School of Advanced Study Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides School of Advanced Study degree verification and apostille services for graduates using their academic documents overseas.

Our service can include:

• direct University of London verification;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• FCDO paper apostille or e-Apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option; and
• embassy legalisation where required.

The School of Advanced Study, commonly called SAS, forms part of the University of London. Its programmes lead to University of London degrees and diplomas. These include MA, MSc, MRes, MPhil, PhD and other postgraduate awards.

Who verifies an SAS degree?

You cannot verify a School of Advanced Study qualification through HEDD.

Instead, an employer, solicitor or other authorised third party must contact the University of London directly. HEDD states that written verification requests should:

• come from the third party on headed paper; and
• include the graduate’s signed consent.

The verification may confirm:

• former student status;
• the qualification awarded;
• the grade or classification; and
• attendance dates.

The University of London’s current guidance directs third-party verification requests to:

Verification@london.ac.uk

For transcripts and graduate document enquiries, applicants can also use:

transcripts@london.ac.uk

Candidate consent

A third-party verification request requires the graduate’s written consent and signature.

The consent should normally include:

• the graduate’s full name;
• any former name;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• programme and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• the organisation authorised to obtain the information;
• the information that may be released;
• the graduate’s signature; and
• the date.

Ginkgo Advisory can submit the request on professional headed paper with the required authority.

Information required

We normally request:

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

The certificate should identify the University of London as the degree-awarding institution and may also name the School of Advanced Study or its relevant institute.

Transcripts and replacement documents

University of London graduates can request:

• an official transcript;
• a Letter of Certification;
• a certified copy of the certificate;
• a certified copy of the relevant syllabus; or
• a replacement certificate.

A transcript provides the academic record, including papers, marks or grades, registration dates and award information where available.

A Letter of Certification confirms the award and carries an authorised University signature and embossed seal. The University states that these letters are commonly used for employment and visa purposes.

The University can only replace certificates that it originally issued. A graduate must use the University’s online document-request form and payment portal.

School of Advanced Study certificates and graduation documents are produced through the University of London Diploma Production Office. Replacement certificates and transcripts also follow the University’s central document-request process.

Enhanced solicitor certification

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

However, it does not independently confirm the underlying academic record.

Enhanced solicitor certification can also use university evidence. Depending on the case, our solicitor may:

1. obtain University of London verification;
2. review the original certificate;
3. compare an official transcript or Letter of Certification;
4. confirm the School and programme details;
5. check the graduate’s identity and former names; and
6. certify the document using wording supported by the evidence.

We only confirm authenticity where reliable verification supports that conclusion.

FCDO apostille

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

The usual route is:

University verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not independently verify the academic record.

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

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

• University verification;
• transcript or certificate production;
• solicitor enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• delivery.

Both paper apostilles and e-Apostilles are available. The receiving authority must accept the chosen format.

Embassy legalisation

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

The receiving authority may request:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• direct University verification;
• an official transcript;
• a Letter of Certification;
• 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 the graduate’s signed consent.
3. Submit the verification request on professional headed paper.
4. Review any transcript or University letter.
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

Can I verify a School of Advanced Study degree through HEDD?

No. HEDD directs third parties to contact the University or School directly.

Who awards SAS degrees?

The University of London awards degrees and diplomas based on programmes offered through the School of Advanced Study.

Do I need candidate consent?

Yes. A third-party request requires written consent carrying the graduate’s signature.

Which email should I use for verification?

Third-party requests should go to Verification@london.ac.uk. Transcript and document enquiries can go to transcripts@london.ac.uk.

Can I obtain a transcript?

Yes. The University of London can provide an official transcript showing the available academic record.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

Yes, where the University of London issued the original certificate.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. It authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. Academic verification remains a separate stage.

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

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

Contact Ginkgo Advisory

To request a quote, please send:

• the front and back of the certificate;
• any available transcript;
• the intended country of use; and
• the receiving authority’s instructions.