Do I need to homologate my qualification to study at a Spanish university?

It depends on your country of origin. EU qualifications and those from agreement countries generally only need a lighter equivalence process (like the UNEDasiss credential), while others may need full homologación or the complete EBAU/EVAU exam for foreign students.

Education

Universities in Spain for international students

How foreign qualifications are recognised for Spanish university entry, and how the application process works.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15Recognition procedures for regulated-profession degrees are targeted at around six months; the university preinscription and admission process runs on the university's own annual calendar, with the main round typically closing in late October.

This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.

Overview

Spain has a large public and private university system, and international students can generally apply — but the path in depends on where your prior qualification comes from and whether Spanish universities need it formally recognised first.

Requirements

A secondary qualification equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato
For EU qualifications or those from a country with a specific agreement: generally only a partial exam and the UNEDasiss credential are needed
For qualifications from other education systems: the full Spanish university entrance exam (EBAU/EVAU) for foreign students, if requested by your target university

Step-by-step process

Confirm whether your prior qualification needs formal homologación (official equivalence recognition) or a lighter equivalence process, depending on your country of origin
Request the relevant credential (e.g. UNEDasiss for EU/agreement countries) confirming your qualification's equivalence
Complete any required entrance exam component your target university requests
Apply through the university preinscription process before the deadline (typically late October for the main admissions round) so your admission grade can be calculated in time

Required documents

Original secondary qualification certificate and transcripts, often needing official translation and legalisation/apostille
Passport/NIE
Proof of equivalence or homologación, once obtained

Common mistakes

Missing the preinscription deadline while still waiting on qualification recognition paperwork — start the recognition process as early as possible
Assuming all foreign qualifications need the same process — EU and agreement-country qualifications generally have a lighter path than others

Practical tips

Some regions and universities run their own equivalence assessment offices — check both the national Ministry process and your target university's own international office
If your qualification is for a regulated profession (medicine, law, engineering, etc.), factor in extra time for the formal homologación process specifically

How Tuchati can help

If you're not sure whether your qualification needs homologación or a lighter equivalence process, Tuchati can help you figure out the right path before deadlines approach.