Preparing to study in Spain

Spanish terms, explained.

You do not need to know Spain’s education system or paperwork before you ask us for advice. Here is what the terms on our website mean. In the page text, hover over or tap a dotted-underlined term to see its explanation.

Spanish professional certificate

An official Spanish vocational qualification showing skills for a specific occupation. It is valid in Spain and is not a university degree. Recognition abroad depends on the destination country’s rules.

Spanish Level 3

The qualification level within Spain’s vocational certificate system. It does not mean year three or a university degree, and it is not automatically equivalent to Level 3 in another country.

PROM IBS Expert award

PROM IBS’s own award for completing the programme’s qualifications and placement. It is separate from the official vocational certificate and university microcredential; it is not a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

University microcredential

A certificate for a short university course focused on specific skills. This programme’s microcredential carries 4 ECTS credits. It is not a full university degree.

ECTS: European university credits

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System measures study workload, including classes and independent work. One credit usually represents 25–30 hours; 4 credits represent about 100–120 hours in total. Another institution decides whether to accept those credits.

SEPE

Spain’s national public employment service (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal). It is a government employment agency, not a university. The official vocational certificate and PROM IBS’s own award are separate documents.

RAED

The Royal European Academy of Doctors, an academic institution that gives scientific endorsement to the PROM IBS programme. This endorsement does not replace the official status of each certificate or mean the academy issues it.

Instituto de España

An institution bringing together Spain’s national Royal Academies and maintaining links with associated academies. The name describes an institutional relationship, not a qualification awarded to students.

Instituto Cervantes

Spain’s public institution for Spanish language and culture. Taking a course aimed at a language level does not itself award a DELE diploma; that requires a separate examination.

DELE

Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera: an official Spanish-language diploma earned by passing its examination. The programme’s Spanish course does not automatically award it.

A1/A2: beginner language levels

Beginner levels in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). They describe basic everyday communication, not professional fluency.

Entry qualifications

Spanish Bachillerato is upper-secondary education after compulsory schooling. Técnico Superior is a higher vocational qualification. We review which entry route fits your studies; qualifications with similar names are not automatically equivalent across countries.

Recognition of overseas qualifications

A procedure through which an authority recognizes overseas studies for use in Spain. It is different from translating or authenticating a document. Admissions explains which recognition your entry route may need.

Certificate code

Identifies the official vocational course: COMT0210, administrative and financial management of international trade; COML0309, warehouse organization and management; HOTA0308, accommodation reception. Use the code to look up the official course specification.

Accredited training centre

F2Prom is Formación Futuras Promesas S.L., the centre delivering the in-person vocational training. 16/00026903 and M160002663G are centre registration identifiers, not student qualifications.

Company placement

A supervised period of learning in a company as part of your course. Duration and conditions are set out in the programme and placement agreement. A placement does not in itself mean an employment contract or salary.

Placement agreement

A written agreement setting out the placement’s learning activities, duration, timetable, supervision and responsibilities. It is separate from an employment contract.

Study visa (type D)

A national visa for travelling to Spain for study when required for your situation. You apply through the relevant Spanish consulate. Admission to the school does not mean your visa has been granted.

Permission to stay for study

Permission to remain in Spain for the approved course. Its conditions determine which activities you may undertake. It is not permanent residence and does not automatically allow work in every case.

Consulate and visa application

A Spanish government office abroad handling services such as visa applications. A consular file is your application documents; a consular decision is the official response. The responsible office depends on where you live.

TIE: foreigner identity card

A physical card documenting your authorized status in Spain when one is required. It includes your NIE identification number. Holding a TIE does not mean you have permanent residence.

NIE: foreigner identification number

Your personal identification number for Spanish administrative procedures. It is not a visa or a card and does not by itself give permission to live or work in Spain.

Local address registration

Registering your usual home address with the local council. It provides evidence of where you live; it does not replace permission to stay or reside in Spain.

Spanish Social Security

Spain’s public social protection system. Registration and contributions relate to activities such as work and placements. This is separate from arranging the health insurance required for a visa.

SESCAM

The public health service of Castilla-La Mancha, the Spanish region where Cuenca is located. Access depends on your circumstances; it does not automatically replace the insurance required for your visa.

IPREM and proof of funds

IPREM is a Spanish financial reference indicator used in some official procedures. A visa application may require evidence of funds available for your stay. It is not a fee paid to PROM or a complete living-cost budget.

Apostille and legalization

Ways to authenticate public documents for use in another country. The procedure depends on the country and document. Authentication does not translate a qualification or recognize its academic equivalence.

Sworn translation

A translation certified by an authorized translator. Your own translation or an automatic translation may not be accepted for an official procedure. Check the required language and certification with the receiving authority.

Insurance co-payments and waiting periods

A co-payment is an extra amount you pay when using a medical service. A waiting period is the time before a policy benefit becomes available. Check that your policy meets the visa requirements.

AVE and Cuenca Fernando Zóbel station

AVE is a high-speed rail service. Cuenca Fernando Zóbel is the city’s high-speed railway station and PROM’s pickup point. Check the station, ticket and timetable before travelling.

Castilla-La Mancha

The region of Spain where Cuenca is located. It has a regional administration responsible for services including health and education.

UNESCO World Heritage

International recognition of a place’s cultural or natural value. In Cuenca it refers to the historic walled town; it is not an academic accreditation of the school.

CV: curriculum vitae

A summary of your education, experience and skills, also called a résumé. Start by describing your background; follow admissions’ instructions before sending personal documents.

B2B

Business to business: commercial relationships between companies, such as negotiating with a supplier.

Intake

A group of students starting the programme at a particular time. Check the start date and allow time to prepare your application and travel.

Enrolment and administration

Enrolment confirms your registration; opening a file means setting up your administrative record. The first €2,800 payment includes €300 administration and €2,500 to reserve your place. Check the refund conditions.

Calendar days and working days

Calendar days include every day. Working days exclude non-working days according to the procedure or contract. Public holidays can also affect deadlines.

PROM PRAXI

PROM’s name for its learning method: practise, reflect, apply, exchange ideas and demonstrate learning. It is not an additional qualification.

Cuenca 360°

PROM’s student support service: arrival planning, station pickup and guidance with housing and paperwork. Help finding accommodation does not include paying your rent.

VAT

Value Added Tax, a tax on goods and services. The tax treatment of your services is set out in your invoice and contract.

Company identification

A tax ID identifies a person or company for tax purposes. S.L. means sociedad limitada, a Spanish limited company. These details help identify the entity you contract with.

AEPD

Spain’s personal data protection authority. You can contact it for information about your rights or to make a complaint.

Right of withdrawal

The right to cancel certain contracts within the legal period, subject to applicable conditions and exceptions. It is separate from the visa-refusal refund; check both sections of your contract.