Substitute Certification

 

1.DEFINITION

2.APPLICATION

3.RETURN

4. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION

 

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1. DEFINITION

What is the certificate in lieu of the degree (CST)?

It is a document issued by the University and signed by the Rector, which provisionally accredits the passing of certain official studies and that, having paid the fees for the issuance of the corresponding degree, it is pending its issuance.

What are the legal effects of the CST?

It has the same legal effects in the national territory as the possession of the definitive degree.

In order for it to be valid outside Spain, it must be legalized or, if necessary, apostilled. Prior consultation in the country of destination regarding the need for legalization is advisable.

1. The first step is to proceed to the recognition of signatures by the Ministry of Universities (Servicio de Títulos/Unidad de Legalizaciones, Paseo de la Castellana, 162. 28046 - Madrid).
2. Next, depending on whether or not the destination country is a signatory to the Hague Convention, the following steps must be taken
Legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for non-signatories.
 Apostille at the Ministry of Justice, for signatories.
   More information about Legalization and Apostille here.

 

2. APPLICATION

How to apply for the TSA?

To apply for the CST, the official title (or duplicate) must have been previously requested and paid for. Depending on the degree in question and possible exemptions from public fees, there are several ways to apply for it

1.- For official Bachelor's and Master's Degrees

a) It is requested telematically at the electronic headquarters (click on the following link).

b) This option is only possible if you do not have total or partial public fee exemptions (for example, discount for Large Family).

c) If you have just paid for your official diploma, you will have to wait to receive a confirmation email to process it, since it is necessary that the diploma application has been previously processed by this Section. The email is automatically sent to the UCM user account.

d) You will obtain the CST at the moment, after finishing the processing process in the electronic office.

2.- For official Doctorate Degrees, Pre-Bologna Degrees and for beneficiaries of exemptions (Large Family).

a) It is requested through the Secretary's Office of Students of your Faculty. Find the email (or other forms of electronic contact) of the Student Secretary's Office here.
b) You can download the application form here.
c) The Registrar's Office will email you the CST in a few days.

How much does the CST cost?

You can check the fees here.

 

3.RETURN

Where can I pick up the CST?

It depends on how you have applied for it:

1.- If you have processed it telematically the electronic headquarters (official Bachelor's or Master's degrees), it will be downloaded to your computer.

2.- If you have requested it through the Secretary's Office of Students of your Faculty, it will depend on whether the certification has an electronic signature:

• Electronic signature: the Secretary's Office will send it to you by email.
• Handwritten signature: you will have to pick it up at the Secretary's Office of your Faculty. The collection can be done by the interested party, upon presentation of the DNI/Passport or NIE, or by an authorized person.

How long does the CST processed through the Secretary's Office take?

The issuance period will be:

• Approximately two weeks for Graduates, Graduates and Doctors (RD 185/1985 / RD 778/1998).
• Approximately one month for Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees (RD 56/2005 / RD 1393/2007).

 

3.APPLICABLE LEGISLATION

• Royal Decree 1002/2010, of August 5, 2010, on the issuance of official university degrees (BOE of August 6).
• Order ECI/2514/2007, of August 13, on the issuance of official Master's and Doctoral degrees (BOE of August 21).
• Royal Decree 822/2021, of September 28, establishing the organization of university education and the procedure for quality assurance.
• Royal Decree 778/1998, of April 30, 1998, regulating the third cycle of university studies, the obtaining and issuance of the degree of Doctor and other postgraduate studies (BOE of May 1).
• Order of July 8, 1988, for the application of Royal Decrees 185/1985, of January 23, 1985, and 1496/1987, of November 6, 1987, regarding the issuance of official university degrees (BOE of July 13, 1988).
• Royal Decree 1496/1987, of November 6, 1987, on obtaining, issuing and homologation of university degrees (BOE of December 14, 1987).
• Royal Decree 185/1985, of January 23, 1985, which regulates the third cycle of university studies, the obtaining and issuance of the Doctor's Degree (BOE of February 16)

 

Do you have any doubts? Consult our frequently asked questions.