St Mary’s University is committed to upholding the highest standards of honesty and integrity. All students and applicants must provide accurate, genuine, and verifiable information and documentation during the admissions process and throughout their studies.
Definitions
Submitting fraudulent documentation, is any written, printed, or digital material that has been intentionally altered, forged, or fabricated with the intent to deceive, mislead, or gain unauthorised benefit. With respect to applicant and student engagement with St Mary's University, the following will all be considered as fraudulent:
- documents which are falsely made (forged)
- genuine documents which have been modified (falsified)
- unauthorised reproductions of official documents (counterfeit)
- entirely invented documents (fabricated)
- falsifying personal, academic, financial or professional details
- misrepresenting identity, qualifications or ability
- omitting relevant information with intent to mislead or deceive; and
- submitting information behalf of another applicant or person without authorisation.
What happens if fraud is detected?
If any fraudulent documents are submitted, we may:
- reject your application or withdraw your offer
- cancel your enrolment or terminate your studies
- report the matter to the Home Office (UKVI), if required
- take disciplinary action under the University’s student conduct procedures
- reject issue of fee refund requests
- not issue a CAS Statement.
Verification checks
We carry out checks on submitted documents. Where needed, we may contact:
- previous institutions
- embassies
- UKVI
- international banks
- official verified third parties.
Responsibility
All students are responsible for ensuring that:
- all information you provide is accurate and honest
- any documentation you submit is authentic and unaltered
- you tell us immediately if you realise you have submitted incorrect information.
Evidence
Acceptable forms of evidence include:
- original documents or certified copies – certified copies must be notarised, meaning they have been verified by a recognised legal professional or firm – and they must be signed, dated and officially stamped
- certified translations of any documents not in English. These must be signed, dated and officially stamped
- scanned copies, which must be in colour and will not be accepted if unreadable.
Timescales and refunds
- 30 days for St Mary’s University to investigate individual cases where applicable. If you request a refund as an an international student, you must provide sufficient evidence that you have returned overseas. For example, plane tickets, boarding passes and return stamps in passports.