The recognition of university degrees It usually comes at a key moment in our migratory life. Not because we doubt what we know how to do, but because the system needs that knowledge to be validated in writing.
It is the process that transforms years of study, effort and experience in a document officially recognised in the country where we are building our future.
For many of us, recognise a qualification It is not starting from scratch, but quite the opposite: it is demonstrating that you already we bring you a tour, solid training and professional skills that deserve to be recognised.
It is putting down on paper what our life already sustains day by day, even when it is not yet reflected in a local curriculum.
In this article, we will explain what this entails. recognition of university degrees, When is it necessary, how does the process work, and what should we bear in mind in order to approach it with clarity?.
But we will also talk about what lies behind this procedure: the search for stability, real opportunities and the right to exercise that for which we have prepared ourselves.
What is the recognition of university degrees and what is it for?
The recognition of university degrees is the procedure by which a country officially recognises that our academic background obtained in the foreigner is equivalent to a local qualification.
It does not assess who we are or how much we know in practice, but rather whether our studies comply with the formal requirements from education system of the country where we wish to practise or continue our training.
This process serves, above all, to be able to practise regulated professions, access certain public or private sector jobs, enrol in postgraduate studies or officially accredit our academic level.
In many cases, without the approval Approval, our training exists, but it has no legal validity within the system.
It is important to understand that approve It does not mean repeating the course or starting over.
It means translate, compare and validate what we have already studied so that it fits into a different framework.
Sometimes recognition is direct; other times it involves additional requirementsas complementary subjects o specific tests.
In any case, the approval Approval plays a key role: provide legal backing for our academic record, so that career opportunities do not depend solely on our experience, but also on formal recognition that allows us to advance with confidence.
When do we need to have our university degree recognised?
It is not always mandatory to start the recognition of university degrees as soon as you arrive in a new country. However, there are specific situations in which this procedure becomes essential in order to be able to move forward normally in our professional and academic lives.
One of the most common is when we want to to practise a regulated profession. Fields such as health, education, engineering, law, and architecture often require that the degree be approved in order to work legally. Without this recognition, even if we have experience, access remains limited.
We also need approve when we search pursue formal studies, as a master's degree or a doctorate. Many universities request the approval Approval or, at least, formal recognition of the previous qualification to allow enrolment.
Another common case is access to jobs that require specific qualifications, especially in public selection processes or in companies that must comply with strict regulations. In these contexts, the approval Approval It serves as a guarantee that our training meets local standards.
Even when we are already working in a field related to our training, obtaining certification can be key to improve working conditions, qualify for promotions or access more stable contracts. It is not always an immediate priority, but it is a medium- and long-term investment.
Knowing when we need approve It allows us to plan the process better and decide on the right time to start it, without unnecessary haste, but also without letting it become an obstacle later on.
How the university degree accreditation process works
The process of recognition of university degrees It usually follows a similar structure in many countries, although the specific times and requirements may vary.
Understanding how it works helps us to deal with it more effectively. clarity and less uncertainty.
It all begins with the review of our academic qualifications. The competent authorities compare the content of our studies with the local curricula.
The aim is not to question our ability, but to verify the equivalence between different education systems.
To do this, we must submit a formal request accompanied by academic documentation: university degree, transcripts, course syllabuses and, in many cases, official translations.
These documents allow us to assess whether our degree programme is compatible with the qualification we wish to have recognised.
Once submitted the application, the file goes through a analysis phase, which may last several months.
At this time, the administration decide whether the approval Approval is straightforward or if it requires additional measures. In some cases, they may request additional information or clarification regarding the training received.
The final result may be:
- Full approval.
- Approval subject to additional requirements.
- Or partial recognition that limits access to certain functions.
Although the process requires patience, it also offers something important: a clear framework. Knowing how it works allows us to organise ourselves better, anticipate deadlines and understand that it is not a personal judgement, but a technical comparison between education systems.
Standard documents for the recognition of university degrees
Gather the documentation for the recognition of university degrees It is one of the most delicate parts of the process.
Not because it is impossible, but because it requires organisation, patience, and attention to detail. Having everything prepared from the outset can save us time and avoid additional requests later on.
In general, the documents that are usually requested are:
- Official university degree: It must be issued by the institution where we are studying and, in many cases, legalised or apostilled depending on the country of origin.
- Academic certificate or transcript: includes the subjects taken, the course load and the grades obtained. This document is key to enabling them to compare studies.
- Programmes or curricula: This is a detailed description of the content of the subjects. It helps to demonstrate that the training is equivalent to that of the country where we are applying for recognition.
- Identity card or passport: allows academic documentation to be linked to our legal identity.
- Official translations: if the documents are not in the language required, it will be necessary to submit certified translations carried out by an authorised translator.
In some cases, they may also request:
- Professional practice certificates.
- Proof of relevant work experience.
- Additional documentation issued by the university of origin.
Although it may seem like a lot of work, gathering these documents is a way of organising our own academic history.
Each role represents a part of the journey we have already travelled and which we now seek to make visible and recognisable in a new context.
Waiting times and what this process also teaches us
The recognition of university degrees is not usually immediate. The process can take months and, in some cases, more than a year. This wait, which can sometimes feel long and uncertain, is part of the process and also part of the overall immigration experience.
During that time, we continued living, working, adapting, and demonstrating in practice what is not yet confirmed on paper.
Many people take advantage of this stage to improve one's language skills, acquire local expertise, take complementary courses, or explore career paths related to your field. It's not time wasted: it's time to preparation.
Waiting also confronts us with something important: the patience and the perseverance. It reminds us that validating a career path is not giving it up, but defending it. That insisting on recognition is not pride, but professional dignity.
Even if the result is delayed, the process is moving forward. And each step is a way of saying that our training matters and deserves to be recognised.
Giving a name and shape to what we already are
At Curiara, we know that the recognition of university degrees It is not merely an administrative formality. It is an attempt to align who we are with what the system needs to see.
It is putting years of study, effort y vocation that already sustain our daily lives.
Approve does not make us professionals: we already are. What it does is open doors, provide support and allow our journey to receive the recognition it deserves in the place where we are building our future.
We support these processes because we understand what lies behind them: the search for stability, real opportunities and a place where our professional history also counts.