The cut-off score is the admission score of the last student admitted to a specific university degree program during an admissions process. It is not a minimum score set by the university, but rather the result of the relationship between the number of places available, student demand, and the grades of those applying for that degree.
How is this admission grade calculated?
The admission score is calculated by ranking all the admission scores of students who have applied for a place in that university degree program, from highest to lowest. Applications are then accepted according to this ranking, with the score of the last student admitted being the cut-off score.
Let's take an example calculation for a specific degree program. There are 10 places and 12 applicants (a hypothetical scenario). We rank their grades from highest to lowest and then "cut off" at the applicant who occupies the tenth place. That grade will be the cutoff score for that year for that degree program at that university.
Heads up! Don't confuse the cutoff score with the admission score. The cutoff score is the minimum score required to be admitted to a university program. The admission score is the score each student submits to apply to a specific degree program. If your admission score doesn't meet or exceed the cutoff score, you won't be able to study that program at that university. If you want to know how to calculate it, click here.
Characteristics of the cut notes
1. The cut-off score is a GUIDELINE. It changes from year to year, so it may be higher or lower one year. It doesn't usually vary much, but it can fluctuate slightly. However, don't expect it to drop by more than one point.
2. It is only valid for public universities. If you wish to enroll in a private university, you must consult the admission requirements for that specific degree program.
3. It is unrelated to the difficulty of the degree. High entry grades only explain high student demand, but it is quite possible that one university degree is easier than another with a lower entry grade.
4. Some programs don't have a cut-off score. This means they have a cut-off score of 5. This means these programs offer more places than there are applicants and don't fill their quotas. This is especially relevant if you applied during the extraordinary admissions period and there are no places available in most degrees, as they were filled through the regular admissions process.
Cut-off score and admission score: are they the same thing?
No. Let us explain:
access note
The access grade is the result of weighting the high school grade (usually 60% of the grade) with the grades of the general phase presented in Selectividad (the remaining 40%).
It is represented by a score out of 10 points. The minimum score for each part must be 4 points, with 5 being the minimum passing score for university admission. This phase does not expire and has indefinite validity.
Admission note
The admission grade is the result of adding the weightings of the specific subjects presented to the access grade.
They can raise the grade by up to 4 points, with 14 being the maximum grade.
For this optional phase, exams with a score of 5 or higher are considered. This score is multiplied by a weighting coefficient , which can be either 0,1 or 0,2. Therefore, it is very important to know these coefficients in order to obtain the highest possible admission score. This phase is valid for two years.
How does the cut-off score affect international students?
Foreign students who want to access a Spanish university should know the cut-off score for the degree they want to study, but first they must correctly calculate their admission score.
Depending on their educational background, they may need:
- validation of studies;
- ENAC accreditation UNEDasiss;
- PCE implementation;
- strategic selection of subjects according to weightings.
The cut-off score does not change for being a foreigner, but the way the admission score is calculated may change.
What is the cut-off mark for my university degree?
Before finishing, you may want to know the cut-off mark for the course and university you want to access. As we have already mentioned, they vary slightly from year to year, so you should be careful to be aware of these changes.
Escuela PCE has the updated cut notes so that you can see in the current school year the grades that you have to have as a reference to know the difficulty of entering the desired grade.
Frequently asked questions about university entrance exam scores
What does it mean to have a cut-off score of 5?
It means that the last student admitted to a degree program had an admission score of 5. It does not indicate that the degree program is easier.
Is the cut-off score the minimum score required to get into a degree program?
No. It is the grade of the last student who obtained a place in a specific admissions process, not a pre-established requirement.
Who decides the cut-off score for a university degree?
The cut-off score is not set by the university. It is calculated based on demand, available places, and the scores of admitted students.
Why does the cut-off score change every year?
Because the number of applications, the places offered, and the grades of the students competing to access each degree program change.
Can a cut-off score decrease after the first allocation?
Yes. It can decrease if students give up places or if there are changes in the waiting lists.
Where can I find the cut-off score for a university degree?
You can consult it on the official websites of the universities and university districts of each autonomous community.
What grade do I need to get into a university program?
It depends on the degree program, university, and year. Previous years' entry grades can serve as a reference point for setting a goal.
What is the difference between a cut-off score and an admission score?
The admission grade is the student's score for university admission; the cut-off grade is the score of the last student admitted to a degree program.
How does the cut-off score affect international students?
Foreign students must know the cut-off score and calculate their admission score using their access route, UNEDasiss and the PCE if applicable.
Is a degree with a low entry grade easier?
No. The cut-off score only indicates the competition for admission, not the academic difficulty of the degree.
*Last updated: August 2026. Reviewed by the academic guidance team of Escuela PCE.
