Recognition of foreign studies in Mexico

In order for studies completed outside of Mexico to be recognized as valid at the primary, secondary, high school, and higher education levels, a revalidation process must be carried out with the Ministry of Public Education (SEP). This process can take two forms: total recognition and partial recognition.

Total recognition: recognizes a complete level of education completed abroad (for example, an entire high school program or a master’s degree). This is supported by diplomas, degrees, or certificates.
Partial recognition: Allows individuals to continue the studies they began in Mexico but did not complete in another country (for example, one year of highschool or a semester of undergraduate studies), supported by partial transcripts or certificates.

To see the detailed requirements and procedures, consult the following SEP link: https://www.sep.gob.mx/work/models/sep1/Resource/12234/16/images/Nuevo_acuerdo286.pdf .

La revalidación es un trámite que brinda validez oficial a estudios realizados en el extranjero, siempre y cuando estos estudios tengan validez oficial en el país de origenRecognition is the process by which studies completed abroad are officially acknowledged, as long as they are recognized by the education authorities in the country where they were undertaken.

Important Documentation Information: Exemptions

No apostille or legalization required: Documents like birth certificates and academic certificates or diplomas (from primary, secondary, high school, or higher education) do not need to be apostilled or legalized, as their authenticity can be verified electronically.

For the same documents (birth certificate, report cards, diplomas, degrees, and other academic records), a free translation into Spanish is sufficient.

Where to Carry Out the Procedure Based on the Level of Study?

Higher Education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.):

The procedure is managed by the SEP’s General Directorate of Accreditation, Incorporation, and Revalidation (DGAIR).

More information: https://dgair.sep.gob.mx/dir/revalidacion_superior.

Once you’ve obtained the recognition certificate, register your degree and obtain your professional license here: https://catalogonacional.gob.mx/FichaTramite?traHomoclave=SEP-01-019-A.

High School (Upper Secondary Education):

The process is handled by the SEP’s General Directorate of High School Education (DGB). Start your application here: https://dgb.sep.gob.mx/tramite/revalidacion-de-estudios-realizados-en-el-extranjero .

Primary and Secondary Education (Basic Level):

Revalidation of primary and secondary education must be initiated at the SEP's school control offices in each state, for example: