The importance of validating your high school diploma to study in Spain
Do you have a degree from another educational system and dream of pursuing higher education in Spain?
Are you wondering how your diploma will be recognized and what the requirements will be to enter a Spanish university?
It's essential to understand the importance of validating your diploma to guarantee access to the Spanish education system.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the methods and procedures involved in accessing higher education in Spain with a degree obtained in another education system.
1- Understanding the Homologation and Crédencial procedures
Procedure forequivalence and recognition of foreign qualifications: the pillars of validation.
In Spain, the first step to validating your high school diploma and gaining access to higher education is to follow the procedures for homologation, equivalence and recognition of foreign qualifications.
These procedures, though specific, can sometimes complement each other.
All three ensure the validity of your foreign diploma in the Spanish education system.
a) Homologation: What is it and how does it work?
Homologation is an essential procedure if you are planning to study in Spain with a foreign qualification.
By understanding how homologation works, you can ensure that your qualifications are recognized and respected in Spain, opening the door to a multitude of study opportunities.
Accreditation applies specifically to official foreign university qualifications that correspond to a "Grado" or "Master" degree, opening the way to a regulated profession in Spain. For example, to study a vocational training course in Spain (which includes audioprosthesis), you need to be in possession of the homologation of your baccalaureate.
You need to apply to the "Consejería de educación". Please note that this procedure can be longer and more costly than equivalence. It should only be used if your aim is to workin a regulated profession in Spain.
Homologation is the process by which a foreign diploma is recognized as equivalent to a Spanish diploma.
Homologation is the process by which your foreign diploma is recognized as equivalent to a Spanish diploma.
This is usually necessary to pursue higher education in Spain. If homologation is not possible, validation is another option. This allows your studies abroad to be partially or fully recognized, by determining the credits obtained that can be validated in the Spanish education system.
b) Credencial de la UNED and its importance
You've probably heard of the Credencial de la UNED, the essential document for any foreign student wishing to study in Spain. All universities in Spain require this document, otherwise you cannot legally be one of their students.
But do you really know what it represents and how to get it?
The "Credencial de la UNED" refers to a document issued by UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia) in Spain. This university specializes in distance learning, and is the equivalent of the CNED in France. The Credencial de la UNED certifies the validity and equivalence of a foreign (non-Spanish) diploma with the Spanish education system.
Understanding UNED's role in the validation process UNED: a key player in diploma validation.
To begin with, it's essential to understand the role of UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia) in the process of validating your high school diploma for study in Spain. UNED is the Spanish equivalent of CNED in France, and is responsible for validating qualifications obtained abroad. In other words, UNED will act as the bridge between your home education system and the Spanish education system.
In other words, if you have obtained a degree in a country other than Spain and you wish to continue your studies in Spain, the Credencial de la UNED enables the Spanish university to evaluate your previous training and determine whether it is equivalent to a Spanish degree. This facilitates the admission and enrolment process at Spanish universities.
2- Understanding the difference between a Credencial and a Homologation
The Credencial de la UNED is an official document issued by Spain's National University of Distance Education (UNED) that recognizes the validity of your previous studies abroad for study at Spanish private and public universities. It is a compulsory process for both private and public universities, although the procedure is different for both.
Homologation, on the other hand, is a process that certifies that your diploma obtained abroad is equivalent to a specific diploma in Spain. There are several types of homologation, depending on the diploma you wish to have validated.
It's vital to understand both processes to avoid any misunderstandings or complications when applying to a Spanish university.
It's also crucial to find out which process your personal situation falls under before you begin your application to a Spanish university, to ensure that you meet all deadlines and requirements.
Homologation is the process by which a foreign diploma is recognized as equivalent to a Spanish diploma. The Credencial de la UNED, on the other hand, is a document certifying that the studies carried out abroad are valid for further study in Spain. In other words, theHomologation concerns the diploma, while the Credencial concerns the studies carried out.
Keep in mind that each case is unique, so it's advisable to consult us directly or seek professional advice for accurate, up-to-date information, depending on your case.
3- Comparison of Credencial de la UNED for private and public universities
It's essential to understand that obtaining the Credencial de la UNED is not managed in the same way by private and public universities.
These differences can have a significant impact on your admissions process, so it's crucial to understand them before making your choice.
Private universities :
Given the complexity of using the UNED website, and in order to simplify the process for FEEDUC students, we are going to create your online account on the UNED website.
To do this, you will need to complete the document you can download from the following page: https: //www.feeduc.eu/credencial-validation-baccalaureat/, entitled "Information for creating an account on the UNED website", and return it to us by e-mail.
We will set up your account free of charge if you have entrusted us with your plans to study in Spain. Please note that this service is not available to students who have already registered individually with a university in Spain.
In the case of some of our private partner universities, such asUniversidad Camilo José Cela (UCJC ) and CEU San Pablo (included in the Hospitality service, which is subject to a fee), they take care of the entire Credencial process for our students. This means that you, as a student, won't have to worry about this process, as the university will take care of it for you. This is a considerable advantage that can save you a lot of time and energy.
Public universities :
The situation is different at Spain's public universities. Here, you have to take responsibility for obtaining the Credencial de la UNED yourself. This process can be more complex and demanding, as it's your responsibility to ensure that all the necessary documents are in order and submitted on time.
In Spain, admission to a public university is subject to a rigorous selection process. Selection criteria include the marks obtained in the last two years of high school (bachillerato), the Evau (Evaluación de Acceso a la Universidad) mark, and the "Fase específica" marks, which can award up to 4 extra points. This is the Spanish equivalent of the options offered in France. The Credencial is therefore your "Nota de Corte".
The maximum "nota de acceso" attainable is 10 points, while the minimum score for applying to university is 5 points.
As you can see, these are complex calculations.
That's why it's essential to find out more and get support for your Credencial application at a public university. To find out more about our support for public universities, please visit the following page: https: //www.feeduc.eu/universite/etudier-dans-une-universite-publique-en-espagne/ and our Blog article on the "Nota de Corte": https://www.feeduc.eu/blog/la-nota-de-corte/
In short, the main difference between the Credencial de la UNED for private and public universities in Spain lies in the complexity of the application and the documents required.
In the case of private universities, the process is straightforward, as FEEduc or universities such as CEU or UCJC will help you.
All you need is your BAC in your pocket and the right documents, whereas in the case of Spanish public universities, we strongly recommend that you seek help and support, as the process is complex and may affect your admission.
Conclusion:
Spain, renowned for its rich cultural diversity and dynamic history, offers a varied education system with a wide range of opportunities for both national and international students. The Spanish education system is organized into several levels, including primary, secondary and higher education.
Higher education, whether university or professional, is renowned for its quality and diversity of programs. However, access to these renowned institutions often requires validation of high school diplomas, a crucial step for foreign students. Validation guarantees official recognition of academic skills acquired in other education systems, facilitating students' integration into the Spanish educational landscape.
Validating diplomas to study in Spain may seem complex, but by contacting the appropriate organizations and following the procedures outlined, it can be done successfully.
It's important to start this process well in advance to avoid any delays or problems when registering at a Spanish university. The Credencial de la UNED is not required for admission to a private university, but it is for admission to a public university in Spain.
So don't hesitate to get in touch with us so that we can help you prepare for your departure.
Samiha Chakib,
Expert on higher education in Spain for FEEduc (formerly FrancEspagne Éducation)
Your questions about validating foreign diplomas to study in SpainFAQ (Frequently asked questions) about studying in Spain
The Spanish education system is based on the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), which facilitates student mobility within the European Union.
It is structured into three cycles: the high school diploma(Bachillerato), the undergraduate degree(Grado) and the graduate degree(Máster).
The process for recognizing foreign diplomas in Spain varies according to the educational system in which you obtained your diploma.
For students from the European Union education system, it is necessary to issue a Credencial through UNED.
On the other hand, students with diplomas from other countries outside the European Union are required to follow a Homologation procedure, managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.
This process initially involves a request for homologation, followed by a request for equivalence, involving the provision of various documents such as the original diploma, a sworn translation, and a transcript of grades, among other supporting documents.
The documents required depend on your nationality, your degree and the academic path you plan to follow in Spain.
You will usually be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, an official translation, proof of identity and sometimes a certificate of comparability.
There are two types of recognition of foreign diplomas in Spain:academic equivalence andequivalence of specific Spanish university degrees.
These recognitions determine the level of equivalence between your foreign diploma and the Spanish education system.
The Credencial is a document issued by Spain's National University for Distance Education(UNED).
It validates studies carried out abroad and gives access to Spanish universities, both public and private.
Find out more on our dedicated page: https://www.feeduc.eu/credencial-validation-baccalaureat/
For private universities, the Credencial de la UNED is often required for admission.
This is an essential document to prove that studies carried out abroad comply with Spanish educational standards.
In the case of public universities, the Credencial de la UNED is also arequired document for admission.
However, the process can be more complex and rigorous, as public universities often apply stricter rules.
No, it is not possible to apply for a Credencial before the results of the baccalaureate have been obtained.
To apply for a Credencial, you need to provide your baccalaureate transcript as proof of graduation.
Consequently, the application can be initiated once the baccalaureate results are available, usually after the end of June.
Credencial de la UNED is not free of charge.
There are fees associated with applying for the Credencial.
These fees differ depending on whether you are applying for a Credencial for a private or public university in Spain.
Accessing higher education in Spain with a degree obtained in another education system can seem a daunting task.
However, with the right preparation and a clear understanding of the process, you can successfully navigate the Spanish education system.
The most important thing is to be well-informed, respect the language requirements, prepare carefully for your university entrance exam and follow the admissions and application process carefully.
Foreign diplomas must be recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.
This process may include checking documents, obtaining equivalence of your diploma with the Spanish education system, and translating relevant documents.
To find out whether your diploma is recognized in Spain, please visit the website of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training: https://www.educacionyfp.gob.es/portada.html
Here you can find information on the recognition of foreign diplomas and the procedure for obtaining such recognition.
To study in Spain, you need to validate your high school diploma obtained in another education system.
This validation is carried out by obtaining a Credencial de la UNED or by following a Homologation procedure, depending on your situation.
It is important to note that each university has its own admission criteria, so it is advisable to consult us for precise information.
There is no age limit for studying in Spain.
Universities welcome students of all ages for their study programs.
To find out whether you need to certify your French BAC to study in Spain, visit the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.
In some cases, certification may be required for certain courses or universities.
It is always advisable to check the specific requirements of the institution where you wish to study.
FEEduc is the specialist in higher education in Spain and will be able to guide you and answer any questions you may have.
