Thinking about studying at a Spanish university but unsure where to start? If you’re now looking into the Spanish university system, one key step is understanding the PAU exam. It’s the official university entrance exam and plays a big role in getting accepted into your desired degree.
For international students, the PAU refers specifically to the PCE exams (Pruebas de competencias específicas) managed by UNEDasiss, the department of Spain’s National University of Distance Education (UNED). These exams evaluate your academic readiness for university and are essential if you come from a non-Spanish education system.
This guide offers practical, honest advice for international students. Whether you’re researching how the PAU for international students works or looking for preparation courses, you’ll find reliable answers here.
What is the PAU exam for international students?
The PAU (Pruebas de acceso a la Universidad) is a standardized test taken by students in Spain after finishing the Bachillerato. It’s designed to measure academic readiness for university-level education.
The PCE exams are the official university entrance tests for international students who:
- Have not studied the Spanish Bachillerato.
- Hold a secondary school diploma equivalent to Bachillerato and want to apply for a Spanish university degree.
These exams are not the same as the “Selectividad” taken by Spanish students after Bachillerato, although many international students and families mistakenly call them that.
Who needs to take the PAU (PCE) exam?
It depends. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- If your high school diploma is from the EU or a country with a mutual agreement, you might not need to take the full PAU, but you’ll likely need a grade conversion or partial exams (PCE via UNEDasiss).
- If your diploma is from outside the EU, it’s strongly recommended to sit at least some PAU exams, especially if you’re applying for competitive degrees like medicine, law or engineering.
- Some universities require PAU scores no matter your origin, particularly for public programs with high notas de corte (university entry requirements).
Everything you need to know about the PAU university entrance exam
What do the PCE exams consist of?
The PCE exams evaluate your knowledge in subjects related to your future degree. You can choose which subjects to sit depending on your academic background and the weightage (ponderaciones) published by each university.
Examples of common PCE subjects:
- Biology. Highly valued for degrees in medicine, nursing, biotechnology and other life sciences.
- Chemistry. Strongly recommended for science and health-related programs such as pharmacy, biochemistry or chemical engineering.
- Mathematics. Crucial for science, economics, and engineering.
- Economics. Important for programs like business administration, marketing, economics or international relations.
- History or Art History. Relevant to humanities, design, architecture and fine arts degrees.
Unlike the Spanish Selectividad, there is no general phase + specific phase distinction for international students. Instead, the PCE exams are tailored to your chosen degree.
When are the exams held in Spain?
The PAU (PCE) exams for foreigners are organized twice a year by UNEDasiss:
- Main session: May/June.
- Extra session: September.
Exams are usually taken in Spain, but UNED also organizes sittings in some international exam centres. Always check the official UNEDasiss calendar for exact dates.
Can I take the PAU in English?
The PAU exam is not available in English. It is conducted entirely in Spanish or in a regional language, such as Catalan, Basque or Galician, depending on where the exam takes place.
International students often take a Spanish language course to prepare for university entrance, developing the academic language skills required for both the entrance exam and their studies at a Spanish university.
What documents do I need to apply for the PAU exam as an international student?
If you’re aiming to sit the PAU exam in Spain, there are several key steps and documents you need to submit.
Most students with foreign academic backgrounds must apply through UNEDasiss, the official Spanish platform that validates international qualifications and facilitates access to university entrance exams.
Some documents take time to obtain and translate, and university deadlines in Spain can vary by region and institution.
To apply for the PAU through UNEDasiss, you will usually need the following:
- A secondary school diploma equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato, officially translated into Spanish and legalized (apostilled) according to your country of origin.
- Official academic transcripts showing your completed subjects and grades.
- A copy of your valid passport or national identity document.
- The online application form on the UNEDasiss website, where you’ll also choose the PCE subjects (Pruebas de competencias específicas) relevant to your intended university degree.
- Proof of payment for administrative and exam fees.
- In some cases, additional documentation such as sworn translations or country-specific forms may be required by your target university.
Once you’ve completed your PAU application, don’t forget to prepare your residency paperwork. If you’re staying in Spain for studies, you’ll need a TIE (Foreigner’s Identity Card). Learn how to apply for your TIE in Spain.
How does the PAU compare to other entrance exams worldwide?
Country | Exam name | Age | Format |
Spain | PAU / EVAU | 17-18 | Core + specific subjects (14 pts) |
UK | A-levels | 17-18 | Subject-based exams |
USA | SAT / ACT | 17-18 | Aptitude + optional essay |
Russia | ЕГЭ | 17-18 | Subject-based exams |
Japan | 大学入学共通テスト | 17-18 | Comprehensive academic subjects |
Brazil | ENEM | 17-18 | Final oral + written exams (subject mix) |
Common challenges for international students taking the PAU (and how to solve them)
If you’re getting ready to take the PAU exam as an international student, there are a few key steps you need to take to avoid surprises and feel fully prepared:
- Validate your high school diploma. Your secondary school certificate must be officially recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education. This process can take time, so start early.
- Understand how the Spanish exam works. Enrolling in a dedicated preparation course will help you learn how each section works and how to approach it strategically.
- Aim for a B2 or C1 level in academic Spanish. The entire exam is in Spanish (or a regional co-official language). Make sure your reading and writing skills are strong enough.
If you want to certify your level of Spanish with an official language diploma, check out this guide: How to prepare for the DELE exam
- Choose your subjects wisely. In the specific phase, your subject choices can significantly impact your final score. Use the weighting tables from your target university to pick subjects that give you the most points.
- Manage paperwork and deadlines. Getting help from advisors or preparation schools that guide you through the bureaucracy can make a big difference.
Following these steps will give you a solid foundation to face the PAU exam with confidence.
PAU preparation course: what to look for
Choosing the right PAU preparation course can make all the difference between simply passing and truly standing out.
At Españolé, our Spanish University Pathway course is designed precisely with your success in mind:
- Spanish teachers with real university insight. Our instructors are deeply familiar with the PAU exam format and the academic expectations of Spanish universities, ensuring you get precise and practical preparation.
- Tailored modules for specific phases. We help you strategically select and master the subjects that will maximize your score, based on the weighting system and cut-off grades of your target degree.
- Help for your registration in the official Spanish exams. Our team supports you every step of the way so you can focus entirely on your studies.
- Mock exams and exercises on our online platform. Practice outside your class with mock tests and receive detailed feedback.
- Intensive academic Spanish training. Our course boosts your academic vocabulary, grammar, and expression to help you excel not only in the exam but also in your future university studies.
“Thanks to this course, my average score was among the best and I was accepted into several prestigious public universities. I chose the oldest university in Spain, in Salamanca. If you want to invest in your future, choose the University Pathway at Españolé IH” — Elena Borisova, former student at Españolé
“I did not have any doubt that I would choose to prepare for university entrance at Españolé School in Valencia. I was given clear instructions on the exam and also a list of documents needed to apply. At first I took a Spanish course until I got B2 and did the DELE exam with no effort, then I prepared for 4 exams on subjects and passed them successfully. At the moment I study at the University of Valencia which actually proves the efficiency of the programme University Pathway” – Antonina Mazur, former student at Españolé
Want to access a Spanish university with confidence?
Studying Spanish in Valencia with a top-rated school like Españolé is the best way to build the skills you need for your PAU exam, and for life at university, in a supportive, immersive environment.
Our Spanish language course university is designed specifically for international students preparing for the university entrance exam into Spanish degree programmes.
Take the stress out of the PAU and start your academic journey in Spain with the right preparation. Your pathway to university success begins with Españolé. Ready to take the first step? – Get in touch with us!
