The National Award for Excellence in Academic Performance (known in Spanish as "Premios Nacionales de Fin de Carrera de Educación Universitaria" since 2012, as "Premios Nacionales a la Excelencia en el Rendimiento Académico Universitario" from 2009 to 2011, and as "Premios Nacionales de Fin de Carrera" prior to 2009) is the most prestigious award granted by the Ministry of Education (Government of Spain) to the students that have just accomplished their undergraduate degree outstanding greatly among the rest of students.
It is one of the oldest academic awards continuously granted, with a history that goes back to the 19th century.
Prior to the academic year 2008-09, the award was granted to the students who had the highest average score in their correspondent degree (one award for each degree) e.g. Medicine, English Studies, Geology, etc.
Achieving these minimum average grade in the Spanish Academic system is a major undertaking, therefore only a reduced number of students can apply for the award.
Finally, the curriculum vitae of the candidates is also taken into account.