UK Degree Verification and Apostille for UPC BarcelonaTech

Are you using a UK degree to apply for a master’s programme at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya — BarcelonaTech, also known as UPC?

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

Ginkgo Advisory provides a complete UK degree apostille service for UPC BarcelonaTech. We help graduates verify their academic documents, prepare suitable solicitor certification and obtain a UK FCDO Apostille.

Our service can include:

• 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
• Paper FCDO Apostille
• Electronic FCDO Apostille
• A two-working-day express Apostille option
• International delivery to Barcelona
• Embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries

However, UPC schools and individual master’s programmes may apply different document rules. Therefore, we review the instructions from the relevant UPC school before we start.

Do UK Degrees Need an Apostille for UPC BarcelonaTech?

In most cases, yes.

UPC states that applicants must legalise documents issued in countries outside the European Union and obtain the appropriate Apostille. Because the United Kingdom is outside the EU, UK academic documents normally follow UPC’s non-EU document route.

The Apostille may apply to:

• Your bachelor’s degree certificate
• Your academic transcript
• A document that replaces the degree while it is being issued
• A letter confirming that your qualification gives access to postgraduate study
• Other academic documents requested by the master’s programme

In addition, some UPC programme pages expressly state that non-EU applicants must legalise both the bachelor’s degree and the transcript through the Hague Apostille process.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that apostilling the degree certificate alone will meet UPC’s requirements.

What Documents Does UPC Require From Foreign Graduates?

UPC’s general master’s enrolment guidance asks applicants with qualifications from foreign universities to provide:

• A copy of their passport, DNI or NIE
• The original and a photocopy, or a certified photocopy, of the relevant qualification
• The original and a photocopy, or a certified photocopy, of the academic transcript
• Any additional documents required by the specific master’s programme

The transcript should list the subjects completed, marks received and number of credits or hours. It should also explain the grading system used.

The exact checklist depends on the school and programme. For example, a UPC school may also request:

• A curriculum vitae
• A motivation letter
• Recommendation letters
• Evidence of English-language ability
• An average-mark equivalence declaration
• Proof that the degree gives access to master’s study
• Additional subject or syllabus information

For this reason, applicants should review both UPC’s central guidance and the instructions from the school that runs their chosen programme.

Does UPC Require Proof of Access to Master’s Study?

UPC may require this evidence when the foreign qualification has not received formal Spanish recognition or homologation.

Its general guidance asks for a document from the awarding university, educational institution or competent authority. The document should confirm that:

• The course lasted at least three years; and
• The qualification allows the holder to pursue postgraduate or master’s study in the country of issue.

Alternatively, the document should state the level of higher education that the qualification allows the holder to enter.

A UK degree certificate may not include all this information.

Therefore, a UK graduate may need a separate letter from the awarding university. This letter may confirm:

• The official length of the programme
• The academic level of the qualification
• The status of the awarding institution
• The qualification’s eligibility for postgraduate admission in the UK

You should ask the relevant UPC school whether it needs this letter and whether the letter must also carry an Apostille.

Do Both the Degree and Transcript Need an Apostille?

Usually, applicants should prepare both documents.

UPC’s general guidance states that documents issued in non-EU countries must carry the relevant Apostille. Meanwhile, several UPC programme pages specifically require non-EU applicants to legalise both the bachelor’s degree and transcript.

The safer route normally involves:

• One degree certificate with its own Apostille
• One academic transcript with its own Apostille

Separate Apostilles offer several benefits. For example:

• UPC can review each document independently
• You can reuse the degree without the transcript
• You can submit the transcript separately
• Another authority can identify each document clearly
• You reduce the risk of rejection because of unclear bundling

However, an individual UPC school may accept a combined bundle. Therefore, applicants should request written confirmation before relying on one Apostille for two documents.

Can One Apostille Cover the Degree and Transcript?

In some circumstances, the UK FCDO may apostille a bound or certified document bundle.

However, FCDO acceptance does not automatically mean that UPC will accept one Apostille for both academic documents.

UPC normally treats the degree and transcript as separate enrolment documents. In addition, programme-specific guidance often refers to legalising the degree and transcript individually.

Therefore, separate Apostilles usually provide the clearer option.

Before choosing a combined bundle, ask the relevant UPC school to confirm:

• Whether it accepts one Apostille for both documents
• How the documents must be joined
• Whether each document needs separate certification
• Whether UPC will retain the documents
• Whether the documents must later be used separately

Ginkgo Advisory can review the school’s written reply before preparing the bundle.

Must the Apostille Attach to the Original Document?

UPC’s central master’s guidance allows applicants to provide an original and photocopy or a certified photocopy.

Therefore, UPC does not appear to impose one universal original-only rule across every school and programme.

However, individual UPC schools may apply stricter requirements.

For example, the Barcelona School of Civil Engineering states that applicants without certified electronic copies must submit original documents, including any translation and Apostille. It applies separate rules to documents certified by Spanish universities, Spanish notaries and Spanish diplomatic or consular offices.

As a result, applicants should not automatically choose between:

• Apostilling the original degree
• Apostilling the original transcript
• Apostilling solicitor-certified copies
• Apostilling certified electronic copies

First, we check the specific school’s requirements. We then confirm which route best matches UPC’s instructions and the FCDO process.

Can UPC Accept a Solicitor-Certified Copy?

UPC’s central guidance allows a certified photocopy in place of an original and ordinary photocopy. However, it does not state that every form of overseas solicitor certification will satisfy every UPC school.

Some schools may accept a properly apostilled UK solicitor-certified copy. Others may ask for:

• The apostilled original
• A certified electronic copy
• Certification by a notary
• Certification by a Spanish diplomatic or consular office
• Later inspection of the original
• A certified copy made by a Spanish authority

Therefore, solicitor certification must support the correct document route. It should not replace a school-specific requirement for an original or another form of certification.

Ginkgo Advisory can complete solicitor verification and enhanced certification. However, we will explain where UPC may require a different certification step.

What Is UK Degree Verification?

Degree verification checks whether a recognised UK institution genuinely awarded the qualification.

A paper certificate shows the information printed on it. However, it does not independently prove that the university issued the document.

We may verify:

• The graduate’s full name
• The awarding university
• The qualification
• The subject
• The degree classification
• The award date
• Attendance dates
• The academic transcript
• The document’s electronic signature
• The document’s verification code

After verification, our solicitor can prepare certification wording that accurately records the checks completed.

HEDD Degree Verification

HEDD provides a central UK degree-verification system.

It connects universities with employers, agencies, embassies and other organisations. Depending on the institution, a HEDD check can confirm the place of study, academic award, grade and attendance dates.

HEDD may provide a suitable route when:

• The graduate only holds a paper certificate
• The document contains no QR code
• The university has no public verification portal
• UPC wants independent authenticity evidence
• The solicitor needs confirmation before certification
• The awarding university directs third parties to HEDD

However, HEDD does not cover every UK university or every qualification.

Also, graduates cannot usually use HEDD to verify their own awards directly. A third-party organisation normally completes the check with the graduate’s consent.

Other UK University Verification Routes

UK universities use several systems to issue and verify academic records.

Therefore, we select the best route for each case.

Secure university platforms

Many universities issue certificates and transcripts through platforms such as:

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

The graduate can share the document directly with our solicitor.

This route allows us to access the academic record from its official source. As a result, it gives stronger evidence than an ordinary PDF attached to an email.

QR codes and secure verification codes

Some degree certificates and transcripts contain:

• A QR code
• A secure verification code
• An authentication number
• A link to the university’s electronic office

We can use that information to confirm the document online.

This route may also help with UPC’s electronic document process.

Direct university verification

If HEDD or an electronic platform is unavailable, we may contact:

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

The university may require:

• Written consent from the graduate
• A passport copy
• The student number
• The date of birth
• A document copy
• Payment of a verification fee

Official email confirmation

Some universities confirm qualifications through an official university email.

We check:

• The sender’s 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 the conclusion, our solicitor may confirm the document’s authenticity.

What Is Enhanced Solicitor Certification?

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

Enhanced solicitor certification goes further.

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

• How we received the document
• Which university platform we used
• Whether HEDD confirmed the award
• Whether the university confirmed the qualification directly
• Whether we checked a QR code or verification number
• Whether we validated the electronic signature
• Whether the certified copy matches the verified record
• Whether the evidence supports an authenticity confirmation

Therefore, enhanced certification creates a clear link between the official university record and the document submitted for legalisation.

However, our solicitor will only confirm checks that actually took place.

We tailor the wording to:

• The document
• The verification evidence
• The FCDO requirements
• The UPC school’s instructions
• The intended document format

Verification, Certification and Apostille Explained

These three stages perform different functions.

Verification

Verification confirms the academic information through an official university source.

Solicitor certification

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

FCDO Apostille

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

The UK Legalisation Office checks whether the signature, stamp or seal matches its records. It then attaches the Apostille if the document meets its requirements. The FCDO can legalise qualification certificates after suitable UK public-official certification.

The Apostille does not assess the student’s grade or approve the academic content.

Therefore:

• University verification supports authenticity
• Solicitor certification records the completed checks
• The Apostille authenticates the UK public official’s signature

Can UPC Accept Electronic Academic Documents?

Some UPC schools accept certified electronic academic documents.

For example, the Barcelona School of Civil Engineering allows applicants to upload a degree and transcript when the documents contain a secure verification code or QR code. For non-EU qualifications, the uploaded file must also include the Apostille or diplomatic legalisation.

That school asks applicants to combine all relevant pages into one file, including:

• The degree or transcript
• The Apostille
• Any legalisation
• Any required translation

However, this guidance comes from one UPC school. Other schools may use a different upload or original-document process.

Applicants should therefore check whether their UPC school accepts:

• Secure electronic certificates
• Digitally signed transcripts
• Electronic Apostilles
• Scanned paper Apostilles
• QR-code verification
• Later presentation of originals

Paper Apostille or e-Apostille for UPC?

The best format depends on your UPC school’s document rules.

Paper Apostille

A paper Apostille may provide the safer choice when:

• UPC asks to inspect the original
• You must submit documents in person
• The school requires a physical certified copy
• Staff need to retain a paper copy
• The school has not confirmed acceptance of an e-Apostille

Electronic Apostille

An e-Apostille may work when:

• The university issued a valid electronic degree
• The document carries an accepted electronic signature
• Our solicitor signs it electronically
• UPC accepts certified electronic copies
• The relevant school accepts an FCDO e-Apostille

The FCDO allows applications for both paper Apostilles and e-Apostilles. An e-Apostille remains attached to the relevant digital document and can be shared electronically.

However, UPC acceptance remains a separate issue.

Therefore, applicants should obtain written approval before relying only on an e-Apostille.

What Does UPC Require for Electronic Uploads?

The exact process depends on the school.

For example, UPC’s Barcelona School of Civil Engineering states that applicants can upload the degree and transcript only when they are certified electronic copies.

The documents must contain a secure verification code or QR code that allows UPC to check their authenticity. For non-EU qualifications, the PDF must also include the Apostille or diplomatic legalisation.

The school also requires:

• All pages in one file
• The complete Apostille
• The complete translation, where required
• A verifiable degree or replacement document
• A verifiable official transcript

Where applicants cannot provide certified electronic copies, that school requires a separate original-document submission process.

Other UPC schools may set different rules. Therefore, always check the programme’s own instructions.

Do English Academic Documents Need Translation?

UPC’s translation rules require careful checking.

UPC’s central academic management guidance states that foreign documents requiring translation should receive an official translation into Spanish or Catalan. It lists sworn translators and accepted diplomatic or consular routes.

However, some individual UPC schools accept academic documents in Spanish, Catalan or English.

For example, the Barcelona School of Civil Engineering states that it accepts academic documents in all three languages. It only requires a sworn translation for documents issued in another language.

Therefore, a UK degree and transcript written in English may not need translation for some UPC programmes.

Nevertheless, you should not assume that every UPC school follows the same rule.

Before arranging a translation, ask the school to confirm:

• Whether it accepts English
• Whether it requires Spanish or Catalan
• Whether the Apostille also needs translation
• Whether the translation must come from a Spanish sworn translator
• Whether it accepts a translation completed outside Spain

Should the Translation Come Before or After the Apostille?

Where UPC requires a translation, applicants should usually prepare the complete legalised document first.

The translator can then translate:

• The degree certificate
• The transcript
• The certification wording
• The Apostille
• Any other legalisation stamps

This approach gives UPC a translation of the full document chain.

However, the order can depend on the certification and Apostille route. Therefore, applicants should confirm the sequence before paying for a translation.

Is Homologation Required for UPC Master’s Admission?

Not always.

UPC’s general guidance distinguishes between applicants with a formally recognised qualification and those whose qualifications have not been homologated.

Where the qualification has not been homologated, UPC may instead ask for evidence from the awarding institution or competent authority. That evidence must show the course duration and confirm access to postgraduate study in the issuing country.

Therefore, UPC admission to a master’s programme does not always require full Spanish homologation of the UK degree.

However, UPC still needs to check that the qualification gives the applicant suitable academic access.

This admission assessment does not automatically give the foreign degree wider legal or professional recognition in Spain.

Does UPC Require an Average-Mark Equivalence Declaration?

Some UPC schools and programmes require applicants to convert their foreign average mark into the Spanish grading system.

For example, certain EETAC master’s programmes require candidates to obtain and sign an official average-mark equivalence document. The Barcelona School of Civil Engineering also lists a declaration of equivalence among its master’s admission documents.

However, this requirement may not apply to every UPC programme.

Therefore, check whether your programme requests:

• The transcript’s grading scale
• An official average-mark declaration
• A signed declaration
• A Spanish grade conversion
• Additional evidence about class rank or degree classification

Ginkgo Advisory’s Apostille service does not replace this academic assessment document. However, we can identify it when reviewing the UPC checklist.

Can UPC Grant Conditional or Temporary Admission?

Some UPC programmes allow applicants to proceed temporarily when legalisation remains outstanding.

For example, certain EETAC programmes state that non-EU applicants who upload documents without completed legalisation may receive temporary admission. The programme only makes the admission final after the applicant supplies the correct legalised documents.

This does not mean that applicants can skip the Apostille.

Instead, it may give them additional time to complete the process.

Because each programme sets its own deadlines, applicants should contact the school immediately if the Apostille will not arrive in time.

Can You Complete the Process While Living Overseas?

Yes, in many cases.

Graduates living in Spain, Hong Kong or another country may start the verification process remotely.

For example, you can share 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 next stage requires:

• The original degree
• The original transcript
• Printed certified copies
• Certified electronic copies
• A paper Apostille
• An e-Apostille

You should not send valuable originals until we have checked the relevant UPC requirements.

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 the required preparation.

Before submission, we may need to:

• Review the UPC requirements
• Verify the degree
• Verify the transcript
• Obtain the graduate’s consent
• Check electronic signatures
• Prepare enhanced 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, a direct response from the awarding university may take longer.

Where Must You Obtain the Apostille?

UPC states that documents from Hague Convention countries require an Apostille from the competent authority of the country concerned.

Therefore, applicants must obtain a UK Apostille for documents issued in the United Kingdom.

The FCDO Legalisation Office cannot legalise documents issued outside the UK through its UK service. It checks UK signatures, seals and stamps before issuing an Apostille.

You should complete the UK process before UPC’s final enrolment deadline.

Embassy Legalisation for Non-Hague Countries

UK academic documents used at UPC normally follow the Hague Apostille route.

Therefore, they will not usually require an additional Spanish embassy stamp after the UK Apostille.

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

That process may involve:

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

The exact process depends on the destination and document type.

Our UPC BarcelonaTech Document Process

Step 1: Send us the UPC instructions

First, send:

• Your offer or admission email
• The name of the master’s programme
• The relevant UPC school
• The enrolment checklist
• Any email from the programme administrator
• Your final document deadline

We will separate UPC-wide guidance from programme-specific rules.

Step 2: Send copies of the documents

Next, provide clear copies of:

• The degree certificate
• The academic transcript
• The diploma supplement, where available
• Any access-to-master’s letter
• Any replacement degree document
• 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 QR code
• A secure verification code
• A digital signature
• Direct institutional confirmation

Step 4: Check the UPC document format

We confirm whether the school wants:

• The original and a photocopy
• A certified photocopy
• A certified electronic copy
• A paper Apostille
• An e-Apostille
• Later inspection of originals

Step 5: Complete the verification

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

Step 6: Prepare enhanced certification

Where appropriate, our solicitor prepares certification wording that reflects the checks completed.

We will also explain if the UPC school requires notarial, consular or Spanish certification instead.

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 Apostilles

Once the FCDO returns the documents, we check:

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

Step 9: Arrange international delivery

Finally, we can send the documents to:

• The applicant in Spain
• The applicant in the United Kingdom
• An address in Hong Kong
• Another international address
• A representative
• The relevant UPC school, where permitted

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 documents
• Student status letters
• Professional qualification certificates
• Secure electronic academic records
• Historic UK qualifications

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

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 UPC BarcelonaTech 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 UPC school uses the same process.

Instead, we check the relevant school and programme before we verify, certify or apostille the documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a UK degree need an Apostille for UPC BarcelonaTech?

Usually, yes. UPC states that documents issued in non-EU countries must receive the appropriate legalisation and Apostille.

Do I need to apostille both my degree and transcript?

Many UPC programmes require both documents. Therefore, applicants should prepare both unless the relevant school confirms otherwise.

Must the Apostille attach to the original?

Not under one universal UPC rule. UPC’s general guidance allows an original and photocopy or a certified photocopy. However, individual schools may require original documents.

Can UPC accept a UK solicitor-certified copy?

Possibly. However, the relevant school may require an original, a certified electronic copy, notarial certification or certification through a Spanish authority.

Can one Apostille cover my degree and transcript?

Possibly, but separate Apostilles usually provide the clearer and safer route. Obtain written UPC approval before combining the documents.

Does UPC require proof that my degree gives access to a master’s programme?

It may. UPC’s general guidance asks non-homologated applicants for proof of course duration and postgraduate access in the issuing country.

Can you verify my UK degree through HEDD?

Yes, where the awarding institution uses HEDD. Otherwise, we will use another official verification route.

What does enhanced solicitor certification confirm?

It records the authenticity checks completed by our solicitor. For example, it may refer to HEDD, a university platform, a QR code or direct university confirmation.

Does an Apostille confirm my degree classification?

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

Can UPC accept an electronic degree certificate?

Some UPC schools accept certified electronic copies with a secure verification code or QR code. The rules vary by school.

Does UPC accept an FCDO e-Apostille?

Some electronic submission routes may support it. However, applicants should obtain written confirmation from the relevant school.

Do English academic documents need translation?

Some UPC schools accept documents in English. UPC’s central translation guidance is stricter, so applicants should check their programme’s exact rule.

Do I need an average-mark equivalence document?

Some UPC programmes require one. Check your school’s admission checklist.

Can I receive temporary admission without the Apostille?

Some programmes allow temporary admission while legalisation remains incomplete. However, applicants must still provide the Apostille before final approval or the applicable deadline.

Can I complete the process while living outside the UK?

Yes. We can often complete verification remotely. However, the correct Apostille route may require you to send an original document to the UK.

How quickly can you obtain the FCDO Apostille?

We offer a two-working-day express option for suitable documents after verification and document 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 UPC BarcelonaTech, please send:

• Your degree certificate
• Your academic transcript
• The name of your UPC programme
• The name of the relevant UPC school
• The enrolment or admission checklist
• Any email from the programme administrator
• 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 UPC 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