More and more international students are choosing Spain to continue their academic training, and one of the first essential steps is the homologation of studies. This process officially validates qualifications obtained abroad so that they can be recognised within the Spanish education system.
At Academia Guiu we accompany our students every step of the way: from initial documentation to academic preparation for university entrance.
What is homologation and why is it so important?
Homologation is the procedure by which the Spanish Ministry of Education recognises a foreign qualification as equivalent to a Spanish one. It is compulsory for access to certain educational levels, especially if you want to take the Selectividad UNED (PCE) and continue your studies at a Spanish university.
In practice, homologating your baccalaureate studies allows you to register for the official exams and submit your application for admission on an equal footing with national students. That is why proper guidance in this process is not only useful, it is essential.
Updated requirements for 2026
Following the latest regulatory adjustments, these are the documents currently required by the Ministry:
- Secondary education diploma (original and apostilled).
- Transcripts of the last three years of secondary education (also apostilled).
- Certified copy of passport made at origin (a simple copy is not accepted in Spain).
- Application form duly completed.
- Proof of payment of the corresponding fee.
A common mistake is to underestimate the legalisation and sworn translation deadlines. That is why at Academia Guiu we help you to anticipate and prepare everything you need in advance, especially if you come from Latin American countries, where the process can take between one and three months.
What happens after homologation?
Once the homologation file has been approved, students can begin their preparation for the Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE). Our course for the Selectividad UNED for international baccalaureate students is designed precisely for those who have completed their secondary education abroad and need to catch up on content, format and exam strategy.
This course also includes personalised accompaniment in all the previous steps: validation of documents, key dates, calculation of admission marks… And yes, for that we also have our own UNED calculator, a tool that will help you estimate your mark with updated weightings.
What happens if your level of Spanish is not good enough?
Most international students face not only the academic challenge, but also the linguistic challenge. If you are not fluent in the language, it is difficult to understand sentences, write clearly or complete exercises.
That’s why the first step is to know where you are: you can take our Spanish level test, free and online.
From this result, you can choose the Spanish courses that best suit you. At Academia Guiu we have basic, intensive and summer programmes, designed to improve both your oral and written skills, and always with a useful approach and oriented towards your academic goals.
Reinforcement and support: beyond accreditation
If you need extra help in specific subjects such as mathematics, chemistry or history, you can reinforce your preparation with our private classes in Barcelona. We work with teachers who are experts in the Spanish curriculum and specialise in accompanying international students.
And if you want to know how to get the most out of each class, we recommend this article from our blog that has helped hundreds of students: Basic Spanish course for foreigners in Barcelona.
Your path to university begins with the first step
Getting your studies approved is not just a bureaucratic procedure, it is the real start of your university studies in Spain. Doing it with professional help reduces errors, speeds up deadlines and allows you to concentrate on what really matters: studying, preparing yourself and achieving your goals.
At Academia Guiu, we accompany you throughout the entire process. From homologation, language learning, subject planning, to the calculation of your final grade. If you have any doubts or need personalised guidance, you can contact us here.
We will be happy to help you take that big step towards your academic future in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions about validating international studies and accessing university in Spain
What is the homologation of studies and why is it important?
Homologation is the official process by which Spain’s Ministry of Education validates your high school diploma from another country. It is essential for students who wish to apply to Spanish universities through the UNED Selectividad (PCE).
What are the updated requirements for 2026?
You must submit your original and apostilled diploma, transcripts from the last three years, a copy of your passport certified in your country, the official application form, and proof of payment of the fee. At Academia Guiu, we help you prepare these documents ahead of time to avoid delays.
What comes after I homologate my studies?
Once your homologation is approved, you can start preparing for the PCE exams. Our courses for international students include academic training and full guidance on documents, exam strategies, and using tools like the UNED score calculator.
What if my Spanish level is not high enough?
You can take our free Spanish level test and join a language course adapted to your needs. We offer basic, intensive, and summer Spanish courses for foreigners, all with academic focus.
Can I get support for specific subjects like math or chemistry?
Yes. Our private tutoring sessions in Barcelona focus on core subjects and are taught by experienced teachers used to working with international students who are adjusting to the Spanish system.
Is it possible to access university without homologating my diploma?
No. If your diploma is not homologated, you cannot take official university access exams like the UNED-PCE. This step is mandatory, and we guide you through it at Academia Guiu.
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