University Preparation Course in Spain (Selectividad)

For most international students, the main pathway to universities in Spain is the UNEDasiss system. This system is responsible for recognition of foreign secondary education certificates, conversion of grades into the Spanish grading system, calculation of the base admission score and registration for the PCE examinations.

The EBAU exam (Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad) is the standard university access system for students holding the Spanish Bachillerato qualification. In some cases, international students may also use this pathway if their qualification has been officially recognised (homologated). Although most international students access university through the UNEDasiss system and PCE examinations, the programme also allows preparation for the EBAU examination if this pathway is more suitable for the student.

The PCE exams (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) allow students to improve their final admission score. Students can take up to 6 subjects. Each subject is assessed independently, and universities apply weighting coefficients (ponderaciones).

The selection of subjects is based on the requirements of Spanish universities and the UNEDasiss system. Depending on the chosen city, the structure of preparation may vary. Although it is possible to take between 2 and 6 subjects, the most balanced option is preparation for 4 subjects in Valencia, whereas in Barcelona, in some cases, preparation for 5-6 subjects is recommended in accordance with the requirements of the PCE / EBAU system. The final selection of subjects is confirmed after the start of the course and once the student provides information about the chosen university and study programme.

Before travelling to Spain, it is necessary to apostille the secondary school diploma and academic transcript in the country of origin, as well as to obtain an official translation of the documents into Spanish through a sworn translator. This translation may be completed either in the student’s home country or in Spain. Once in Spain, students must start the homologation procedure with the Ministry of Education. Homologation confirms the equivalence of the foreign qualification to the Spanish Bachillerato. Our school provides support and guidance during the preparation and submission of the homologation application.

According to current Spanish immigration legislation, to apply for a student residence permit (Student Visa Type D) the student must be at least 18 years old at the moment of submitting the application. If the student does not require a student residence permit to study in Spain, they may also participate in the programme at a younger age.

According to the requirements of Spanish consulates, the application for a student residence permit (Student Visa Type D) may be submitted no earlier than 6 months before the course start date. The latest possible submission date is up to 2 months before the beginning of the course. For this reason, it is recommended to plan the preparation of documents and the consular appointment in advance.

During the programme students receive support and guidance throughout all stages of the preparation and university admission process. Our team helps students choose the appropriate preparation programme, determine the necessary exam subjects, understand the Spanish university admission system, prepare documentation for the admission process, start the homologation process of the qualification, and register for exams through the UNEDasiss system.