As a foreigner coming to Spain, whether temporarily or permanently, the recognition of your academic level is of vital importance, not only with educational projection, but also professional and professional. Therefore, obtaining the equivalence of the academic degrees you already have is essential for your experience to be full and efficient in our country.
What is the equivalence of degrees or academic titles?
We assume that you hold an academic degree from a country other than Spain, but that you discover a degree in Spain that has the same academic or professional standing as yours; in other words, it is equivalent. In these cases, you have the right to have this equivalence recognized , so that:
- materialize an equivalence for academic purposes: In this way, you will be able to access studies for which the degree is a requirement, on equal terms with any other student.
- Get an equivalence for labor or professional purposes: You will be able to participate and join a job that requires the degree (for example, competitive examinations), since it is considered that, even if you have acquired it in another country, you have training equivalent to that of the rest of the citizens in the call.
How does equivalence work?
The equivalency is the perfect tool for you, as a foreign student or graduate, to find a complete possibility of integration in the destination country, as well as a comprehensive projection of your professional future.
The way equivalence works is very simple and allows you to expand your goals and influence new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in a new country.
With the equivalency of subjects, if you have already passed several subjects in your country of origin, you can use this tool to continue your studies without having to repeat them, in a much more convenient, agile and efficient way for you.
Through degree equivalency, you will improve your education, your preparation, and above all, your well-being. You can pick up where you left off, without any problems; it doesn't matter how long it's been since you last studied, what matters is that you want to resume your studies and pursue a fulfilling future and personal enrichment.
What is the difference between homologation and equivalence of an academic degree?
It is quite easy to confuse both terms, although they are two different administrative processes:
- La equivalence of academic degrees allows you to continue the studies you began in another country in Spanish educational centers or access those of the immediately higher level.
- The figure of the homologation It is a declaration: you have a degree, a diploma or a specific study that must be make yourself fit, which must be homologated with a pre-existing degree in the current Spanish educational system. It will be recognized at a transnational level ad origin, and will be valid in the country in question.
Qualifications equivalent to the first year of high school in Spain:
- Brazil: second series (second grade)
- Mexico: second year of high school or high school
- Bolivia: 3rd year of secondary school
- Colombia: 11th grade (Middle Ed.) and title
- Chile: 3rd year of Secondary Education
- Cuba: 11th Grade of Higher Secondary Education
- Ecuador: 2nd year of Secondary Education
- Panama: XI year (High School)
- Peru: 5th grade of Secondary Education and CES
- Venezuela: 2nd year of Diversified and Professional Medical Ed.
Qualifications equivalent to the second year of high school + degree in Spain:
- Brazil: third series (second grade)
- Mexico: third year of high school or high school
- Bolivia: 4th year of secondary school and title
- Chile: 4th year of Secondary Education and title
- Cuba: 12th grade of Higher Secondary Education
- Ecuador: 3rd year of Secondary Education and title
- Panama: XII year (High School)
- Venezuela: 3rd year of Diversified and Professional Secondary Education
How do I validate my academic degree in Spain if I am a foreigner?
When you're wondering how to validate your high school diploma , how to get credit for completed subjects, or how to accredit your university studies, you should know that the procedures differ depending on whether or not the qualification is from a university. Even so, the Ministry of Education is always the competent authority , so the application must be submitted to them in person or electronically. Application periods are open at any time, and you must pay the fee and attach the corresponding receipt.
All documents must be duly certified by the issuing educational institution , and if the document is from a foreign country, a copy of the official translation must be included. Furthermore, they must undergo the mandatory legalization process through the apostille system , especially if they originate from countries outside the European Union or Switzerland. For more detailed information on the Hague Apostille , please refer to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961. For all other countries, legalization through diplomatic channels is sufficient.
The form available on the Ministry's website, in the electronic headquarters section, must be completed and the required documentation attached. Applications must be completed with all the required information regarding previous studies, including, among other things:
- Official duration.
- Curriculum.
- Subjects taken.
- Individual and total teaching time load.
We hope that this post on the equivalences of academic titles has resolved your doubts and remember, you can always count on the support of Escuela PCE so that completing your studies is not a worry, but rather a commitment to your educational and professional well-being.
