Free guide for España
Convalidación (recognition of credits) of university studies
Ask the Spanish university where you want to continue studying to review what you already studied abroad, so you can carry on with your degree.
The university decides which subjects it recognises and which ones you must take. If you prepare the comparison of your studies well, your application will be complete.
The essentials
- What it costs
- The university sets what it costs to review your file, the recognition and enrolment. Ask for the breakdown. It is not the same fee as the Ministry's homologación.
- How long it takes
- The university's calendar and rules apply. Check separately the deadlines for admission, convalidación and enrolment.
- To prepare it
- 20–40 min to organise your preparation
Is it for you?
People with foreign university studies who want to continue them at a Spanish university.
- At which university and in which degree do you want to continue?
- Did you finish your studies or leave them halfway?
- Have you already applied for a homologación?
What to bring
Tick each document when you have it ready. Ticks are not saved.
Step by step
- Choose the university and the degree where you want to continue.
- Ask that university for its admission and recognition instructions.
- Gather the official certificates and syllabuses following those instructions.
- Submit it within their calendar and keep the receipt.
- Check the answer: which subjects you still need and how to enrol.
Afterwards
- Confirm that you have been admitted and enrol as the answer says.
- Keep the recognition to plan the subjects you still need.
Common mistakes
- Sending your documents to the Ministry instead of the university.
- Thinking that having subjects recognised is the same as being admitted.
- Submitting syllabuses without the format they ask for.
What this guide does not decide
It does not guarantee a place. Through this route the TFG and TFM (the final bachelor's and master's projects) are not recognised. Do not apply for homologación and convalidación at the same time.