GUIDE TO STUDYING IN SPAIN
Learn all the steps you need to take for admission to Spanish universities
Are you thinking about studying in Spain? We understand that the amount of paperwork and information required can seem overwhelming, especially as it varies depending on your country of origin, the university, and the program you choose. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal! In this guide, we have compiled the most important information and update it annually so you have everything you need in one place. Additionally, you can subscribe to our PCE Communications Channel to stay up-to-date with all the latest news.
How to Study in Spain as a Foreign Student
If you want to study at Spanish universities and you are an international student, these are the steps you need to follow:
1
Have a High School Diploma (bachiller) or equivalent from a foreign country.
2
3
Choose the University Degree you want to pursue and where. Depending on the city and the degree, the process may differ due to varying criteria. In this post, we clarify the options you have. We recommend choosing Valencia as your destination; here are some reasons why. If you decide on another city, we will still guide you through the entire process.
4
Study Spanish if your Spanish level is below B1. Our school offers specific courses for PCE students.
5
Prepare for the Specific Competency Tests of UNEDAsis (PCE UNEDAssis) to gain admission to Spanish universities. You can study online from anywhere in the world or attend in-person classes. La Llibreta is an expert center and collaborator with UNEDAssis, achieving excellent results every year.
6
Register for the PCE exams. Generally, the registration period is in March/April for the first session and in July for the extraordinary session. La Llibreta is an accredited center by UNED, and if you wish, we can handle this process for you.
7
Take and pass the exams at the location you have chosen. You can take the PCE exams both in Spain and in other countries. We will notify you when the results are published and how to appeal/review your exam if necessary.
8
Certify your Spanish level: Many universities require an intermediate level certificate (B1 or B2) for admission to certain degrees. Check here for specific degrees.
9
Enroll in the Spanish university where you wish to study. You can apply to more than one. We will be by your side to advise you if needed.
10
Enjoy the experience of living and studying in Spain! =)
What are the PCE? (Specific Competency Exams)
The PCE (Specific Competency Tests) are exams organized by UNED to allow foreign students (or students with a non-Spanish high school diploma) to access Spanish universities. These tests, also known as the “University Entrance Exam for Foreigners,” are an important requirement in the admission process for higher education in Spain.
For more information on the test structure and how to prepare adequately, we invite you to visit our page dedicated to the PCE test structure.
UNED Subjects
Once you have decided which Spanish university you want to study at and which degree you want to pursue, generally:
- You need to choose between 4 and 6 subjects from the following list provided by UNED based on the university you want to attend, considering the PCE itinerary set by the university. We recommend choosing 4 subjects if you plan to study in Valencia. If you have any questions about this, don’t hesitate to ask us.
- It is advisable to choose subjects that weigh 0.2 (see weighting table of Spanish public universities) to maximize your score on the university entrance exam for foreigners.
For more information and personalized advice on choosing subjects and how to prepare for the Specific Competency Tests, visit our PCE subjects page and discover how La Llibreta can help you achieve your academic goals in Spain.
FAQ
We understand the amount of information you need to gather to know your best options for the university entrance exams in Spain. That’s why we have compiled the frequently asked questions we receive from our students about the PCE and the administrative procedures to help you make the right choices. You will find information about the exams, admission requirements, international agreements, UNEDasiss accreditation, and specific subjects according to the desired university degree, among many other topics.
However, if you still have questions or need additional information, do not hesitate to contact us via phone call, video conference, or email. We will be happy to assist you!
Administrative Procedures
If you are coming to study in Spain, you will need to complete several administrative procedures such as the validation of your high school diploma, obtaining a visa, the NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), registration (padrón), and opening a bank account, among others. On our administrative procedures for PCE page, we explain how to do this and can also handle everything for you.
PCE 2025 Exam Session
Every year, our academy attends the informative sessions organized by UNED, both general and subject-specific, to stay updated with the changes and updates to the exams. This allows us to update our teaching materials and classes, ensuring the best preparation for our students. In this post, you will find the latest information on the current UNED exam session, as well as specific articles about changes by subject. Don’t miss this essential information for your preparation for the Specific Competency Tests (PCE).
Past Exams
The best way to prepare for an exam is to practice with real models. That’s why we offer previous official exam papers from past sessions in Spain, as well as backup exams and those from other regions of Europe, along with their solutions in PDF and video format, all for free. This way, you can review properly and improve your performance. Take advantage of these resources to familiarize yourself with the format and the types of questions you will encounter in the exams.
Spanish Level Certification
More and more universities are requiring an intermediate level of Spanish (B1 or B2) as a prerequisite for admission to their degree programs. You will need to certify your Spanish level through recognized entities such as ACLES. In this post, we provide a list of universities that require a Spanish certificate for admission and recommend which exam to take.
PCE Advisory
Join our free course with essential information for preparing for the PCE. In this course, we provide everything you need to know from the beginning and keep you updated through our announcements and news forum. You will receive email notifications about any relevant information related to the current session. Just provide us with your name and email address, and we will send you the link and access key to the course, with a free one-year subscription. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure your success in the PCE!
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