EduQual: Homologation & Equivalence in Spain

For an EduQual award, identify the qualification framework as well as its level and title. A Scottish credit rating should not be rewritten as an RQF level or a Spanish degree classification. The certificate, any accompanying transcript and the original centre’s records help establish what was actually completed before a recognition route is considered.

Establish the qualification before choosing a Spanish procedure

Spain’s university recognition guidance concerns eligible completed official university qualifications. A professional designation, examination certificate or diploma is not automatically a university degree. UK qualification levels list degrees and other awards separately: sharing a level does not make the qualifications identical. RQF and Scottish framework levels also use different numbering.

University homologación assesses a qualification against a covered Spanish regulated-profession qualification. University equivalencia concerns Grado or Máster academic level and does not itself grant those professional practice rights. Identify the actual award before selecting either route.

Identify the framework and obtain the centre’s records

EduQual is an SCQF credit-rating body and states that many of its qualifications are credit-rated for the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. Learners request replacement certificates through the centre where they studied, which contacts EduQual on their behalf.

Read the specification applying to your award and record its full title, framework, credit size and assessed content. Where a document is missing, give the original centre the learner details and study period needed to request an official replacement. Ask separately for any academic information that the certificate does not provide. If a university subsequently awarded a degree, obtain that issuer’s final documents and evidence of accepted EduQual learning; the earlier diploma’s credit rating alone does not establish that the university award exists.

Use the verification route appropriate to the issue date

EduQual’s online certificate database covers learners certificated after 13 May 2019; older records or unsuccessful searches should be referred to EduQual, and two-page certificate/transcript records require both document numbers.

Before using the online checker, compare the certificate and transcript numbers and make sure the full document set is available. Follow the published entry instructions carefully, since an incomplete number can produce an unsuccessful search. For records outside the database’s stated coverage, ask EduQual for assistance and retain its response with the relevant documents. Treat a missing online result as a question to resolve through the issuer, rather than changing the award details or assuming that an older qualification cannot be authenticated.

Official sources for the qualification and document details above:

Check whether non-university homologation is relevant

The separate non-university homologation procedure requires official validity within the foreign education system and sufficient correspondence with the Spanish qualification in level, duration and content. It excludes credentials outside the relevant educational system. An awarding body’s recognition, a qualification’s regulated status or a membership certificate does not establish that every award meets these conditions.

For vocational study, check the available Spanish Formación Profesional titles and the competent authority’s requirements. Non-university homologation establishes equivalence to the relevant educational title; it is distinct from the university declaration of equivalence to Grado or Máster.

Assemble evidence for the exact award and study pathway

Use the applicable official document checklist and identify:

The final certificate, full qualification title, awarding body, award date and any qualification reference number.
Official results or unit records, study dates, programme content and workload, with prior study or practical training evidence where required.
The teaching centre and the issuer of each supporting document, including any records issued outside the UK.

A progression agreement or top-up offer does not confer a university degree. If a university subsequently awarded a separate degree, review that completed award and the earlier learning credited towards it under the university procedure’s own conditions.

Confirm the authentication chain before certification and apostille

The non-university legalisation guidance generally concerns the original educational issuer’s signature, not merely a copy-certifier’s or translator’s signature. Confirm the required chain before relying on a certified copy. An organisation’s UK address does not establish where every supporting record was issued.

For a university application, the separate UK-specific Ministry instructions require solicitor or notary certification to state explicitly that authenticity was verified with the issuing institution. Legalisation authenticates the relevant signature; it does not establish eligibility for homologation or equivalence.

Agree the document format and official Spanish translation

FCDO guidance advises checking whether separate apostilles or a grouped set is required. Where an electronic apostille is appropriate, the UK route requires a PDF electronically signed by a UK solicitor or notary. An awarding body’s PDF, digital badge or verification code is not automatically that certification; retain the original electronic files.

The official translation rules provide recognised routes for translation into Castilian Spanish, including a sworn translator authorised in Spain. Settle the document and authentication requirements before arranging translation of the final set.

Questions about EduQual qualifications in Spain

What if an EduQual certificate cannot be found in the online database?

Check the issue date and the document-number format, including both numbers where the certificate and transcript are separate pages. EduQual directs older records and unresolved searches to its support contact. An online search result does not decide whether the award meets Spain’s recognition requirements or replace the underlying academic evidence.

Does a UK qualification level establish Spanish university equivalence?

No. The UK framework lists different types of qualification at the same level. A Level 6 diploma is not thereby a bachelor’s degree, and a Level 7 diploma is not thereby a master’s degree. Check the precise award, issuer and completed programme before considering the requirements of the Spanish procedure.

Official UK qualification-level guidance.

Prepare your EduQual documents with Ginkgo Advisory

Share the EduQual title, framework, award date and both certificate and transcript pages so we can review the Spanish evidence requirements.

Ginkgo Advisory can review your records and proposed document process, identify the verification route and confirm whether solicitor certification and paper or electronic apostille support are appropriate for the application. The service scope depends on the qualification, issuing country and accepted authentication chain. The competent Spanish authority decides homologation or equivalence.

Contact Ginkgo Advisory or email info@ginkgoadvisory.com with your documents and intended Spanish procedure. We can confirm the verification route, service scope and quotation after reviewing the records.

EduQual: Homologation and Equivalence in Spain