Andorra and Spain Sign Pact for Mutual Recognition of Educational Qualifications

Andorra and Spain have signed a three-year agreement, renewable annually by tacit consent, for the mutual recognition of qualifications required for post-compulsory secondary education and non-university higher education. The pact promotes cross-border access to programmes like batxillerat, intermediate and advanced vocational training, professional arts and design courses, and higher-level sports education, while respecting each country's internal laws and reciprocity rules.

The convention takes provisional effect from the signing date and becomes fully operational once both governments notify completion of their domestic treaty procedures. It features annexes detailing equivalent qualifications, verification processes for supporting documents, and provisions for updates via exchanged diplomatic notes.

Spanish applicants to Andorran batxillerat can use their ESO graduation certificate, Grau D tècnic or tècnic superior vocational qualifications, or equivalents. Andorran students seeking Spanish batxillerat need their second-level teaching graduation title. For advanced vocational training (grau superior) and similar non-university higher studies, recognised Andorran titles include batxillerat, batxillerat professional, and the Diploma Professional Avançat (DPA). Spanish equivalents encompass batxillerat or Grau D tècnic qualifications.

The agreement stresses that recognition does not ensure admission, particularly where competitive selection applies, and all other entry criteria—such as institutional procedures—remain in force. To oversee implementation and propose changes, a joint working group will convene at least yearly, alternating between Andorra and Spain, with four representatives from each side.

Officials described the deal as an extension of prior collaboration to bolster educational mobility without altering core admission standards.