Actually, getting into Spanish universities is very easy . In this post, we'll tell you what you need to know about the university entrance exam (EVAU) for international students.
What is the EVAU/EBAU for foreigners?
When we talk about the EVAU for foreigners, we are referring to university entrance exams for non-Spanish students. We are comparing the exam taken by a Spanish student with the one taken by a non-Spanish student, using terms that can be confusing.
Technically, the EVAU or EBAU is the University Access Assessment (or Baccalaureate Assessment for University Access). This test is the one that Spanish students take to access the University. Therefore, if you are an international student, you do not have to prepare it, it is not your test.
If you are not Spanish and wish to enroll in a university degree program at a Spanish university, you must take the PCE, or Specific Competency Test. This test is organized and administered by the UNED (National University of Distance Education), specifically by its department, UNEDasiss PCE. The PCE is to international students what the EVAU is to Spanish students. We will explain the test in more detail later.
How can I access a Spanish University if I am not Spanish?
It's normal to have questions about university entrance exams for international students in Spain , especially regarding access, preparation, and requirements. But don't worry! We'll tell you the steps you need to take to get into a Spanish university :
- Finish high school or have the degree obtained in your country of origin (translated, legalized or apostilled, if necessary).
- Approval your studies (or present proof that you are in process).
- Be clear about the cut-off mark you need and which are the specific subjects you must prepare (here it is essential that you know the information of each Autonomous Community, since each University has different criteria, especially with regard to the access mark).
- Prepare and schedule your studies in an orderly manner: there is a lot at stake! Take it seriously. If you have difficulty doing it alone, do not hesitate to contact us so we can help you plan from the start. Escuela PCE.
- Register for the exams: normally, the study department of your institute or academy will be in charge of registering you for the PCE.
- Take your exam at the UNED center and wait for the publication of the notes, about 3 or 4 weeks after the exam. Your PCE grade represents 40% of your access grade, with 60% being the grade obtained in high school.
- Pre-register, reserving a place online and in order of preference among a maximum of up to 12 universities.
- Confirm your acceptance: an email arrives from the university saying that it accepts you! Pay the fees, register permanently and wait for the course to start. You are officially a student of a Spanish university and classes for your degree will normally begin in the months of September or October. Congratulations!
All about the PCE test in Spain
If you're still wondering, " What is the UNEDasiss PCE? ", here's a summary: it's the set of official, specific tests that an international student must pass to be admitted to a Spanish university. It's mandatory and is established, administered, and validated by the UNED through its UNEDasiss department (hence the name).
There are those who call this test the EVAU or selectivity for foreigners and it allows you to access any eligible degree in Spanish universities on equal terms.
- Who has to pass this test? Those international students from European Union countries and Ibero-American students whose countries have signed academic reciprocity agreements with Spain. In the case of third countries, they must have a high school diploma approved according to current law.
- Where is it and when is it done? The PCE is carried out in any country that has a UNED headquarters authorized for it (the list of places that have headquarters can be consulted on the official website). Completion dates vary from one area to another, but there are always two calls: an ordinary one (which is usually the last week of May or the first week of June) and another extraordinary one, during the month of September. About three months before each call, the online registration period opens and does not require any in-person management.
- Difficulty level. The difficulty is extremely subjective, but we recommend always having support and guidance from professionals regarding content and previous exams. In Escuela PCE We organize courses and help students who have a non-Spanish bachelor's degree when it comes to knowing what and how to study and, above all, to apply tricks and techniques that they make the subject easier for you, much more so if your language is not Spanish.
- How much time does it take to prepare for the exams? Apart from your ability and aptitudes, it depends on the number of subjects you have to face and the time you effectively dedicate to them. Normally, The scales of good preparation range between 5 to 9 months or a year.
We hope to have resolved the most common doubts about the EVAU for foreigners, which is nothing more than the PCE of the UNEDasiss and which will help you start your university career in Spain. If you have more questions, please contact us. Escuela PCE We are ready to help you with whatever you need.
