Access to universities in Spain: what you need to know

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for people starting their university life, as it has a great quality and educational offer. If you are a foreigner and you intend to start your professional life in this country, it is necessary to take into account some information that will help you to have what you need for access, to avoid setbacks and to start this new period successfully.

Homologation of studies

Foreigners who have completed secondary school, bachillerato or have obtained a university degree in a country other than Spain can continue their education in Spanish universities as long as they have their documents homologated.

This process is carried out as long as the previous education is not from a member country of the European Union.

Homologating your studies consists of a simple procedure that is carried out at the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. To do so, you will need to bring your documents certified by the issuing country and pay an administrative fee.

For those who already have a degree and want to verify the equivalent level of education, they must go directly to the university where they wish to accredit their level of studies.

Entrance Examination

This is what is known as the Selectividad test in Spain, but is officially called the University Entrance Examination (PAU) and students’ admission to the country’s universities depends on passing it.

This entrance exam consists of two phases: a general one and a specific one according to the degree course for which the interested party is opting. The grade stipulated for access to university studies will depend on each educational centre. With those where a high grade is required and others where the average is more flexible, so that a greater number of students are admitted.

It is important to know that, for this exam, there is a call during the month of June and then there is an extraordinary call for those who have not passed the passing grade or for those who wish to improve their score.

In the case of students who wish to study at private universities, they must take the internal selection test in accordance with the criteria of that university and within the deadlines established by each one.

What to do if you have a technical education degree?

If you have a technical degree and this training has been correctly recognised for access to universities in Spain, the procedure is a little different. Starting by saying that you do not need to take a selectivity test. As the degree obtained implies mastery of the skills that you are expected to pass with this exam.

However, if the chosen degree has a high demand from students who also wish to enter university, it will be necessary to take the second phase of this test. Which corresponds to the specific competencies of the degree, thus determining access.

General requirements and documents

Before travelling to Spain for your university studies, it is important to have all the necessary documents. As you will obviously save costs and time if you have things in order.

In general, you should have your baccalaureate or secondary school diploma duly legalised in the country where you obtained it and ready to have it recognised. As well as preparing for the university entrance exam.

As for the documentation required to enrol in a Spanish university, you must have:

• Official identification document, passport and student visa if applicable.
• Certificate of marks obtained in the last academic level studied.
• Participation card for the Entrance Examination.
• Pre-registration in the university and programme of your interest.
• Recommendations for accessing universities in Spain

Finally, here are some tips that you can take into account before starting your university life in Spain.

• Consult different universities before making your choice. Check the study programmes, location, opportunities, consult opinions and don’t forget to compare costs with other options.
• Check the eligibility requirements of each university and evaluate the possibilities of admission according to your knowledge and abilities. So that, when you take the test, you are truly prepared.
• Organise your timetable, bearing in mind that academic terms in Spain begin in September, but the exam is held in June. It is also advisable to make all the necessary arrangements in advance. In order to complete the process within the established deadlines and to have all the necessary documents.