Free guide for España
Convalidación of non-university studies
Ask for the courses you took abroad to be recognised so you can continue non-university studies in Spain.
If you know which course you need recognised, you will not confuse continuing your studies with getting a full qualification.
The essentials
- What it costs
- Check the fee for your specific course in the official instructions. The fact that recognition as ESO is free does not mean every convalidación is.
- How long it takes
- According to the Ministry page, it takes up to three months from when your file is complete and correct, not from when you start gathering documents. The enrolment calendar is separate.
- To prepare it
- 20–40 min to organise your preparation
Is it for you?
People who need courses from a foreign education system recognised to continue studying at a Spanish school.
- In which country, education system and up to which level did you study?
- Which course do you need recognised, and at which school will you continue?
- Do the office and instructions change depending on where you live or what you studied?
What to bring
Tick each document when you have it ready. Ticks are not saved.
Step by step
- Ask the school which course you will join and whether you need convalidación.
- Check which office handles it and which documents they ask for your exact level.
- Prepare the official documents and check the rules on legalisation and translation.
- Fill in the application and finish submitting it at the registry, through the channel you choose.
- Keep the receipt and reply to any notices until you receive the credential.
Afterwards
- Keep the credential and check that it names the qualification or course you asked for.
- Hand it in at the school or institution where you will continue, and complete their admission steps there.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the homologación of a qualification with the convalidación of a course.
- Filling in the application and not finishing its submission at the registry.
- Translating your documents without first checking whether they must also be legalised.
What this guide does not decide
It does not guarantee a place or an answer before enrolment. Arts, sports and other levels may ask for their own documents: use the page for your case.
Official links
- Homologación y convalidación de títulos y estudios extranjeros no universitariosMinisterio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes
- Homologación y convalidación no universitaria: modalidadesMinisterio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes
- Solicitud de reconocimiento no universitarioMinisterio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes