Education and Universities
Education
Non-university qualifications. What will happen with the recognition of non-university qualifications from the British education system?
The recognition in Spain of qualifications obtained in the United Kingdom (UK) will continue to be possible. However, the procedure will change, applying the system that corresponds to third countries, which involves additional procedures (such as The Hague Convention Apostille for applications presented as from 1 November 2021).
- More information on the recognition of foreign non-university qualifications.
Non-university qualifications: What will happen with the recognition of non-university qualifications from the British education system (if you do not have the qualifications)?
Students from any foreign education system that wish to enrol for any primary education or compulsory secondary education course in Spain do not have to undergo any procedure to have their studies recognised.
Students from any foreign education system that wish to enrol on the first or second year of advanced secondary education in the Spanish education system must apply for the recognition of their qualification from compulsory secondary education or the recognition of the first year of advanced secondary education, respectively.
As regards vocational training studies, if students that come from the British education system have not obtained the corresponding final qualification, they may apply for recognition (partial equivalence) of their studies in any of the professional modules of the closest educational cycle to the studies undertaken, with the aim of enrolling in the Spanish education system, continuing with their studies and finishing them (completing their studies with the modules that have not passed or where it has not been possible to have them recognised).
- More information on the recognition of foreign non-university qualifications.
Teaching staff: How and to what extent will Brexit affect Spanish primary and secondary education teachers that are working in the UK?
In order to exercise the primary or secondary teaching profession in the United Kingdom, you must provide accreditation as a teacher by obtaining QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), which is processed through agencies that regulate the teaching profession tasked with this procedure in each of the territories in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
Since these are professions regulated in both Spain and the UK, to date this procedure had been framed within the provisions of Directive 2005/36/EC. Teaching accreditations that began to be processed prior to 31 December 2020 will continue to be governed by this European law. As from 1 January 2021, and in the absence of an agreement between the UK and the EU and/or Spain, the procedure will need to be adapted to what UK law establishes.
Teachers that already live and work in the UK have until 30 June 2021 to apply to register as EU citizens under the EU Settlement Scheme and thus continue to be entitled to live and work in the UK. Those who arrive after 1 January 2021 will have to obtain residency and work permits under the corresponding visa and immigration procedures.
For more information, you can consult the web page of the Department for Education in the UK on Spanish teachers in the UK.
Students: How will students from the British education system be affected that wish to enrol in the Spanish university system?
To date, students from the British education system did not have to apply for recognition of their advanced secondary education qualifications or take entrance exams to enrol at university, due to their status as nationals of an EU Member State.
It has been agreed, but only for access for the academic years 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, that students from the British education system could continue to use the entry procedures to Spanish universities under the same terms as students from the education systems of any EU Member State, provided that they comply with the academic requirements provided for in their own education systems to enrol at university.
For subsequent academic years, unless an agreement comes into force between Spain and the UK, these students will have to enrol at Spanish universities under the same conditions as for students from education systems from third countries with which no international treaty has been signed.
At any event, as from 1 January 2021, and in the absence of an agreement between Spain and the UK, British students that are not resident in Spain prior to 1 January 2021 must comply with the conditions of entry and stay provided for students of any nationality other than that of EU Member States, Switzerland and the European Economic Area (for example, by obtaining a study visa and holding medical insurance during their stay in Spain).
During the academic year 2021-2022, students from British education systems may enrol in the Spanish university system under the same conditions as students from the education systems of any EU Member State or other States that have entered into an international treaty to this end. As regards entry conditions and enrolment fees, you are advised to contact the university where you wish to study.
Students: How will students from the Spanish education system be affected that wish to enrol in the British university system?
In the absence of any type of regulatory agreement between Spain and the UK, the regulation adopted by the British Government on access by foreigners to the British university system will be applicable as from 1 January 2021. It will be necessary to adhere to the provisions of the British authorities to obtain study visas and regarding the points system for foreign students (web - guide).
From the information available at present, it can be deduced that the UK provides for a special visa points process for foreign students. The requirements to obtain these points will be, among others: a letter of invitation from a British academic institution, a sufficient level of English and the ability to demonstrate that economic means are available for support.
For more information, it is possible to consult the section of the web page of the Department for Education of the UK on access by Spanish students to British universities.
The conditions of Spanish students at British universities as from 1 January 2021 will be determined by the British authorities. It is recommended to read the following information.
Universities:
Recognition of Qualifications:
Will the UK form part of the European Higher Education Area after Brexit
Yes, the UK will continue to form part of the European Higher Education Area. This means that official university qualifications in the UK will have the same standards of quality as in Spain.
I have a British university qualification. Will Brexit affect my ability to have it recognised?
No, the recognition/declaration of equivalence procedure is applicable to the qualifications of any country, whether or not members of the EU.
I am studying for a joint university qualification with a British university. Will Brexit affect me?
No, you can continue your joint studies in the UK and Spain, and you will be awarded the qualification under the terms indicated to you when you began your studies.
I have a Spanish university qualification and I wish to have it recognised in the UK. How will Brexit affect me?
The recognition of Spanish qualifications in the UK will be subject to the British regulations established.
Will all British university qualifications be recognised?
Only those qualifications that allow access to a regulated profession may be recognised.
Which are these studies?
In general, those related to healthcare, engineering, architecture and the legal profession (court attorney, as the case may be) and the teaching professions.
What will happen with British PhD qualifications?
PhD qualifications issued in the UK may be subject to the equivalence process by Spanish universities.
Can I exercise my profession in Spain without having my British university qualification recognised?
This is not possible in the case of regulated professions; in these cases, it is necessary to have the professional recognition in accordance with the provisions established in Directive 2005/36/EC, of 7 September. Should you have any doubts regarding this, please send an e-mail to brexit@universidades.gob.es
Can I exercise my profession in Spain without having the equivalence of my British university qualification?
Yes, but only in the case of non-regulated professions.
Can I become a public servant in Spain with a British qualification?
Yes, provided that you meet the requirements of the public employment offer in terms of nationality and qualifications. As regards qualifications, the public employment offer will expressly indicate if it is necessary to have the British qualification recognised or whether the equivalence process is sufficient. In some public employment offers, professional recognition may be equally valid.
I have doubts about how to undergo the recognition or equivalence process of my British university qualification. Who should I address in this regard?
The Citizens'' Advice, Transparency and Publications Department of the Ministry of Universities. You can find more information on the following link:
I want to have part of my studies in the UK recognised, to continue and complete them at a Spanish university. How can I do this?
The partial recognition of studies can be performed by any Spanish university; hence, we recommend you address the university where you intend to continue your studies so that they can inform you directly.
Access to University Studies
I wish to study at a British university. Will the entry requirements change with Brexit?
Conditions for access to a British university will be regulated by UK law as from that time. It is important to closely read the following information.
I have British citizenship and wish to study in Spain. What should I do?
During the academic year 2021-2022, students from the British education system may enrol in the Spanish university system under the same conditions as students from the education systems of any EU Member State or other States that have entered into an international treaty to this end. As regards entry conditions and enrolment fees, you are advised to contact the university where you wish to study.
I am studying at a British university, will my situation change with Brexit?
Spanish students that have enrolled in the British university system before 31 December 2020 will maintain their enrolment rights.
It is very important to read the following information and, if you have any further doubts, send a message to brexit@universidades.gob.es.
I am studying at a British university. Will university fees change with Brexit?
We advise you to read the following information and, if you have any further doubts, send a message to brexit@universidades.gob.es.
I am a Spanish student that wishes to study the next academic year in the UK. What situations could I be faced with?
We advise you to read the following information and, if you have any further doubts, send a message to brexit@universidades.gob.es.
ERASMUS +
I am studying in the UK under the Erasmus+ programme. Will Brexit affect me?
The UK left the EU under the Withdrawal Agreement on 31 January 2020. The Withdrawal Agreement provided for the UK's participation in the current Erasmus+ 2014-2020 programme until the end of the programme; hence, none of the activities will be interrupted under the upcoming 2021-2027 period of the Erasmus+ programme provided that this has been approved in a round of the Erasmus+ programme up to 2020. It should be taken into account that there are actions under the programme with a duration of up to 36 months.
Non official translation