When a diploma needs to be apostilled for an overseas job, a visa application or a university enrolment, timing is almost always the first concern. The total time from start to finish depends almost entirely on one thing: how the diploma's authenticity is verified before the solicitor certifies it. Choose the right route and the process is fast. Choose the wrong one and it can take up to three weeks.
Why solicitor/notary public certification must happen first
A diploma is issued by a private institution - a university or college - and does not carry a government signature or official seal that the FCDO can independently verify. The FCDO authenticates the wet-ink signature, seal or stamp on the document. For a diploma, that means authenticating the solicitor's or notary's certification. The solicitor or notary public must verify the diploma is genuine before certifying it. How they do that determines how long the whole process takes.
Fastest route: university email confirmation
The quickest option is an official email from the university confirming the applicant's graduation. When a clear email from the university is provided to the solicitor, they can certify the diploma immediately without any further checks. This route allows certification to be completed the same day, after which the certified diploma is submitted to the FCDO for apostille.
Also fast: diploma with a QR code
Many modern UK diplomas include a QR code linked to the university's online verification system. The solicitor or notary public scans the code, the system confirms the diploma's authenticity in real time, and certification can be completed the same day. This route is equally fast to the email route and requires no separate contact with the university.
Slowest route: HEDD verification
If neither a university email nor a QR code is available, verification must go through HEDD - the Higher Education Degree Data check service - which contacts the university directly on the solicitor's behalf. This process can take up to fourteen working days depending on how quickly the institution responds. It is the route of last resort and should be avoided where either of the faster options is available.
After certification: FCDO and beyond
Once the diploma is certified, it is submitted to the FCDO for apostille. Standard postal processing takes around ten working days at £45 per document. For countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention, embassy attestation is also required after the apostille. Call our team on +44 (0) 204 646 9300 to confirm which verification route applies to your diploma and to manage the full process.