Need to use a degree certificate from The Open University in Vietnam? Ginkgo Advisory provides solicitor certification, UK FCDO apostille and UK FCDO e-Apostille services from London. Send your certificate, any requested academic transcript and the receiving organisation\’s instructions so we can review the appropriate preparation.
An apostille now replaces Vietnamese Embassy legalisation for qualifying UK documents. Choose the document, certification and paper or electronic format for your particular submission, including any Vietnamese translation.
Open University degree apostille for Vietnam without embassy legalisation
The Apostille Convention took effect for Vietnam on 11 September 2026, as recorded by the HCCH. The Vietnamese Embassy in London notice confirms that UK public documents covered by the Convention no longer require its consular legalisation after an apostille.
For a qualification from The Open University prepared through this route, the document chain centres on appropriate UK certification and the FCDO apostille. An additional Vietnamese Embassy stamp is no longer part of that chain. Documents outside the Convention have different rules.
The Open University degree certificates and academic records
Identify whether you studied directly with the OU
The Open University name can appear in several different record contexts. Someone who studied directly with the OU, someone holding an OU-validated award from another institution, and someone seeking confirmation of an older CNAA award should not use the same enquiry route. The Awards and Aftercare page explicitly separates these groups.
Direct OU graduates are directed to the Qualifications Centre, while third parties seeking verification of direct OU awards are directed to Prospects Hedd. Awards and Aftercare handles specified services for OU-validated and CNAA awards. Before preparing a UK apostille preparation for Vietnam file, identify the teaching institution and awarding body from the actual certificate rather than assuming that any record held by the OU represents direct OU study.
Locate the Diploma Supplement for module information
The OU Business School alumni guidance explains that the university supplies academic transcript information in a Diploma Supplement. With the necessary StudentHome access, this can be downloaded as a PDF. It contains details of completed OU modules and the qualification date, making it a relevant document to inspect when the Vietnamese recipient asks for a transcript.
Preserve the complete downloaded document and compare it with the requested evidence. A request for the award certificate still needs separate attention; the presence of module information does not establish that a recipient will accept it as a substitute for the certificate.
Avoid sending partner-record enquiries to the wrong office
OU Awards and Aftercare states that it does not hold transcript or Diploma Supplement information for OU-validated awards. If this describes your qualification, establish who holds the detailed academic record before arranging document preparation. Give the legalisation adviser the award type, institution, year and all available records, then confirm the appropriate format for any requested Vietnam document submission.
Our solicitor certification service for Open University degrees
Our solicitor certification service starts with a review of the certificate and the evidence available. We identify the appropriate form of certification and any source checks needed before preparing the document for legalisation.
A certified copy confirms the relationship between the copy and the document examined. Academic authenticity verification checks the award through an appropriate university record or verification route. Tell us if your recipient requires both, so the proposed work and certification statement address that instruction.
UK qualification documents can be legalised following suitable solicitor or notarial certification under the FCDO legalisation guidance. We check whether the recipient specifies a particular certifier or wording. The apostille authenticates the relevant signature, seal or stamp; it does not verify the degree\’s academic content or establish work-permit eligibility.
Paper FCDO apostille or UK FCDO e-Apostille for Vietnam
These are two formats of FCDO legalisation. The document you need to present and the recipient\’s submission arrangements help determine the suitable route.
| Service | Preparation and delivery | What to establish |
|---|---|---|
| UK FCDO paper apostille | Suitable paper certification, followed by a physical apostille attached to the document. | Original or certified copy, and any delivery requirements. |
| UK FCDO e-Apostille | A PDF electronically signed by a UK solicitor or notary, followed by electronic legalisation. | The accepted underlying document and digital submission method. |
Our UK apostille service handles paper submission and return. Our UK e-Apostille service covers suitability review, solicitor electronic certification and FCDO submission for eligible documents.
How solicitor electronic certification and e-Apostille work
The UK electronic process uses an Advanced Electronic Signature or Qualified Electronic Signature. A scan showing a handwritten signature is not the same as that digital signing process. The FCDO issues a digitally signed PDF package that includes the apostille and the document to which it relates. Its electronic legalisation announcement explains the signing and security arrangements.
The completed electronic document can be shared digitally, as described in the FCDO application guidance. Keep the issued file intact for the recipient to examine its signatures and attachments. A printed copy does not preserve those electronic features.
Can an FCDO e-Apostille be used in Vietnam?
The HCCH guidance on e-Apostilles explains that a valid electronic apostille has the same status as a paper apostille and cannot be refused solely because it is electronic where the Convention applies.
The format of the underlying academic document remains a separate issue. The HCCH e-APP background note distinguishes recognition of an electronic apostille from acceptance of an underlying electronic document. Ask the Vietnamese recipient how it requires the degree and any translation to be presented before choosing the service.
Vietnam work permits, transcripts and Vietnamese translations
A request for a degree in a Vietnam employment application does not identify every document that must be legalised. Obtain the employer\’s or local adviser\’s checklist and establish whether it calls for the certificate, transcript, award confirmation or another record. Ask whether both academic documents require authentication and whether separate apostilles or a certified set are acceptable.
The Embassy notice calls for a Vietnamese translation of a non-Vietnamese document, notarised or certified in accordance with Vietnamese law. Confirm how the academic record and apostille should be translated and presented. Translation and qualification recognition remain separate from the removal of embassy legalisation.
Frequently asked questions
Does my Open University degree still need Vietnamese Embassy legalisation?
No additional embassy legalisation is required for a qualifying UK document bearing a valid apostille under the Convention.
Does the transcript always need a separate apostille?
The requested document set determines the work. Ask whether the transcript must be authenticated and whether a combined presentation is accepted before booking.
Can I send a digital Open University certificate for review?
Yes. Send the official record and available verification details for assessment. We will confirm the evidence and certification needed for your proposed service.
Can I arrange the service while I am in Vietnam?
You can start the enquiry remotely. Tell us where the documents are held and whether you need electronic delivery or a completed paper document. We will confirm any original-document requirement after review.
How much does Open University degree certification and apostille cost?
Request an itemised quotation covering the agreed verification, solicitor certification, FCDO submission and any delivery. Include your deadline so the available service and expected timing can be assessed.
Arrange Open University degree certification and apostille with Ginkgo Advisory
Our certification and apostille service is overseen by KH Lam, LLB, LLM, a London-based solicitor of England and Wales regulated by the SRA and registered with the FCDO for apostille purposes. Ginkgo Advisory prepares and submits the documents; the FCDO issues the apostille.
To request our The Open University degree certificate service for Vietnam, send:
- A clear copy of the degree certificate and any requested transcript, including all pages.
- The course, award year and available Open University verification or sharing details.
- The Vietnamese recipient\’s checklist, intended use and any specified certification or translation wording.
- Your deadline, location and preferred paper or electronic delivery arrangements.
We will review the document set and provide a quotation for solicitor certification, UK FCDO apostille or UK FCDO e-Apostille, according to the preparation agreed for your submission.
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