University of Kent at Canterbury Degree Verification and Apostille

The University of Kent at Canterbury was the former name of the University of Kent. Qualifications issued under that name remain valid and can be verified through HEDD.

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

Quick answer

University of Kent at Canterbury qualifications can be verified through HEDD.

The usual process is:

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

The University of Kent is an exclusive HEDD partner. Standard third-party degree checks 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 University requires a consent form that:

• is signed by hand;
• is dated within the previous three months;
• authorises the release of academic, university or educational information; and
• is uploaded as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF.

The request should include the candidate’s name during study, course, qualification, award year, classification, attendance dates and student number where available.

Certificates, transcripts and official letters

Former students can request official documents from the University of Kent, including:

• replacement degree certificates;
• academic transcripts;
• status letters; and
• authentication of degree certificates.

A status letter may confirm the course, registration and completion dates, classification and graduation date.

For alumni from 2003 onwards, official transcript copies or replacements are available through the University’s alumni service. Older University of Kent at Canterbury records may require a manual review by Student Administration.

LAMDA awards before 2004

The University of Kent does not verify certificates awarded by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before 2004.

Those qualifications require a separate verification route through LAMDA or the awarding institution shown on the certificate.

We therefore check whether the document is:

• a University of Kent degree;
• a University of Kent at Canterbury degree;
• a LAMDA qualification;
• a validated partner award; or
• another professional qualification.

Solicitor verification and 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 the University’s records.

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

• a HEDD verification;
• an official University transcript;
• a status letter;
• an authenticated certificate;
• a replacement certificate; or
• another official academic record.

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

FCDO apostille

After 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 academic qualification.

The recommended process 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 record searches, document production, 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 process is:

solicitor certification → FCDO legalisation → embassy legalisation

The receiving authority may also request an official transcript, status letter, certified translation or supporting identity document.

What to send us

Please provide:

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

We will identify the correct verification, certification and legalisation route.

Frequently asked questions

Who verifies University of Kent at Canterbury qualifications?

The University of Kent verifies the qualifications through HEDD.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

The current degree enquiry fee is £14.

Is a handwritten consent form required?

Yes. It must be hand-signed, dated within the previous three months and authorise the release of academic or educational information.

Can former students obtain transcripts?

Yes. Transcript and replacement-document services are available, although older records may require manual review.

Can Kent verify a pre-2004 LAMDA award?

No. The University does not verify LAMDA certificates awarded before 2004.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. HEDD or the 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 University of Kent verification

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

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