University entrance exam (PAU)

The PAU is the exam that holders of the Spanish Bachillerato must pass to enter official undergraduate (grado) degrees. There are two sittings a year, usually in June and July; in 2026 they were held on 1–4 June and from 30 June to 2 July, and schools handle the enrolment. The compulsory part includes Spanish Language and Literature II, History of Spain or History of Philosophy, First Foreign Language and one subject of the student's track; an optional part can also be taken to raise the grade. You pass with an admission grade (40 % PAU + 60 % Bachillerato average) of 5 or higher. Afterwards you apply for a place through university pre-enrolment (in 2026, from 5 to 26 June in the ordinary sitting).

Official sources

• Acceso a la universidad desde el BachilleratoESOfficial guidance · Checked on 2026-10-26
• Calendario de acceso a la universidadESOfficial guidance · Checked on 2026-10-26