requests may take up to four weeks.

Contact: DocumentRequest@qmu.ac.uk

Enhanced solicitor certification

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

Enhanced solicitor certification can also use independent academic evidence.

Depending on the case, our solicitor may:

1. obtain HEDD verification;
2. review the original certificate;
3. compare a QMU transcript or award letter;
4. check the graduate’s identity;
5. confirm the qualification details; and
6. certify the document using wording supported by the evidence.

We only confirm authenticity where reliable evidence supports that conclusion.

FCDO apostille

After verification and solicitor certification, the document can normally proceed to the FCDO for an apostille.

The usual route is:

HEDD verification → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

The Legalisation Office checks whether the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal matches its records. It does not independently verify the academic record. Qualification certificates and certified copies may be legalised after a UK solicitor or notary certifies them correctly.

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

However, this period covers the FCDO stage only. It does not include:

• HEDD processing;
• QMU document production;
• solicitor verification enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• delivery.

Both paper apostilles and e-Apostilles are available. An e-Apostille requires an eligible PDF that a UK solicitor or notary has signed electronically.

Embassy legalisation

Some overseas authorities require embassy or consular legalisation after the UK apostille or authentication stage.

The receiving authority may request:

• the original degree certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• HEDD verification;
• an official QMU transcript;
• a Confirmation of Award Letter;
• a certified translation; or
• specific certification wording.

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

Our process

1. Review the certificate and overseas requirements.
2. Obtain consent authorising HEDD and Ginkgo Advisory.
3. Submit the HEDD verification request.
4. Obtain additional QMU documents where useful.
5. Complete enhanced solicitor certification where supported.
6. Arrange the FCDO apostille.
7. Complete embassy legalisation where required.
8. Return the completed documents.

Frequently asked questions

Is Queen Margaret University recognised?

Yes. HEDD lists Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh as a recognised UK institution that currently awards degrees.

What were QMU’s former names?

The institution previously used the names Queen Margaret College and Queen Margaret University College. It gained the Queen Margaret University title in 2007.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

The current enquiry fee is £14.

Who must the consent form authorise?

It must authorise both HEDD and the organisation submitting the request.

Can I obtain a QMU transcript?

Yes. A duplicate transcript currently costs £20 and is available for records dating from 1990.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

Yes, for eligible awards dating from 1994. The current fee is £25.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. It authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not confirm the underlying academic record.

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

Yes, once verification and solicitor certification are complete and the document is ready for FCDO submission.