University College of Wales Aberystwyth Degree Verification and Apostille

University College of Wales Aberystwyth was a recognised UK institution whose historic qualifications are now verified by Aberystwyth University.

Ginkgo Advisory can arrange HEDD verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille and embassy legalisation. A 2 working day express FCDO apostille option is available once verification and solicitor certification are complete.

Quick answer

University College of Wales Aberystwyth qualifications can be verified through HEDD.

The usual process is:

HEDD verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → embassy legalisation where required

Aberystwyth University is an exclusive HEDD partner. Standard third-party degree verification requests must therefore be submitted through HEDD.

The current degree enquiry fee is £14.

HEDD verification requirements

HEDD can check:

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

The candidate must provide a consent form that is:

• signed by hand;
• dated within the previous three months; and
• uploaded as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF.

Digital or typed signatures should not be used for this institution’s HEDD request.

The enquiry should include accurate information, such as:

• the candidate’s name during study;
• any previous name;
• course and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• award year;
• classification; and
• student number, if known.

Check the awarding body

Historic academic documents may display different institutional names.

These may include:

• University College of Wales Aberystwyth;
• University College of Wales;
• University of Wales, Aberystwyth;
• Aberystwyth University; or
• another awarding body.

Many older qualifications were formally awarded by the University of Wales. The awarding body printed on the certificate determines who can issue a replacement certificate or certified university copy.

Transcripts and confirmation letters

Former students can request an academic transcript or Confirmation of Studies letter from Aberystwyth University.

The University states that former-student documentation requests normally receive a response within five working days. Digital letters and transcripts may be available more quickly than hard-copy documents.

A Confirmation of Studies letter may be useful where:

• a detailed transcript is unavailable;
• the recipient needs official attendance dates;
• the historic institution name requires explanation; or
• the overseas authority requests a university-issued document.

Replacement certificates

Aberystwyth University issues replacement certificates for qualifications awarded by Aberystwyth University from 2010 onwards.

An older University College of Wales Aberystwyth degree may instead be a University of Wales award. In that case, the replacement certificate should normally be requested from the University of Wales.

The University of Wales currently offers:

• replacement certificates;
• Confirmation of Award letters;
• certified certificate copies; and
• transcripts or diploma supplements where available.

We check the original certificate before selecting the correct document route.

Solicitor verification and solicitor certification

A basic solicitor-certified copy confirms that the copy matches the document presented to the solicitor.

It does not independently establish that the qualification appears in official academic records.

Our enhanced service reviews the document against reliable evidence, such as:

• a HEDD verification result;
• an Aberystwyth University transcript;
• a Confirmation of Studies letter;
• a University of Wales Confirmation of Award;
• a replacement certificate; or
• another official academic record.

Where the evidence supports it, our solicitor can provide certification with authenticity confirmation.

This creates a stronger evidence chain than a basic certified true copy.

FCDO apostille

After academic verification and solicitor certification, the document can proceed to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

An apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not independently verify the underlying qualification.

The recommended order is:

academic verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Our 2 working day express FCDO apostille option covers the apostille stage only.

It excludes:

• HEDD processing;
• university archive searches;
• transcript production;
• replacement certificates;
• courier delivery; and
• embassy legalisation.

Embassy legalisation

Documents intended for a destination outside the Hague Apostille Convention may require additional embassy or consular legalisation.

A typical route is:

solicitor certification → FCDO legalisation → embassy legalisation

The receiving authority may also ask for an official transcript, Confirmation of Studies letter, certified translation or supporting identity document.

What to send us

Please provide:

• a clear scan of the certificate;
• the transcript, if available;
• the candidate’s name during study;
• course and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• award year;
• classification;
• student number, if known;
• destination country; and
• receiving authority’s requirements.

We will identify whether the correct route involves HEDD, Aberystwyth University, the University of Wales or another awarding body.

Frequently asked questions

Who verifies University College of Wales Aberystwyth qualifications?

Aberystwyth University verifies the historic qualifications through HEDD.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

The current degree enquiry fee is £14.

Is a handwritten consent form required?

Yes. The consent form must be hand-signed and dated within the previous three months.

Can former students obtain a transcript?

Yes, where sufficient records remain. Aberystwyth University also provides Confirmation of Studies letters.

Who issues an older replacement certificate?

The awarding body printed on the document determines the route. Many older qualifications were University of Wales awards.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. HEDD or the relevant university verifies the academic record. The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

Can Ginkgo Advisory manage the complete process?

Yes. We can coordinate HEDD verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille, embassy legalisation and return delivery.

Start your qualification verification

Send a clear scan and the receiving authority’s requirements to:

Email: info@ginkgoadvisory.com
WhatsApp: +44 7388 833283