Spain

You usually apply directly to the university; in some regions you apply through a joint regional system (preinscripción).

If your secondary school leaving certificate is from an EU country (or from a country that has an agreement with Spain), you don't need homologation – it is treated like the Spanish Bachillerato. What you do need is UNEDasiss accreditation – a document that converts your grades to the Spanish scale. In the 2026 cycle you could apply for accreditation online from 4 February to 1 December.

If your certificate is from another country, you first have to apply to the Ministry of Education for homologation – official recognition of your certificate as equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato. While your application is being processed, UNEDasiss can give you provisional accreditation, as long as your university accepts it. It becomes final once you hand in the homologation.

Deadline for public universities: UNEDasiss states that for 2026/27 international applicants had to apply by 7 July 2026. Most public universities close preinscripción in early July, but some have different deadlines – check the website of your chosen university. If you need a visa, start early: you have to apply at least two months before your studies begin (see: Residence and formalities).

For a master's degree you apply directly to the university with your bachelor's degree. You only need to have a foreign degree homologated by the ministry if you want to work in a regulated profession in Spain.