How to Verify Scottish University Degrees: QAA Scotland Guide

Scotland's higher education system

Scotland's higher education quality is assured by QAA Scotland (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education). Scotland has 19 higher education institutions, including University of Edinburgh (founded 1583), University of St Andrews (founded 1413), and University of Glasgow (founded 1451). Scotland uses the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), a 12-level framework. Note that Scottish bachelor's degrees are typically 4 years (not 3 as in England).

Verification steps

1. Check QAA Scotland recognition — Verify the institution is recognized. VerifyED includes recognized Scottish institutions.
2. Contact the institution — Scottish universities maintain registrar offices for verification.
3. UK ENIC — UK ENIC handles credential recognition for UK qualifications.
4. Apostille — UK is a Hague Convention member. Documents can be apostilled.

Key considerations

• 4-year bachelor's — Scottish bachelor's degrees are typically 4 years, unlike 3-year English degrees.
• SCQF framework — The 12-level SCQF provides clear qualification comparability.
• Ancient universities — St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh are among the oldest in the English-speaking world.