UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE COURSES

(University pathway)

Would you like to study at a university in Spain?

At vive SPANISH, we offer a comprehensive course lasting at least 9 months, designed for international students who wish to learn Spanish (ELE), sit the Specific Competence Exams (PCE) and obtain an official certificate such as DELE or SIELE.
The Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE) are the Spanish university entrance examinations for international students. These exams, formerly known as the UNED Selectividad, enable students to obtain the necessary qualification to apply for a place on an undergraduate degree programme. Each student should check with the university where they wish to study to find out which subjects are recommended or required to improve their admission mark.

Furthermore, it is advisable that, once their qualifications have been recognised as equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato (for students from non-EU countries or education systems without a reciprocity agreement), applicants sit a minimum of 4 PCE subjects (and up to a maximum of 6) to participate in the university admissions process under the best possible conditions.
Students are free to choose from the available subjects; however, the most suitable choice will depend on the degree programme and the university they wish to attend.

Vive Spanish School / University Pathway 2026

Your clear, accessible and personalised path to university in Spain

Vive Spanish School is situated in the heart of Valencia, a vibrant, safe Mediterranean city brimming with history, gastronomy and student life. Every year, thousands of international students choose to study at its universities, including the University of Valencia (UV) and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) – both recognised as among the best in Spain – as well as a wide range of private universities.
Our programme supports international students from the moment they arrive in the country right through to their entry into university, offering a clear, structured pathway with ongoing support.

University Preparation in Spain

This course is designed for international students who wish to enrol on a university degree programme in Spain and need to prepare for the university entrance exam (PAU / PCE).

WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE?

Students who:

Have completed secondary education equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato.

Need to prepare for the university entrance exam in Spain.

Wish to improve their level of Spanish before starting formal studies.

WHAT IS THE PAU/PCE EXAM?

The PCE (Specific Competence Tests) are the University Entrance Exams (PAU) for international students, formerly known as the UNED ‘selectividad’. This exam assesses the academic maturity and knowledge required to study at a Spanish university. It is usually held at the end of May each year.

START OF THE COURSE

LEVEL	SPANISH COURSE	PREPARATION FOR THE PCE
A1	3 August 2026	7 January 2027
A2–B1	31/08/2026	07/01/2027
B2+	31/08/2026	7 January 2027

Start dates are subject to change upon request.

My path to university

STEP 1

IMPROVE YOUR SPANISH

Before you begin your academic preparation for the entrance exam, you need to reach a B2 level. At Vive Spanish School, we offer intensive courses comprising 20 sessions per week. You’ll need a basic knowledge of the language to start your preparation. During this process:

You’ll immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture.

You’ll learn real, useful, everyday Spanish.

You’ll develop practical communication skills for your daily life and future university life.

STEP 2

PREPARE FOR THE UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE EXAM

Once you have reached the required level, you will begin preparing for the subjects required by the university of your choice.
Available subjects (by subject area):

SCIENCES	HUMANITIES	SOCIAL SCIENCES	ARTS
Mathematics Biology Physics Chemistry Geology	Latin Spanish Language and Literature History of Philosophy English French	Applied Mathematics Business Economics Geography History of Spain	Fundamentals of Art History of Art Design Technical Drawing

We recommend that you prepare for between 4 and 6 subjects, depending on the course you wish to study and the university you wish to attend. Before you begin, we’ll assess your knowledge so that we can tailor your study plan.

STEP 3

GET YOUR GRADE AND CHOOSE YOUR UNIVERSITY

Your final mark will be:

The higher your final mark, the more options you’ll have when choosing your degree course. You’ll be able to apply for up to 20 degree programmes in the Valencian Community and at universities across Spain. The maximum mark required to gain entry to a university in Spain is 14 points.

STEP 4

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW UNIVERSITY LIFE!

By the end of July, you’ll find out which university you’ve been admitted to. Our team will help you with the enrolment process and paperwork to ensure your arrival is straightforward, clear and stress-free.

1. What level of Spanish do I need to get into university?

Most universities require a B2 level of Spanish.

2. How many exam sessions are there each year?

Usually two (the regular and the supplementary sessions).

3. What happens if I fail an exam?

Nothing happens; you can use other valid marks or retake the exam.

4. How long is the mark valid for?

PCE results are usually valid for two years.

5. Can I retake a module to improve my mark?

Yes, only the best mark counts.

6. Which ones carry the most weight?

It depends on the degree; each university sets its own weightings.

7. What is the syllabus?

The official Spanish Baccalaureate syllabus for each subject.