Universities and schools handle name changes differently from employers because they manage:

• Academic records
  
• Student finance
  
• Examination boards
  
• Graduation documents
  
• ID cards
  
• Online learning portals
  

Here’s how the process works.

What Proof Universities Accept

Academic institutions generally accept:

• Deed poll (original or certified copy)
  
• Passport or driving licence (if updated)
  
• Student ID (for verification only)
  

They do not require:

• Solicitor letters
  
• Witness statements
  
• Court orders (unless changing a child’s name without full parental consent)
  

Systems They Will Update

1. Student Record System

This includes:

• Your legal name
  
• Name on transcripts
  
• Name on future letters or certifications
  
• Name on online portals (Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard)
  

2. Exam Boards

Most universities must notify exam boards so that:

• Degree certificates
  
• Exam papers
  
• Official results
  
• UCAS documentation
  

all reflect your new legal name.

3. Student Finance England / Wales / NI

If you receive a student loan, your university will instruct you to also update:

• Student Finance account
  
• Tuition fee payment profile
  
• Maintenance loan details
  

They may require a copy of your deed poll too.

4. Graduation Documents

Your graduation certificate (degree parchment) must match your legal name at the time it is issued.

If you change your name after graduation:

• Universities rarely re-issue certificates
  
• But some allow changes for safety or gender identity reasons
  

Chart: What Universities Must Update vs. Optional Updates

Timeline

Summary

Universities must update your academic and legal student records when you change your name. This ensures your certificates, transcripts, and student finance records all reflect your correct identity.