Selectividad & PCE for Moroccan Students
Understanding Spain's university entrance system — what Moroccan students actually need, how the process works, and where most families get confused.
The exam for international students
Grade conversion & registration
Diploma recognition — start early
Understanding the System
What is Selectividad?
Selectividad (officially PAU — Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad) is Spain's national university entrance exam. Spanish students take it after completing Bachillerato to gain admission to public universities. You may also see it called EBAU, EvAU, or PAU depending on the region — they all refer to the same exam system.
Important for Moroccan students: As an international student, you do NOT take the Selectividad/PAU exam. Instead, you take the PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) through UNEDasiss. This is the equivalent exam designed specifically for international students.
PCE
The PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) is the exam that international students — including Moroccan students — must take to access Spanish public universities. It is organized by UNEDasiss and tests your knowledge in specific subjects relevant to your intended degree.
UNEDasiss Accreditation
UNEDasiss handles credential recognition for international students. They convert your Moroccan Baccalauréat grades to the Spanish 0–10 scale and manage the PCE exam process. You need UNEDasiss accreditation to apply to any Spanish public university.
Grade Calculation
Your university access grade (nota de acceso) combines your converted Baccalauréat average with your PCE exam results. The general phase gives you a score out of 10. The specific phase (optional but recommended) can add up to 4 extra points, bringing your maximum to 14 — which matters for competitive programs like Medicine or Engineering.
The Process
Step by step — from Morocco to a Spanish university
Credential Recognition
Your Moroccan Baccalauréat must be recognized (homologación) by the Spanish Ministry of Education. This converts your diploma to the Spanish equivalent. Start this process early — it can take several months.
UNEDasiss Registration
Register with UNEDasiss to get your grades converted to the Spanish scale and to sign up for the PCE exams. Registration typically opens in February for the May/June exam session.
PCE Exams
Take the PCE exams in May/June (ordinary session) or September (extraordinary session). You choose subjects relevant to your intended degree. Exams can be taken at UNED centres in Morocco (Tangier) or in Spain.
University Application
With your UNEDasiss accreditation and PCE results, apply directly to Spanish universities through their pre-registration portals. Each autonomous community has its own deadlines — typically June/July.
The Language Reality
The vast majority of university programs in Spain are taught in Spanish. For most Moroccan students, this means a preparatory language year is needed before starting university studies.
Preparatory Language Year
- Most students spend 8–12 months at a language centre in Spain before university
- Goal: reach B2 level in Spanish (required by most universities)
- Some centres combine Spanish courses with PCE preparation — an efficient option
- Cost: approximately €3,000–€6,000 for a full-year language program
What this means for planning
- Budget for an extra year of living in Spain (housing, food, transport)
- Your total timeline is often: Bac → language year → PCE → university
- Students with existing Spanish skills (B1+) can shorten this period
- Starting Spanish in Morocco before departure reduces costs and improves your chances
We assess your language level during consultation and tell you honestly how much preparation time is needed. Sometimes delaying enrollment by a semester is the smartest decision.
What you need
- Valid Moroccan Baccalauréat (or equivalent)
- UNEDasiss registration and credential conversion
- PCE exams in subjects matching your target degree
- Spanish language proficiency (most programs are in Spanish)
- Homologación (diploma recognition) — start early, takes months
- Financial proof for student visa application
Common mistakes
- Confusing Selectividad (for Spanish students) with PCE (for international students)
- Starting the homologación process too late — begin at least 6 months ahead
- Not researching nota de corte (cut-off grades) for your target program
- Choosing PCE subjects that don't match your intended degree's weighting
- Underestimating Spanish language requirements
- Missing pre-registration deadlines — they vary by region and are strict
Our Role
How Horizon Studies can help
Realistic Assessment
We evaluate whether Spain is a realistic option based on your academic profile, language level, and budget. Not every student is suited for the PCE pathway — and we'll be honest about it.
Process Guidance
We help you understand the full timeline: when to start homologación, when to register for UNEDasiss, which PCE subjects to choose, and how to calculate whether your target program is within reach.
Strategic Planning
We help you choose subjects that maximize your admission score based on the weighting tables (ponderaciones) of your target universities. The difference between the right and wrong subject choice can be several points on your final grade.
Considering Spain for your studies?
Start with the questionnaire so we can assess whether the PCE pathway is realistic for your profile — and help you plan the process step by step.
Start with the Questionnaire →Confidential · No obligation
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