Higher education in Spain is the dream of thousands of students, but before starting classes at your favorite university, you have to overcome an essential obstacle: Selectivity

However, did you know that there are two main ways to do this depending on your academic background? 

If you are a national or international student, this article will clarify everything about the EBU and the UNED PCE, because choosing the right path is as important as reaching the goal.

 

EBAU: For the brave of the National Baccalaureate

 

If you have completed the Baccalaureate in Spain, your adventure towards university passes through Evaluation of the Baccalaureate for Access to the University (EBAU). This exam, feared but fair, evaluates your knowledge in subjects such as Spanish Language, History and a specific subject according to the branch of your choice.

 

The EBAU is divided into two phases:

 

  • General Phase: Mandatory, covers common subjects and guarantees a solid foundation.

 

  • Specific Phase: Optional, to improve your final grade and stand out from other candidates.

It is a challenge, but with good preparation, anything is possible. This is where a good intensive course for the Selectivity makes the difference. 

Did you know that Guiu Academy has been training students to successfully pass this test for more than 130 years? The passing percentage doesn’t lie!

 

UNED-PCE: The master key for foreigners

 

If you have completed your secondary education outside of Spain, you have to face the Specific Competence Tests (PCE), organized by UNED. How are they different from the EBAU? In almost everything. 

These tests are designed to evaluate your skills in specific subjects, depending on the career you want to study and the requirements of each university.

Some quick facts about PCEs:

 

  • You can choose between 2 and 6 subjects.

 

  • The subjects depend on what the universities consider most relevant to your career.

 

  • The result combines your international qualifications with the PCE grades, calculated by the UNED grade calculator.

 

The focus here is not to study “everything”, but to study “well.” An annual Selectivity course for foreigners It will help you master key subjects and adapt to the exam format.

 

EBAU vs. PCE: What makes you unique?

 

Still confused? Here’s a quick comparison, so you can visualize it better:

 

Features EBU PCE (UNED)
For whom? Students with National Baccalaureate Students with a foreign Baccalaureate
Number of subjects 4 mandatory + 2 optional From 2 to 6 specific subjects
Organizing entity Spanish universities UNED through UNEDasiss
Final qualification 60% Bachillerato + 40% EBAU Combination of notes and PCE

 

Each test is adapted to the needs of its target audience. And don’t forget that your effort translates into extra points that could be decisive in reaching the cut-off mark.

 

A curious fact: Spanish as an extra challenge?

 

For many international students, passing the PCE is not only a matter of academic knowledge, but also of language. 

This is where our private Spanish classes in Barcelona.

Improving your command of Spanish will not only help you understand the exams better, but also integrate into the Spanish university environment. It’s a two for one!

 

What is your path?

 

The choice between the EBAU and the PCE does not depend only on your academic background, but also on your objectives. Are you prepared to compete for your university place? 

In the Guiu Academy, we offer specialized programs for both tests. From day one, you will have the support of an expert team who will guide you every step of the way.

And remember, if you have questions or need advice, Contact us. We are here to help you take the step that will change your future.