How to Get Your University Degree Recognised in Spain

Getting your university degree recognised in Spain is an essential step for professionals wishing to work or continue their studies in the country. This process equates a degree obtained abroad to its equivalent within the Spanish education system, ensuring that it is officially recognised at an academic or professional level.

At Hisparos, we are committed to making this process easier through our sworn translation services, a crucial requirement for degree recognition. In this article, we explain the steps, requirements, and key details to get your university degree recognised in Spain.

6 Steps to Get Your University Degree Recognised in Spain

Getting your degree recognised in Spain involves following an administrative process with several steps. Below are the essential steps to complete this process:

1. Gather the necessary documentation: The first step is to collect the required documents. This includes your university degree, the curriculum, and in some cases, additional certificates that prove your qualifications and professional experience. These documents must be properly legalised and, if not in Spanish, translated by a sworn translator.
2. Apply for recognition with the Ministry of Education: Once you have all the documents, you need to submit an official application for recognition to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of Spain. This application can be submitted either in person or online through the Ministry’s electronic platform.
3. Pay the relevant fees: Getting a university degree recognised in Spain requires paying an administrative fee. The cost of this fee may vary depending on the type of degree you want to recognise. Make sure to pay the fee within the required timeframe to avoid delays.
4. Wait for the evaluation of your application: After submitting your application and documents, the Ministry of Education will evaluate your case. This process may involve reviewing the equivalence between your degree and the Spanish system, and in some cases, you may need to take additional subjects or exams.
5. Receive the decision: Once the evaluation is complete, you will receive a decision. If your recognition is approved, you will be given a certificate that confirms your degree is equivalent to a Spanish one. If the recognition is denied, the Ministry will provide reasons and potential solutions.
6. Take exams or additional courses (if required): In some cases, the Ministry may require you to sit exams or take additional subjects to complete the recognition. This usually happens when your foreign degree programme does not fully align with Spanish requirements.

What Do I Need to Get My University Degree Recognised in Spain?

The process of getting a university degree recognised in Spain requires a set of essential documents, which must be properly legalised and, if necessary, translated. Here is what you need to get your degree recognised:

• University degree: The original document that certifies you completed your university studies abroad.
• Curriculum: This document outlines the subjects and contents of the course you studied, including contact hours and credits.
• Academic transcript: In some cases, you will need an official certificate of grades that shows your performance during your studies.
• Identity document: A valid document proving your identity, such as your passport or residence card.
• Sworn translations: If the documents are not in Spanish, they must be translated by a sworn translator, a service we offer at Hisparos. Contact with us!
• Legalisation of documents: In many cases, foreign documents must be legalised via the Hague Apostille or through consular legalisation.

What Degrees Can Be Recognised in Spain?

Not all foreign university degrees can be recognised in Spain. Certain degrees, due to their nature, have a clearer and more accessible recognition process. Some of the most frequently recognised degrees include:

• Medicine and health fields: Degrees in Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, and Pharmacy often have clear recognition processes due to the high demand for professionals in these fields.
• Engineering: Various branches of engineering, such as civil, industrial, and telecommunications engineering, are commonly recognised in Spain.
• Law: Law degrees can be recognised, although additional studies are often required due to differences in legal systems.
• Education: Degrees related to teaching and education can also be recognised, allowing foreign professionals to work within the Spanish education system.

In addition to these, other degrees can be recognised, although each case is individually assessed by the Ministry of Education. In some cases, complementary studies are required to ensure the equivalence of the training.

How Long Does It Take to Get a University Degree Recognised in Spain?

The time it takes to get a university degree recognised in Spain can vary depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the application, the applicant’s nationality, and the current demand for recognition. In general, the process can take between 6 months and 2 years.

Factors that may affect the time include:

• Complexity of the curriculum: If your degree’s curriculum is very different from the Spanish system, the evaluation process may take longer.
• Incomplete documentation: If you do not submit all the required documents correctly, this can delay the process.
• Demand in the system: Depending on the workload of the Ministry of Education, the waiting time can vary.

It is essential to be vigilant for any request for additional documentation or exam requirements to avoid unnecessarily prolonging the process.

How to Know if Your Degree Can Be Recognised in Spain

To know whether your university degree can be recognised in Spain, the first step is to check whether your qualification is one of those recognised for official recognition. There are several ways to check whether your degree can be recognised:

• Check with the Ministry of Education: The Ministry offers a list of degrees and qualifications that can be recognised. You can also make enquiries about specific qualifications.
• Seek professional advice: If you have doubts about the recognition of your degree, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer specialised in degree recognition or with services like those we offer at Hisparos.
• Check the requirements of the professional sector: Some professions, such as Medicine or Engineering, have specific requirements that you must meet, such as professional registration, in addition to degree recognition.

Get Your Degree Recognised with Our Sworn Translation Services

One of the most important requirements for getting a university degree recognised in Spain is the sworn translation of documents. At Hisparos, we offer a professional sworn translation service that ensures your documents meet the official standards required by Spanish authorities.

Our translations are carried out by certified sworn translators, meaning they are officially recognised and valid for any administrative procedure in Spain. We handle the translation of all necessary documents, from degrees to curricula and academic transcripts, ensuring everything is ready for submission to the Ministry of Education.

Are you ready to get your university degree recognised in Spain? At Hisparos, we are here to help you every step of the way. With our experience and sworn translation services, we guarantee a smooth and hassle-free recognition process. Contact us today and start your journey towards professional recognition in Spain!