There are several options for accessing Spanish university studies, depending on your age and previous studies:
Via Baccalaureate and Selectivity PAU
This is the way used by the Students who complete their high school studies in Spain or institutions outside the country that host the Spanish education system. It ends in high school and is then taken for the Selectividad, currently known as the PAU (University Entrance Exam), formerly known as the EBAU/EVAU.
To consider:
- The final grade is calculated as follows: 60% Average Baccalaureate grade + 40% PAU + Grades for specific subjects and their weightings.
- The admission grade obtained is valid for any university.
- There are no reserved places through this route.
- This route brings together Group 1, that is, the group that applies for the majority of positions.
- The PAU exam varies depending on the Autonomous Community, resulting in differences in difficulty levels.
- The cut-off marks are high for many degrees, as there is high demand.
- You can prepare this route with this PAU course.
Via foreign high school/secondary studies (PCE)
This is the way that Escuela PCE prepare It is the route for students who obtain their high school diploma outside of Spain.. Once the homologation process has begun (if it is from a non-EU country or without an agreement) the PCE can be presented (Specific Competence Tests). These tests are organized by UNEDasiss and can be taken in many countries.
To consider:
- The final grade is calculated as follows: 60% Average Baccalaureate grade + 40% PCE + Grades for specific subjects and their weightings.
- The admission grade obtained is valid for any university.
- There are no reserved places through this route.
- This route brings together Group 1, that is, the group that applies for the majority of positions.
- The PCE exam varies from country to country, although the level is the same.
- The cut-off marks are high for many degrees, as there is high demand.
- Some universities may accept foreign students to take the University Entrance Exam (PAU). We believe it's preferable to take the PCE.
- You can access degrees that do not require a cut-off mark (i.e., a grade of 5) or at private universities without taking the PCE.
- You can prepare this route with these PCE Courses.
Higher Degree Route (FPII)
This route is for those who complete a Vocational Training II qualification. Once they obtain the qualification for their vocational training module, they can enter university directly. However, for many courses, it is necessary to raise the admission grade to exceed the cut-off mark. This is achieved by taking specific subjects in the University Entrance Exam (PAU).
To consider:
- The final grade is calculated by adding the grades from the weighted specific subjects to the Vocational Training grade.
- There are no reserved places through this route.
- The places offered are part of Group 1.
- You can enter university without taking the University Entrance Exam (PAU), but it is required for many degrees, as the cut-off marks are high.
- The exams will vary depending on the Autonomous Community, although the grade will be valid for all universities.
- You can prepare this route with this PAU FP Course.
Over 25s Route
This is the way access to university for people who are 25 years old or older who do not have qualifications that give direct access to universityIt is a way to facilitate entry for those who did not have the opportunity in the past.
To consider:
- The final grade is calculated by adding the average of the General Phase and the Specific Phase.
- If you have a vocational training or university entrance exam, you can't take this route. You must take the university entrance exam (PAU). If you have a high school diploma but not a university entrance exam, you can take the over-25s route.
- There's a 3% reserved quota for this route. That is, if there are 200 spots, 6 are reserved for the Over 25s route.
- The places offered are part of Group 3.
- The exams will vary depending on the Autonomous Community or university. They may be valid for other regions, but having taken the exam at the host university will be more important.
- You can prepare this route with this Course for people over 25 years old.
Over 40s Route
This route is reserved for those over 40 years of age and have no previous studies that provide direct access to university.
To consider:
- No exam is required. Admission is only possible with work experience.
- Not all universities offer this route for all degrees. It's a highly personalized process that varies by university.
Over 45s Route
It's similar to the previous one, but in this case, you must be at least 45 years old, have no previous qualifications, and take a couple of exams along with a personal interview.
To consider:
- You do not need to prove work experience.
- The tests consist of a text commentary and a language exam. In addition, a personal interview will be required, explaining the reasons for the application.
- As with the over-40 route, access is only valid for that university and that degree.
- They usually reserve 1% of the places for this route.
Pathway from another university degree
It is an unusual route, since it actually occurs after having previously been at university without the need to take the EBAU or other tests, because a qualifying title has already been obtained.
To consider:
- The average grade from the previous record can be used to rank candidates if there is more demand than places.
- It is a less competitive option, but in high-demand degrees (such as Medicine or Psychology), there are limited places.
- Some universities require a minimum grade or weight subjects if there are more applicants than places.
- The process is done directly through the university, not via general pre-registration.
FAQs
- I studied abroad and I'm over 25. What would be the best option? You can obtain homologation and follow the PCE route or avoid homologation and go for the +25 route. It would depend on the specific case before we can give you an assessment.
- I have a vocational training program and I'm over 25. What would be my access route? The PAU route, because having a qualification that gives direct access means you can't take the +25 route.
- I'm a foreigner, and some universities allow me to take both the University Entrance Exam (PAU) and the Spanish National Electoral College (PCE). Which is better? We definitely recommend the PCE. There are no restrictions on admissions, and the exam is aimed at foreign students.
- I completed the Selectividad (EBAU) exam a few years ago and a vocational training course. What's my entry route? You can take both routes, although the FP route is almost always better, and you should take two subjects in the PAU to raise your grade.
If you have questions about your access, request a personalized advice and we guarantee solutions.
