> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/product/products/verification/qualifications/tertiary.md). # Tertiary verification Confirms a degree, diploma or certificate with the issuing institution, using a supporting document. Confirms a person's higher education qualification (degree, diploma or certificate) with accredited tertiary institutions, using a supporting document as evidence. ## How it works Before submitting, confirm that the institution is on the list of supported institutions (available in the portal and the API). The check is not immediate: the request is accepted with a pending status and runs in the background. It can take longer than other checks because some institutions are slower to respond and some documents need manual review. The final result is also sent by email. ## What it returns A final outcome once processing completes. ## Inputs required The person's ID number, first name and last name; the institution name, exactly as it appears in the supported list; the year the qualification was obtained; and a clear, full-colour scan or photo of the certificate, diploma or transcript. Qualification name, major, certificate number, student number, middle name and date of birth are optional. ## Data source Accredited tertiary institutions. ## Consent and permissible purpose You must obtain the data subject's consent before running this check, and confirm on each request that you have it. You keep the proof of consent; Fraudcheck records that you confirmed it. See [Consent and permissible use](/product/overview/how-it-works/consent.md). ## Channels Portal and API. For request and response detail, see the [API reference](https://developer.fraudcheck.co.za/consumer-service/education/tertiary-verification). ## Outcomes * **Accept**: verified by the institution. * **Review**: partial match; needs a human look. * **Reject**: could not be verified. * **Failed**: the verification could not be completed. ## Turnaround 3–10 business days. ## When to use it Verifying a degree or diploma claim during pre-employment screening, checking professional qualifications for regulated roles, detecting false credentials on CVs and applications, or confirming bursary or grant eligibility. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/product/products/verification/qualifications/tertiary.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.