Verifying Spanish University Degrees: ANECA Guide

Spain's higher education system

Spain's higher education quality is assured by ANECA (National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation). Spain has over 80 universities (50 public, 30+ private), including University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid (Spain's largest), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and University of Salamanca (founded 1218, one of Europe's oldest).

Verification steps

1. Check ANECA accreditation — Verify the institution is ANECA-accredited. VerifyED includes accredited Spanish institutions.
2. Contact the institution — Spanish universities maintain registrar offices for verification.
3. NARIC Spain — The Spanish NARIC handles foreign credential recognition.
4. Apostille — Spain is a Hague Convention member. Documents can be apostilled.

Key considerations

• Regional accreditation — In addition to ANECA, Spanish autonomous communities have regional quality agencies.
• Spanish-language credentials — Credentials are in Spanish. European Diploma Supplements are in English.
• Latin American connections — Spanish universities have strong ties with Latin America, facilitating credential recognition.