UK Degree Verification and Apostille for Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Are you applying to Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, commonly known as UAB, with a UK degree?

You may need to verify and apostille your degree certificate and academic transcript before you complete enrolment.

Ginkgo Advisory provides a complete UK degree apostille service for Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

We can assist with:

• UK degree verification
• Academic transcript verification
• HEDD degree checks
• Verification through secure university platforms
• Direct checks with the awarding university
• Enhanced solicitor certification
• Academic document authenticity confirmation
• UK FCDO Apostille
• A two-working-day express Apostille option
• Paper and electronic Apostille applications
• International delivery to Barcelona
• Embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries

However, UAB’s enrolment process varies between programmes. Therefore, we check the instructions from your master’s programme and Academic Management Office before we prepare the documents.

Do UK Degrees Need an Apostille for UAB?

In most cases, yes.

UAB states that degree certificates and academic transcripts from non-EU institutions must be official. The issuing authority must also legalise them through diplomatic channels, the Hague Apostille or another applicable agreement.

Because the United Kingdom is outside the European Union, UK-issued academic documents normally follow UAB’s non-EU route.

As a result, you may need an Apostille for:

• Your bachelor’s degree certificate
• Your academic transcript
• An official award confirmation
• A replacement degree document
• Another academic document requested by your programme

You should check the exact document list before applying. Some UAB master’s programmes may also request extra evidence about your studies, grades, credits or eligibility for postgraduate study.

Do Both the Degree and Transcript Need an Apostille?

Usually, yes.

UAB’s central guidance refers to both the degree certificate and academic transcript. It states that documents from non-EU institutions must be official and properly legalised.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that an Apostille on the degree certificate alone will be enough.

The safer route normally involves:

• One Apostille for the degree certificate
• One Apostille for the academic transcript

Separate Apostilles also make the documents easier to use later. For example, another university may request your transcript but not your degree certificate.

However, your UAB Academic Management Office may accept a properly prepared document bundle. You should obtain written confirmation before relying on one Apostille for both documents.

Can One Apostille Cover the Degree and Transcript?

The UK FCDO may accept certain document bundles. However, FCDO acceptance does not automatically mean that UAB will accept one Apostille for two separate academic records.

UAB treats the degree certificate and transcript as separate enrolment documents. In addition, its central guidance states that both must meet the legalisation requirements for non-EU documents.

For that reason, separate Apostilles usually offer the clearer option.

Before combining the documents, ask UAB to confirm:

• Whether one Apostille can cover both documents
• Whether a solicitor must bind the documents together
• Whether each document needs separate certification
• Whether UAB will keep the documents
• Whether you must later present the originals

Ginkgo Advisory can review UAB’s written response before preparing the documents.

What Documents Does UAB Require for Enrolment?

The exact checklist depends on the master’s programme.

For many official master’s degrees, UAB asks students to provide the degree that gives access to the programme and the related academic transcript.

Programme enrolment pages may ask for:

• The original degree certificate and a photocopy
• An official document confirming that the degree has been awarded
• An attested photocopy sent by post
• The academic transcript
• A transcript with a secure verification code
• Legalised copies for students living overseas
• Official translations where required

Some UAB programme pages set a deadline for presenting the final degree and transcript. They may allow a secure electronic transcript, while asking for the degree certificate in person or as an attested copy by post.

Therefore, you should check both:

1. UAB’s general rules for foreign documents; and
2. The enrolment page for your specific master’s programme.

Can You Apply Before Completing the Apostille?

In some cases, yes.

Certain UAB programmes allow applicants to upload scanned documents during pre-enrolment. However, the applicant must later provide official, verified or legalised documents before the final deadline.

This means that you may receive an admission decision before the Apostille process finishes.

However, admission does not remove the legalisation requirement. UAB may still ask you to provide:

• The apostilled degree certificate
• The apostilled academic transcript
• Attested copies
• Original documents for comparison
• Verifiable electronic documents
• Official translations

You should start the Apostille process early. Otherwise, a delay could affect your final enrolment.

Does UAB Require Original Documents?

The answer depends on the programme and submission method.

Some UAB official master’s pages ask students to present the original degree certificate and a photocopy. Alternatively, students may send an attested photocopy by post.

Those pages may also accept a digital transcript when it has a secure verification code. Students who live overseas may send attested or legalised copies to the relevant Academic Management Office.

Therefore, UAB may accept one of the following:

• An original and ordinary photocopy presented in person
• An attested photocopy
• A legalised copy
• A secure electronic academic document
• A document with a secure verification code

However, each programme can set its own procedure.

Do not send an original degree certificate internationally unless UAB has clearly asked you to do so.

Can UAB Accept a Solicitor-Certified Copy?

Possibly.

UAB programme pages often refer to an “attested photocopy” or a “legalised copy”. However, they do not always define which overseas professionals can prepare the attested copy.

A UK solicitor can certify a copy as a true copy of the original. The UK government lists solicitors among the professionals who can certify documents.

Nevertheless, UAB decides whether it accepts that certification format.

Before we prepare an apostilled solicitor-certified copy, we recommend confirming:

• Whether UAB accepts certification by a UK solicitor
• Whether the Apostille should cover the solicitor’s signature
• Whether UAB wants the original instead
• Whether a Spanish consular certification is required
• Whether UAB will inspect the original later

Ginkgo Advisory can prepare enhanced solicitor certification where that route meets UAB’s instructions.

Should You Apostille the Original or a Certified Copy?

The correct choice depends on UAB’s written requirements and the format of your academic documents.

Apostille on the original

This route may suit you when:

• UAB expressly requests the apostilled original
• The degree already carries a suitable recognised signature
• The FCDO can legalise the document in its current form
• You will present the original in person

However, the FCDO may require a UK solicitor or another public official to certify the original before it can issue the Apostille.

Apostille on a certified copy

This route may suit you when:

• UAB accepts an attested or legalised copy
• You do not want to mark the original
• You need to retain the original overseas
• UAB will keep the submitted copy
• The university document can be verified remotely

The UK Legalisation Office checks whether the signature, stamp or seal on a document matches its records. If the document qualifies, it attaches an Apostille.

Before starting, we confirm which route UAB expects.

What Is UK Degree Verification?

UK degree verification checks whether a recognised university genuinely awarded the qualification.

A photocopy only shows the information printed on the document. It does not independently prove that the university issued it.

A verification check may confirm:

• The graduate’s name
• The awarding university
• The qualification
• The subject studied
• The degree classification
• The award date
• Attendance dates
• The authenticity of the degree certificate
• The authenticity of the transcript

After completing the check, our solicitor can prepare certification wording that reflects the evidence.

HEDD Degree Verification

HEDD provides a central degree-verification system for participating UK universities.

It allows authorised organisations to check details such as:

• Place of study
• Qualification awarded
• Grade or classification
• Dates of attendance

HEDD connects universities with employers, agencies, embassies and other organisations. Students and graduates do not normally use it to verify their own awards directly.

HEDD may provide a suitable verification route when:

• The graduate has a paper certificate
• The document has no QR code
• The university has no public verification portal
• UAB wants stronger proof of authenticity
• The solicitor needs evidence before certification
• The awarding university directs third parties to HEDD

However, not every UK institution uses HEDD. Therefore, we also work with other official verification routes.

Other UK University Verification Routes

UK universities issue academic records through different systems.

We may use one or more of the following routes.

Secure academic document platforms

Many universities issue degrees and transcripts through systems such as:

• Digitary CORE
• Parchment
• Gradintelligence
• Secure graduate portals
• University electronic-record services

The graduate can share the document directly with our solicitor.

As a result, we can access the official record rather than rely on a PDF forwarded by email.

Secure verification codes

Some degree certificates and transcripts contain:

• A secure verification code
• A QR code
• An authentication number
• A link to an official university webpage

We can use the code to check the document online.

This route can also support UAB applications. Some UAB programme pages accept electronic transcripts where the document contains a secure verification code.

Direct university verification

Where HEDD or a secure platform is unavailable, we may contact:

• The university registry
• The awards office
• Student records
• The graduation team
• The verification department

The university may require:

• The graduate’s written consent
• A passport copy
• The student number
• The date of birth
• A copy of the academic document
• Payment of a verification fee

Official university email confirmation

Some universities confirm academic awards by email.

In that case, we check:

• The sender’s university domain
• The identity of the department
• The graduate’s details
• The qualification details
• The wording of the confirmation

Digital signatures and electronic seals

A university may issue a PDF with a digital signature or electronic seal.

We can check the signature and determine whether it links to the awarding institution.

Where the evidence supports it, our solicitor may confirm the document’s authenticity.

What Is Enhanced Solicitor Certification?

Basic solicitor certification usually confirms that a copy matches the original document shown to the solicitor.

Enhanced certification goes further.

After completing an official verification check, our solicitor may confirm:

• How we received the document
• Which verification route we used
• Whether HEDD confirmed the award
• Whether the university confirmed the qualification
• Whether we checked a secure verification code
• Whether we validated a digital signature
• Whether the certified copy matches the official academic record
• Whether the available evidence confirms authenticity

This wording creates a stronger link between the university’s official record and the certified document.

However, the solicitor must only confirm checks that actually took place.

Therefore, we tailor the wording to:

• The verification evidence
• The type of academic document
• The FCDO requirements
• UAB’s instructions
• The intended submission method

Verification, Certification and Apostille Explained

These stages perform different functions.

Degree verification

Verification confirms the qualification through an official university source.

Solicitor certification

Certification records the solicitor’s statement about the document, copy or completed checks.

FCDO Apostille

The Apostille confirms the signature, seal or professional capacity of the UK public official who signed the document.

The Legalisation Office checks whether the relevant signature, stamp or seal matches its records. It then issues the Apostille where the document meets its requirements.

Therefore:

• University verification supports authenticity
• Solicitor certification records the checks
• The Apostille authenticates the solicitor’s signature

The Apostille does not independently assess the student’s grade or approve admission to UAB.

Can UAB Accept Electronic Academic Documents?

Some UAB programmes accept electronically verifiable documents.

For example, certain official master’s enrolment pages allow students to email a transcript when the document has a secure verification code. Otherwise, students must send or present the document through another approved route.

UAB’s continuing-education guidance also recognises digitally verifiable documents as valid. Where a document is not digitally verifiable, the student may need to provide final documentation through another channel.

However, the rules for continuing-education programmes do not automatically apply to official UAB master’s degrees.

Therefore, official master’s applicants should ask whether their programme accepts:

• A secure digital degree certificate
• A digital transcript
• A QR-code document
• An FCDO e-Apostille
• A scanned paper Apostille
• A document shared through Parchment or Digitary
• Later presentation of the original

Paper Apostille or e-Apostille for UAB?

The UK FCDO offers both paper Apostilles and e-Apostilles.

However, UAB’s central master’s guidance does not give one universal rule for accepting UK e-Apostilles.

Therefore, a paper Apostille may provide the safer option when:

• UAB asks for an original and photocopy
• You must present the document in person
• The Academic Management Office wants a physical certified copy
• The programme has not confirmed acceptance of an e-Apostille
• UAB needs to inspect original signatures and stamps

An e-Apostille may be suitable when:

• The university issued the academic document electronically
• The document carries a valid electronic signature
• Our solicitor certifies it electronically
• The UAB programme accepts digital legalisation
• You submit the complete document online

Before choosing an e-Apostille, obtain written confirmation from the relevant UAB Academic Management Office.

Do UK Academic Documents Need Translation?

Usually, no.

UAB accepts documents written in:

• Catalan
• Spanish
• English

Therefore, a standard UK degree certificate or transcript in English does not normally need an official translation for UAB master’s enrolment.

For documents in French, Italian or Portuguese, UAB may accept a translation prepared through its Language Service or a sworn translation.

Documents in other languages normally need a translation into Catalan, Spanish or English. An accepted sworn translator or diplomatic or consular authority must prepare the translation.

However, official recognition or homologation procedures may apply stricter language rules. For those procedures, UAB states that documents in languages other than Catalan or Spanish may require an official translation into Catalan or Spanish.

Therefore, you should identify the exact procedure before arranging a translation.

Does an Apostille Guarantee Admission to UAB?

No.

The Apostille confirms the relevant UK signature or seal. It does not decide whether your degree meets the academic entry requirements.

UAB and the programme coordinator may still assess:

• The academic level of the degree
• The subject studied
• The duration of the programme
• The modules completed
• The credits earned
• The grades received
• Language ability
• Programme-specific entry requirements

In addition, the enrolment process differs between UAB master’s degrees.

Therefore, legalising the documents does not guarantee admission.

Do You Need Spanish Homologation?

Not every UAB master’s applicant needs full Spanish homologation of a UK degree.

Admission to an official master’s programme and formal recognition for a regulated profession are different processes.

UAB can assess a foreign qualification for access to a specific master’s programme. However, this assessment does not automatically grant the degree full professional or legal recognition throughout Spain.

Certain regulated programmes may impose separate rules. For example, a programme linked to a regulated profession may require additional accreditation, recognition or subject-specific checks.

Therefore, applicants should check whether they need:

• Admission assessment only
• Degree equivalence
• Homologation
• Professional recognition
• Programme-specific accreditation

The Apostille supports the authenticity of the documents. It does not replace these academic or professional procedures.

Can You Complete the Process While Living Overseas?

Yes, in many cases.

Graduates living in Spain, Hong Kong or another country may complete the verification stage remotely.

You may share your documents through:

• HEDD
• Digitary CORE
• Parchment
• Gradintelligence
• A secure university portal
• A QR code
• A digital signature
• Direct university confirmation

We can then determine whether the Apostille stage requires:

• The original degree certificate
• The original transcript
• Printed certified copies
• Electronic certified copies
• A paper Apostille
• An e-Apostille

You should not send valuable original documents until we have reviewed your UAB programme’s instructions.

Two-Working-Day Express FCDO Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory offers a two-working-day express FCDO Apostille option for suitable documents.

The two-working-day period applies to the FCDO stage after we have completed all document preparation.

Before submission, we may need to:

• Review the UAB requirements
• Verify the degree
• Verify the transcript
• Obtain the graduate’s consent
• Check digital signatures
• Prepare enhanced solicitor certification
• Prepare the original or certified copy
• Confirm the correct Apostille format

Therefore, the total processing time depends on the verification route.

A secure electronic record may allow quick verification. By contrast, direct confirmation from the awarding university may take longer.

Where Must You Obtain the Apostille?

Documents from a Hague Convention country require an Apostille from the competent authority connected with the country of issue. UAB describes the Apostille as the required single legalisation route for documents covered by the Hague Convention.

Therefore, UK academic documents must receive a UK FCDO Apostille.

You cannot obtain a Spanish Apostille for a degree certificate issued in the United Kingdom.

The UK Legalisation Office checks UK signatures, stamps and seals before issuing the Apostille.

Embassy Legalisation for Non-Hague Countries

UK academic documents for UAB normally follow the Hague Apostille route.

Therefore, they should not normally need Spanish embassy legalisation after the UK Apostille.

However, Ginkgo Advisory also assists with UK documents intended for countries outside the Hague Apostille system.

In those cases, the process may involve:

1. University verification
2. Solicitor or notarial certification
3. FCDO legalisation
4. Embassy or consular legalisation
5. International delivery

For documents from countries outside the Hague system, UAB describes a diplomatic legalisation route involving the relevant authorities and Spanish diplomatic representation.

Our UAB Document Process

Step 1: Send us the UAB requirements

First, send:

• Your offer or admission email
• The name of your master’s programme
• The relevant UAB faculty or school
• The enrolment checklist
• Any email from Academic Management
• Your final document deadline

We will separate general UAB rules from programme-specific instructions.

Step 2: Send copies of the documents

Next, provide clear copies of:

• Your degree certificate
• Your academic transcript
• Any diploma supplement
• Any award confirmation
• Any postgraduate-access letter
• Any existing translation

Do not post the originals until we confirm that we need them.

Step 3: Identify the verification route

We determine whether we can use:

• HEDD
• A university document platform
• A secure verification code
• A QR code
• A digital signature
• Direct university confirmation

Step 4: Confirm the UAB document format

We then check whether your programme wants:

• An original and photocopy
• An attested photocopy
• A legalised copy
• A secure electronic document
• A paper Apostille
• An e-Apostille
• Later inspection of the originals

Step 5: Complete the verification

Our solicitor checks the degree and transcript through the strongest available official route.

Step 6: Prepare enhanced certification

Where appropriate, our solicitor prepares certification wording that records the authenticity checks.

We will also explain if UAB requires another form of certification.

Step 7: Obtain the FCDO Apostille

We submit each correctly prepared document to the FCDO.

A two-working-day express option is available for suitable documents.

Step 8: Check the completed documents

Once the FCDO completes the Apostilles, we check:

• The holder’s name
• The Apostille details
• The public official’s details
• The document attachment
• The number of documents
• The condition of the papers

Step 9: Arrange delivery

Finally, we can send the documents to:

• The applicant in Spain
• The applicant in the United Kingdom
• An address in Hong Kong
• Another overseas address
• A representative
• UAB, where the Academic Management Office permits direct delivery

Courier charges depend on the destination and service level.

Documents We Can Help With

Our service can cover:

• Bachelor’s degree certificates
• Master’s degree certificates
• Doctoral and PhD certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Diploma supplements
• Award confirmation letters
• Graduation letters
• Letters confirming postgraduate access
• Replacement degree certificates
• Student status letters
• Secure electronic academic records
• Professional qualification certificates
• Older UK qualifications

Each university uses a different verification system. Therefore, we review the documents before confirming the process.

Why Choose Ginkgo Advisory?

Ginkgo Advisory manages the process from academic verification to final delivery.

Our service includes:

• Direct handling by a solicitor in England and Wales
• Review of UAB requirements
• HEDD degree verification
• Alternative university verification routes
• Secure electronic document checks
• Enhanced authenticity certification
• Paper and electronic Apostille support
• A two-working-day express FCDO option
• Advice on original and certified-copy routes
• Advice on separate and combined Apostilles
• International courier delivery
• Embassy legalisation for other destinations

Most importantly, we do not assume that every UAB programme uses the same document process.

Instead, we check the relevant programme and Academic Management Office before we verify, certify or apostille the documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a UK degree need an Apostille for UAB?

Usually, yes. UAB requires degree certificates and transcripts from non-EU institutions to be official and legalised through the applicable route.

Do I need to apostille both my degree and transcript?

Usually, yes. UAB’s guidance refers to both documents.

Must I submit the originals?

Some programmes ask for an original and photocopy. Others allow attested or legalised copies. Check the enrolment page for your programme.

Can UAB accept a UK solicitor-certified copy?

Possibly. However, you should confirm that the relevant Academic Management Office accepts certification by a UK solicitor.

Can one Apostille cover the degree and transcript?

Possibly, but separate Apostilles normally provide the clearer and safer route.

Can I submit my transcript electronically?

Some UAB programmes accept a digital transcript with a secure verification code.

Can I submit an ordinary scanned copy?

A scan may support the initial application. However, UAB may later require an official, attested, legalised or electronically verifiable document.

Does UAB accept an FCDO e-Apostille?

UAB does not publish one universal rule for all official master’s programmes. Ask your Academic Management Office for written confirmation.

Can you verify my UK degree through HEDD?

Yes, where the awarding university participates in HEDD. Otherwise, we will use another official route.

What does enhanced solicitor certification confirm?

It records the authenticity checks completed by our solicitor. These may include HEDD, a university platform, a secure code or direct university confirmation.

Does the Apostille verify my academic result?

No. The university verification confirms the academic information. The Apostille authenticates the UK public official’s signature or seal.

Do English documents need translation?

Normally, no. UAB accepts documents in Catalan, Spanish and English for general master’s enrolment procedures.

Can I apply before obtaining the Apostille?

Some programmes allow initial applications with scanned documents. However, you must provide the final legalised documents by the applicable deadline.

Do I need Spanish homologation?

Not always for admission to a UAB master’s programme. However, regulated professions and specific programmes may have separate recognition rules.

Can I complete the process from outside the UK?

Yes. We can often complete verification remotely. However, the chosen Apostille route may require an original or physical certified copy in the UK.

How quickly can you obtain the Apostille?

We offer a two-working-day express FCDO option for suitable documents after verification and preparation.

Can you deliver the documents to Barcelona?

Yes. We can arrange tracked international delivery to Barcelona or another destination.

Contact Ginkgo Advisory

To request a quotation for UK academic documents for Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, please send:

• Your degree certificate
• Your academic transcript
• The name of your UAB programme
• The relevant UAB faculty or school
• The enrolment checklist
• Any email from Academic Management
• Details of the university verification platform
• Your final document deadline
• Your return-delivery city and postcode

We will review the requirements and confirm:

• Which documents need verification
• Which documents need an Apostille
• Whether UAB requires originals
• Whether solicitor certification is suitable
• Whether you need separate Apostilles
• Whether you can use electronic documents
• The expected processing time
• The international courier cost