Before gathering a single document, it's worth answering one question: you might not need to have anything certified . Many people start the process without realizing that their case doesn't require it, and they waste months.
This guide explains who needs to have their foreign high school diploma validated, who doesn't, what documentation is needed and, above all, how to enroll while the process is still underway.
First: check if you need to get it certified
It depends on the education system you studied in, not your nationality.
| Your case | What do you need |
|---|---|
| European Union education system, European or International Baccalaureate, or country with agreement | You don't need to get it certified. You process your accreditation directly with UNEDasiss |
| Other education systems | The validation of the high school diploma is generally a prerequisite for obtaining accreditation and access |
If you are in the first group, you can skip the rest of this guide and focus on UNEDasiss accreditation and the Specific Competency Tests (PCE).
And a clarification that avoids a lot of confusion: validating a high school diploma is not the same as validating a university degree . They are two different procedures, handled by different administrations and with their own regulations.
- Recognizing non-university studies (High school or secondary school) is used for to access to the Spanish university. That's what this guide explains.
- To validate a university degree It serves for exercise a profession in Spain or to access a postgraduate degree. It is processed through a different channel and the requirements are completely different from those here.
If you have a completed degree and want to work or continue studying with it, your procedure is the second one and it is advisable to consult directly with the Ministry.
What documentation do you need
The application is submitted to the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport. The basic documentation is as follows:
- The legalized high school diploma. If your country is a signatory to the Hague Convention, you can obtain an apostille; otherwise, you can do so through diplomatic channels. The apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature on the document and allows it to be used in another country.
- The academic certificate with the subjects taken and the grades obtained, usually from the last three years from secondary school, and legalized just like the degree.
- Passport verification done at origin. This is the requirement that holds up the most applications: A simple copy made in Spain is not acceptable.If you are going to travel before starting the process, resolve it there.
- Sworn translation Of all the above, if the documents are not in Spanish, they must be translated by an officially recognized translator; a self-translation is not valid.
- Model 790 with the corresponding fee. A fee is payable for validation of the Baccalaureate degree; no fee is payable for equivalency to ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education). If you are unsure how these payments work, we explain it in the guide on official rates in Spain.
A common mistake: leaving the legalization process until the last minute. If you're returning to your country before starting the course, get the apostille done there. Obtaining it remotely is much slower.
If you don't know exactly what a certified copy is or where it's done, we explain it in the guide on certified documents in Spain.
The conditional registration form
This is the part that most people are unaware of, and it's what truly unlocks the course for you.
When you submit your application, the system generates a conditional registration slip . This document confirms that your accreditation is being processed and allows you to enroll without waiting for a final decision . You don't have to wait a year while your application is being reviewed.
Its validity periods are two: six months from when the registration unit stamps it and, once the conditional enrollment is formalized, the academic year in which you enrolled, until the date of the final evaluation report.
Now for the fine print, because it's important and almost no one mentions it: the voucher is issued under your responsibility and does not prejudge the final decision . If the homologation is not ultimately resolved as you requested, the exams you took and the registration you formalized based on that voucher will be invalid.
In other words: the steering wheel lets you move forward, but it doesn't guarantee anything. That's why it's best to present a well-prepared case from the beginning, not hastily.
How long does it take?
The process is measured in months, not weeks, and the timeframe depends on the volume of files and whether they request additional documentation.
The practical consequence is a scheduling one. If you want to start the course in September, you should submit your application well before summer. Doing it in July is cutting it very close.
What happens after homologation
Validation of your qualifications doesn't guarantee you a place at university. It grants you recognition that your degree is equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato, which is the starting point. From there:
- You are requesting accreditation from UNEDasiss, which is the one that translates your record into the Spanish grading system.
- You are taking the Specific Competency Tests (PCE) If you want to improve your admission score, your access score can reach up to 10 points, and the specific phase adds up to 4 more.
- You complete the university pre-registration within the deadlines of the community where you want to study.
At Academia Guiu we prepare students for the PCE exams in the Pathway courses for international students , which is the step that comes right after having the documentation in order.
FAQ
Do I need to get my credentials validated if I come from a European Union country?
No. Students from EU education systems, the European or International Baccalaureate, and countries with agreements do not need to have their qualifications validated: they process their accreditation directly with UNEDasiss.
Can I enroll while I wait for the decision?
Yes, with the conditional registration slip generated when you submit the application. Please note that if the validation process is not completed as requested, the registration and any exams taken using that slip will be invalid.
How much does the steering wheel cost?
Six months from the date it is stamped by the registration unit. If you have already formalized conditional enrollment, it remains valid throughout that academic year until the final evaluation report.
Is it the same as having a university degree validated?
No. They are two different procedures, with different ministries and regulations. Validating a high school diploma allows you to access university; validating a university degree allows you to practice a profession in Spain.
Is a photocopy of my passport made here acceptable?
No. The passport certification must be done in the country of origin; a simple copy submitted in Spain is not acceptable. This is one of the most common reasons why an application is held up.
Is a translation done by me or by an acquaintance acceptable?
No. The translation must be certified, done by an officially recognized translator.
When should I start the process?
The sooner the better. The process takes months, so if you want to start the course in September, the application should be submitted well before summer.
