University of Paisley Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides University of Paisley degree verification and apostille services for graduates using their qualifications overseas.

Our service can include:

• HEDD degree verification;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option; and
• embassy legalisation where required.

The University of Paisley awarded recognised qualifications between 1992 and 2007. It merged with Bell College on 1 August 2007 and became part of the University of the West of Scotland, known as UWS.

Who verifies the qualification?

The University of the West of Scotland verifies University of Paisley qualifications through HEDD.

HEDD can check:

• whether the candidate was a student;
• the qualification awarded;
• the grade or classification; and
• attendance dates.

The current enquiry fee is £14.

Contact: hub@uws.ac.uk

Strict consent requirements

UWS only accepts the official HEDD consent form.

The form must:

• name the University of the West of Scotland;
• carry a handwritten signature;
• be dated within the previous three months; and
• be uploaded as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF file.

Digital signatures are not accepted.

Therefore, we check the consent form before submitting the verification request.

Information required

We normally request:

• the front and back of the certificate;
• any available transcript;
• the graduate’s passport;
• full name used during study;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course and qualification titles;
• award year and classification;
• attendance dates;
• signed HEDD consent; and
• the intended country of use.

Exact names and dates help UWS locate the correct record.

Academic transcripts

UWS provides authorised transcripts for most taught programmes from the University of Paisley and other predecessor institutions.

Former students should complete the Academic Transcript Request form and send it to hub@uws.ac.uk.

UWS aims to process requests within five working days. It supplies the transcript as a signed and stamped PDF, and currently makes no charge for standard transcript production.

A transcript may support:

• overseas employment;
• professional registration;
• further study;
• immigration applications; and
• enhanced solicitor certification.

Replacement certificates

University of Paisley graduates may request replacement documents through UWS.

The University asks graduates of predecessor institutions to contact:

alumni@uws.ac.uk

Availability and requirements depend on the award record and the document requested.

Enhanced solicitor certification

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

Enhanced solicitor certification can also use independent academic evidence. Depending on the case, our solicitor may:

1. obtain HEDD verification;
2. review the original certificate;
3. compare an authorised UWS transcript;
4. check the graduate’s identity;
5. confirm the award details; and
6. certify the document using wording supported by the evidence.

We only confirm authenticity where reliable verification supports that conclusion.

FCDO apostille

After verification and solicitor certification, the document can normally proceed to the FCDO for an apostille.

The usual route is:

HEDD verification → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

The Legalisation Office checks whether the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal matches its records. It does not independently verify the academic qualification. Qualification certificates and certified copies may be legalised when a UK solicitor or another eligible public official certifies them correctly.

Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible documents.

However, this period covers the FCDO stage only. It does not include:

• HEDD processing;
• transcript or certificate production;
• solicitor enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• delivery.

Paper apostilles and e-Apostilles are available, subject to document eligibility and acceptance by the receiving authority.

Embassy legalisation

Some destinations require embassy or consular legalisation after the FCDO stage.

For a non-Hague destination, the process may include:

1. FCDO legalisation;
2. legalisation by the destination country’s embassy in London; and
3. approval by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the destination country.

Therefore, we check the receiving authority’s requirements before preparing the documents.

Our process

1. Review the certificate and award details.
2. Obtain a valid hand-signed HEDD consent form.
3. Submit the HEDD verification request.
4. Obtain a UWS transcript where useful.
5. Complete enhanced solicitor certification where supported.
6. Arrange the FCDO apostille.
7. Complete embassy legalisation where required.
8. Return the completed documents.

Frequently asked questions

Is a University of Paisley degree still valid?

Yes. The merger and later name change do not invalidate a recognised University of Paisley qualification.

Who verifies the degree?

The University of the West of Scotland verifies it through HEDD.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

The current fee is £14.

Can I sign the consent form digitally?

No. UWS requires a hand-signed form dated within the previous three months.

Can I obtain an academic transcript?

Yes, for most taught University of Paisley programmes. UWS currently provides standard authorised transcripts without charge.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

Possibly. University of Paisley graduates should contact the UWS Alumni Team for the current requirements.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. It authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

Can Ginkgo Advisory arrange a 2-working-day apostille?

Yes, once verification and solicitor certification are complete and the document is ready for FCDO submission.