Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Procedures
Recognition Process
What is the recognition process for qualifications?
Recognition of academic qualifications is the process by which an academic qualification obtained abroad is officially recognised in Spain. The qualifications must be equivalent to the corresponding Spanish studies or Spanish qualification.
Are there differences between recognition and equivalency of university studies in Spain?
Yes, recognition is the official acknowledgement of a foreign qualification as equivalent to a specific Spanish university degree.
Equivalency, on the other hand, recognises an academic level (for example, Bachelor’s or Master’s) without necessarily matching a specific Spanish degree.
If the profession is legally regulated and you need to practise it legally in Spain (such as medicine, law, engineering, education, etc.), you must obtain recognition of your qualification.
If the profession is not regulated, or you only need to certify that you have completed university studies (for example, to apply for a master’s degree or to work in the private sector), equivalency is sufficient.
Non-University Qualification Recognition
Do I need to have my non-university qualification recognised to access a Spanish public university?
Yes, it is mandatory for all students coming from education systems outside the EU or without educational reciprocity agreements. Recognition is a necessary procedure to enrol in a Spanish public university. However, private universities may have different requirements.
How long does this recognition process take?
The legal maximum timeframe is 6 months, but in practice it usually takes between 3 and 12 months (depending on the administrative workload of the Ministry of Universities).
Can I start university without having my recognition or equivalency credential?
Yes, there is a “conditional enrolment certificate” which is issued when you apply for the recognition.
University Degree Recognition
How long does the university degree recognition process take?
The time it takes for the university degree recognition process in Spain can vary considerably. Generally, the official estimated timeframe ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of degree, the administrative workload at the Ministry of Universities, and whether additional information is required. It is advisable to start the process well in advance if you plan to study or work in Spain.
University Admission
What is the UNEDasiss Accreditation?
The UNEDasiss Accreditation is a digital certificate that allows students to take part in university admission processes for undergraduate degrees in Spain. It consists of the assessment of academic records obtained through international education systems in a standardised and regulated manner. It may also include the results of Specific Competency Tests (known as PCE’s) taken at UNED, as well as other services requested by the student.
Do all international students access university in Spain in the same way?
No, the university admission process varies depending on the student’s education system of origin. It is important to distinguish between students from EU member states (or countries with reciprocal agreements) and those coming from other international education systems.
Can I use the UNEDasiss accreditation at all Spanish universities?
No, not all universities require the UNEDasiss accreditation for their admission process. You should always check with the specific university where you plan to apply, as requirements may vary.
What are the Specific Competency Tests (known as PCE’s)?
These are subject-specific exams offered by UNEDasiss. Taking the Specific Competency Tests (known as PCE’s) is necessary for students who wish to improve their university admission score.
The number of PCE subjects required is not the same for all students. It depends on the university you are applying to, the degree programme you want to study, your country of origin, the education system you come from, and whether you need to boost your admission score to compete for a place.
What additional services can be selected through UNEDasiss?
Specific Competency Tests (PCE), University Admission Score, Upper Secondary School Track, Language Accreditation and Subject Recognition.
We recommend booking a free guidance session before purchasing the UNEDasiss service, to determine which additional services you need based on the universities you wish to apply to.
Undergraduate and Master’s Admissions
What language level do I need to enter university in Spain?
It depends on the language in which the programme is taught and the requirements of each university:
– Spanish: At least a B1 level in Spanish. Some universities require an official Spanish language certificate, especially if you are not from a Spanish-speaking country, and in some cases, they may ask for a B2 level or higher.
– English: TOEFL, IELTS, or another equivalent certificate, depending on the university.
– Some universities offer an internal language test if you do not have a certificate.
What are the admission requirements and deadlines for non-EU students applying to undergraduate programmes at public universities in Spain?
The admission requirements and deadlines for non-EU students vary depending on the university and the chosen degree programme. It is essential to carefully check each institution for up-to-date and specific information.
It is also important to note that some universities may have specific procedures in place for international students.
What is the admission process for official master’s programmes at public universities in Spain for non-EU students?
Admission to official master’s programmes at public universities does not follow the general pre-enrolment system used for undergraduate degrees. Each university manages its own admission process, with specific deadlines, requirements, and procedures. It is essential to carefully consult each institution for up-to-date and detailed information.
What are the requirements for admission to undergraduate and master’s programmes at private universities, and when should I apply?
Admission requirements and deadlines vary depending on the university and the specific programme. It is essential to check each institution carefully for up-to-date and detailed information. Some universities offer rolling admissions, while others set specific deadlines for each semester or intake.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Equivalency
What is the GPA equivalency?
The GPA equivalency is the process by which a grade obtained in a foreign education system is converted to the Spanish grading scale (0 to 10), allowing it to be compared fairly within the Spanish system.
Why do I need a GPA equivalency?
It is often a requirement for accessing university studies or for validating foreign qualifications in Spain.
Who issues the GPA equivalency in Spain?
The equivalency is issued by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through its online platform.
Is GPA equivalency the same as degree recognition?
No, they are different procedures. GPA equivalency is used to compare academic grades, whereas degree recognition refers to the official recognition of a foreign qualification in Spain.
Residence and Visas
TIE, EU Citizen Registration Certificate and NIE
What is the TIE?
The TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) is a physical card issued to non-EU nationals/citizens who will be living in Spain for more than six months. It serves as proof of Legal residency.
Who needs it?
All non-EU nationals/citizens with a visa or authorisation to stay in Spain for more than six months must apply for the TIE.
Application deadline: within one month of entering Spain.
What is the EU Citizen Registration Certificate?
It is a document that confirms your right of residence in Spain as an EU/EEA/Swiss national.
Who needs it?
Citizens of a European Union Member State, or of another country that is part of the European Economic Area Agreement or Switzerland, who plan to reside in Spain for more than three months must register in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals.
Application deadline: Within three months from the date of entry into Spain.
What is the NIE?
The NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) is a personal, unique, and exclusive number assigned to foreign nationals who have any kind of relationship with Spain, such as studying, working, residing, or carrying out legal or economic procedures.
For citizens of the European Union (EU), the NIE is automatically assigned when obtaining the Certificate of Registration as an EU Citizen.
For citizens from outside the European Union, the NIE is automatically assigned together with the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card).
Local Registration: Empadronamiento/ Padrón
What is the local registration (empadronamiento / padrón)?
The padrón in Spain is the official registration of a person as a resident in a specific municipality. It is managed by the local council.
This is a mandatory procedure for everyone living in Spain, regardless of their nationality or legal status.
Who must register?
Non-EU students (from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland) must register on the local town hall as soon as they arrive in Spain (within a maximum period of one month), since it is mandatory to apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
EU students (from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland) must register within the first three months after arriving in Spain.
Student Visa
What is a student visa?
It is a residence permit granted to non-EU students (from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland) who wish to study in Spain.
How long can I stay in Spain with a student visa?
The student visa allows you to reside in Spain for the duration of your studies, but you will need to renew it each year.
Can I work with a student visa?
Yes, you can work part-time (up to 30 hours per week) while studying in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
