Pathway courses: International University Entrance Exams (UNED-PCE)

Baccalaureate assessment test for university access for international students

UNED-PCE Barcelona University Entrance Exam

At Academia Guiu, your UNED university entrance exam academy in Barcelona, ​​we will accompany you throughout the entire process of enrollment and taking your UNED-PCE exams, always providing the best advice and the most up-to-date information.

UNED holds two annual calls for applications, in May and September, both within and outside of Spain.

Our Pathway courses

Each course, by level and duration — choose the one that suits you

UNED-PCE ANNUAL

SEPTEMBER – MAY

The Guiu Academy's annual university entrance exam preparation course is designed for international students or those with an International Baccalaureate who wish to gain admission to a Spanish university. These students must pass the UNED's Specific Competency Tests (PCE): two subjects if they come from the EU or countries with agreements, or between four and six if their baccalaureate is recognized internationally. Guiu Academy offers customized courses tailored to each student's profile, with teachers specializing in the Spanish baccalaureate curriculum. The goal is to achieve the highest possible entrance score for the desired university.

UNED-PCE INTENSIVE

JANUARY – MAY

The Guiu Academy's intensive university entrance exam preparation course (May session) is designed for students who have completed their secondary education in another country or an international system and wish to enter a Spanish university. Depending on their country of origin, they will need to take either the University Entrance Exam (PAU) or the Specific Competency Tests (PCE) offered by the UNED (National University of Distance Education). Since these exams are based on the Spanish curriculum, which differs from that of other educational systems, specific preparation is crucial. Guiu Academy offers tailored courses to meet each student's individual needs and ensure the most effective exam preparation.

UNED-PCE INTENSIVE II

MAY – SEPTEMBER

The Guiu Academy's Intensive University Entrance Exam Preparation Course II is designed for students with an International Baccalaureate or who have completed their studies abroad and wish to take the September exams, making the most of their summer break in a four-month intensive program. Depending on their circumstances, they will need to take either the University Entrance Exam (PAU) or the Specific Competency Tests (PCE) at the UNED (National University of Distance Education). Since the Spanish university entrance exam is based on the Spanish Baccalaureate curriculum, which differs from that of other educational systems, specific preparation is crucial. Guiu Academy offers tailored courses to meet each student's individual needs and ensure the most effective exam preparation.

Your guide for the UNED-PCE university entrance exams

Information about the university entrance exam

Academia Guiu, a guarantee of success for preparing for university entrance exams in Barcelona, ​​provides you with all the useful information related to the university entrance exams at UNED.

Each year there are two rounds of university entrance exams for international students.

The regular exam period is in May and the resit period is in September. Each exam lasts one and a half hours per subject.

UNED-PCE Calendar
Download the calendar we've prepared at Academia Guiu to guide you through the UNED university entrance exams. Dates pending confirmation.

Pre-registration for university entrance exams in Catalonia

University pre-registration must be completed online at the address that the Generalitat of Catalonia has enabled for this purpose.

There you will find all the information and instructions necessary to complete the pre-registration.

To carry out procedures you will need the accessnet code that any student taking the second year of high school in Catalonia already has from the moment they enrolled at UNED.

Selectivity weighting tables Catalonia

To calculate the admission grade, the two grades of subjects passed in the specific phase are chosen which, when weighted, give the highest grade.
Here you will find the weighting tables for the subjects of the baccalaureate modality for the degree titles applicable for access to university.

Cut-off marks for university entrance exams in Catalonia

Check the cut-off scores here:

More information about UNEDasiss

Visit the UNEDasiss website and consult a complete guide with all the information you may need.

Results that speak for themselves

 Real notes from students who prepared with us.

Mania Zavialova

“I am so grateful for all the months of study at the Guiu Academy! I received so much help preparing for my exams and with moving to Barcelona. I'm sure I'll stay friends with my classmates and that I'll remember these days as my best experience!”

11.86

Xue Wang

“Thanks to the Guiu Academy and my math teacher, I got an 8,25 in math and a 9,5 in social sciences math, which is already better than I expected! My math teacher was always patient and explained things very well! Now my overall grade has gone up from 7,233 to 10,783.”

10.78

Sebastian Bazabazat

“I was truly impressed with the level of education in this course, with highly qualified teachers who were completely available. But what I liked most was the personalized service they provide for every need, whether or not it was related to the academic subject matter. I wholeheartedly recommend the Guiu Academy.”

10.16

Arshia Emami

“The experience at Guiu's academy was exceptional. They helped us through every stage of studying, living, and taking exams in Barcelona. Therefore, in my opinion, Guiu is the best academy to prepare for university entrance exams.”

10.68

Roxana Velasco

“My experience at the Guiu Academy has been wonderful. In this new stage of my life, I have found people, both in the administration and among the teaching staff, who have supported and guided me on this new path. Furthermore, I have made friends from all over the world who have enriched me and who will last a lifetime.”

11.96

Jose Miguel Magdaleno

“My experience at the academy was enriching, from the administrative staff, who guide you at all times and advise you in the best way, to the incredible body of teachers, who with their distinctive work and teaching methodologies manage to impart all the required content, so that you not only pass the university entrance exam, but also excel in it.”

10.77

Imane Meskine

“I am very satisfied with the academy's service, which was the reason I got this good grade.”

11.56

Abubakar Malhi

“I didn’t expect to get such good grades, but with your help I was able to achieve them. Thank you for everything!”

12.79

Ignacio Pérez

“The experience at the academy was spectacular. The teachers offered a great preparation program. They prepared us very well, and I will be eternally grateful! I highly recommend the academy as a preparation center! Thanks to Sara as well, she was always very attentive!”

12.76

Sanam Singh

“I feel very fortunate to have been part of this family. It has been a great experience and I have enjoyed every moment I have spent here.”

13.09

Ekaterina Shchelckova

“The teachers helped me understand that any subject taught in another language can be passed. And of course, a huge thank you to the very important people who helped us with the paperwork, pre-registration, and admissions. Guiu Academy is an academy that offers a massive knowledge base. Thank you so much for everything.”

10.75

Ahmed Lakhdar

“I am very satisfied and happy with my grades because they can help me get anything I want to apply for. I am also very satisfied with the academy, as it has helped me in many different ways.”

12.73

Mahshid Ziaei

“During my entire time studying here, I never felt like a foreigner, and I am very happy I chose this Academy. The books the professors provided were very helpful, especially in biology and chemistry. I want to thank them for everything they did, particularly with the administrative processes.”

12.72

Supreet Kaur

“My experience studying at Guiu Academy was quite good. With the academy's help, I not only passed my exams, but I also achieved good grades that allowed me to get into university in Spain. The teachers are excellent, the best in their respective subjects, understanding, and encouraging.”

10.81

Imane Salamat

“It has been a pleasant stay. I have learned a lot, gained a lot of experience, and it was one of the best years.”

12.57

Khaoula Qassid

“I enjoyed studying and preparing for my university entrance exams at the Guiu Academy. The teachers were very kind.”

10.09

Ali Salimi

“Good teaching system. Good teachers.”

11.55

Anna Ganelina

“I really enjoyed the Guiu Academy. I think it helped me a lot to pass my exams and achieve my dream. The teachers are very friendly. They are experienced and have a high level of knowledge in their subject. The atmosphere at the Guiu Academy is wonderful.”

12.70

Genrikh Farsadanyan

“I got a pretty high grade thanks to Guiu Academy. I think it's the best academy out there, with the best teachers. The classes are interesting, fun, and useful. The teachers make you study a lot, but it's worth it, you'll see!”

10.83

Eugenia Vázquez Hermoso

“My time at the Guiu Academy has been truly enjoyable. Not only have I learned a great deal and achieved the grade I needed to get into university, but I have also made some very good friends.”

11.07

Alina Borovkova

“Everything has been great. The teachers are excellent professionals. They know their subject, they have a firm grasp of the material they teach, and they are committed to staying up-to-date and expanding their knowledge.”

12.36

Aurora Suarez Delgado

“Very good. All the teachers are highly qualified, professional, and well-trained.”

10.74

Aysan Dibazar Hosseini

“I’m so happy that I can now study medicine, thanks to the help of Guiu Academy. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me get into university. They are very responsible and kind. I’ve had a great time studying here. Thank you!”

12.31

Santiago Martins Torres

"Guiu Academy is an excellent academy. It has helped me in every way, both in making great friends and academically. You were my welcome to this country, and I am extremely grateful for the service you provide. I highly recommend you for my art. Thank you!"

12.25

Archaf Sefiani

“My time at the Guiu Academy has helped me to pass the university entrance exams with confidence and to meet many friends from different countries around the world.”

10.65

Antonella Nicole Lacarrubba

“My time at the academy was very pleasant. The exam preparation was excellent; the materials they gave us were superb. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere, both from the teachers and the students, was one of the things I liked most. The level of teaching was very good.”

11.92

Blanca Cardona

“Guiu Academy has helped me achieve what I want. It has been a special period in my life thanks to the many people and teachers I have met at this academy. Thank you very much.”

10.83

Ekatherina Kochkina

“Many thanks to the Guiu Academy, all the teachers, and Mariela (administration). I had a great time, even though there was a lot of studying to do. I enjoyed my studies: the classes were very fun and full of information. I was back to studying, but without the pressure of having to take the university entrance exams.”

11.91

Fiorella Patricia Prado Teves

“I loved the experience. I thank the academy for preparing me.”

10.15

Golnaz Ahmadi

“I still can’t believe it… I only remember the first day; I had no idea what was going on, and in no time I made a thousand amazing friends. I’ll never forget this time in my life. The team was like a family. I love you all so much! Thank you for making me a doctor!”

12.58

Juan Carlos Rodríguez

“Thank you so much for everything, for the excellent training you've given us, which has allowed all of us to access university. You're all amazing. Congratulations and thank you so much!”

10.67

Lolita Kudryavtseva

“First of all, it must be mentioned that the teachers are all excellent in their respective subjects. They have the ability and patience to explain everything in detail. And this is always important.”

11.69

Manuel David Mora Peña

“I’m delighted with the academic level, where the quality of all the staff stands out, along with an excellent learning environment. All the hard work throughout the course is reflected in the results.”

10.75

Tamara Simduwa Alsina

“My experience at the academy couldn't have been better. I met some really nice people and had some excellent teachers. They taught the classes in a very interesting way, which made them fun. When I arrived here, I never thought I would get this grade, but thanks to my teachers, it's been possible.”

12.41

Nicoló Andreini

“It has been a wonderful experience. Thanks to you, I have met many people, many friends. You have taught me many useful things and you have finally helped me to fulfill my dream.”

10.49

Keita Watanabe

“Thanks to the teachers and students for the way they treated me. I was able to get a good grade that I wasn't expecting.”

10.86

Dianelys Serrano Sanchez

“I am very satisfied with both the academy's management and the teaching staff. Since I joined the course late and with a very weak foundation in most subjects, I thought I would get poor results. Thanks to the course offered by this academy, however, I have achieved very satisfactory grades.”

10.48

Maria Alejandra Rodríguez López

“I believe I have received excellent training.”

12.20

Tamila Ulan

“I’m truly proud of my exam, thanks to all the teachers who have supported me along the way. Studying in Barcelona makes me happy, and studying at the academy has been a pleasure.”

10.44

Luis Felipe Bustamente Rivasplata

“An excellent year, I learned more than I expected. I am very happy to have achieved my goals and to have discovered this academy.”

10.45

Hermes Salvatore Dalo

“I have learned so much during my time at Guiu Academy. The entire team here is excellent, and I am so glad I studied here and that they prepared me so well for the exams. Thank you for everything!”

12.15

Kate Syomicheva

“I had a great time at the Guiu Academy. The teachers are very professional, I learned a lot, and the atmosphere is pleasant.”

10.35

Sara Cabrera Lascani

"The attention from the teachers and the administrative staff is incredible. They make you feel very comfortable and are always willing to help and advise you on the best options. The courses are very good, the teachers are very interactive and explain the exam content thoroughly so you can pass the university entrance exam."

10.32

Aránzazu San Segundo Peña

“At the Guiu Academy I gained all the knowledge I needed to successfully pass the university entrance exams. In addition to the theoretical learning, I had a great experience meeting people from different parts of the world and with excellent teachers. I have wonderful memories :)”

11.59

Nicolás Aguilar Sandoval

“When I started preparing for the university entrance exams, I was a little scared, to be honest. I needed a high grade, and I had to study a lot of new things. But as I progressed through the classes, I found my rhythm, studying more in my free time and concentrating in class.”

12.00

Amira Tlimat

“The academy helped me a lot in understanding the syllabus even though Spanish is not my first language. It also helped me with the admissions process.”

10.00

Svetlana Terekhina

“Thank you for these moments and for helping me so much.”

10.63

Adriana Vilanova Miranda

“My time at the Guiu Academy has provided me with everything I needed to get into university. The effort of my teachers has been exceptional and I have loved learning with them.”

10.26

Pamela Vizcarra Andoraire

“My time at the Guiu Academy was a pleasant experience. I made some very good friends and met some wonderful teachers.”

10.31

Diego Andres Espinoza

“I am grateful for the effort and great work of everyone at the Guiu Academy. Simply an unforgettable experience.”

11.59

Oleksey Klochay

“Guiu Academy is a place that helps you study successfully. It allows you to gain proper access to university.”

10.01

Mariam Nazir

“Thank you so much for your help. I thought the teachers were very good.”

10.90

Request more information about

PATHWAY - University Entrance Exam

    More information about the course

    Guiu Academy

    Purpose and objectives

    The objective of the PATHWAY (University Access Assessment tests for students who have studied in Spain or within its educational system) is to assess academic maturity, knowledge and skills acquired in high school.

    The content of these tests is determined by the curriculum of the second year of the Spanish baccalaureate.

    In our classes we will work on these contents in depth, focusing the learning on the perfect completion of the exams.

    Our university-qualified teachers are specialists in each of their subjects. They possess the experience and empathy necessary to provide comprehensive, high-quality training.

    Therefore, we can guarantee that all students who prepare with us will pass the tests.

    The PATHWAY exams are conducted over a period of three consecutive days.

    The university entrance exam (PAU) is structured in two phases:

    The General Phase, mandatory for all high school students.
    Specific phase, of a voluntary nature, for students who need to improve their scores.
    General Phase

    It consists of five exercises:

    • Catalan language and literature
    • Spanish language and literature
    • Foreign language
    • History of Spain

    And one common optional subject to choose from:

    • Latin
    • Maths
    • Mathematics applied to the social sciences
    • Fundamentals of the Arts
    • Specific phase

    You will be examined on a maximum of three subjects, which must be related to the university degree you wish to pursue. Our specialists will inform and guide you on the subjects that best suit you, taking into account your future studies. We use the weighting table to help us with this.

    Since 2017, the common subject of the general phase can also be counted as a subject of the specific phase.

    access note

    The grade for the general phase (CFG) is the arithmetic mean of the five exercises. Each exercise is scored from 0 to 10. A CFG score of 4 or higher is required to obtain an access grade.

    The access grade for students with a high school diploma is obtained with 60% of the average grade of the high school diploma (NMB) and 40% of the grade of the general phase, that is:

    Access grade = 0.6 *NCMB + 0.4 * CFG

    A student is considered to have passed the university entrance exam (PAU) if their score is above 5 points. Once obtained, this score is valid indefinitely; it does not expire.

    The access grade for students with a Higher Level Vocational Training Cycle is the average grade obtained in the cycle.

    Admission Note

    The admission grade is the result of adding to the access grade the points obtained by completing the Specific Phase.

    This grade may vary depending on the University Degree we wish to access and the subjects of the Specific Phase that we have completed.

    The grades for the subjects are multiplied by a coefficient (0; 0.1 or 0.2) according to the relationship that the subject has with the studies we want to undertake.

    For each University Degree, the calculation of the admission grade follows the formula:

    Admission Grade = Access Grade + ax E1 + bx E2

    E1-2 = Grade obtained in each of the subjects of the specific phase provided that at least a grade of 5 out of 10 is obtained. a -b = weighting values ​​0 – 0.1 – 0.2, depending on the chosen career.

    This admission grade is between 5 and 14 points, and it is with this grade that you will "compete" with the other candidates to get the university place you want.

    The grades obtained in the specific phase are valid for two years.

    In Spain, the university admissions system is based on supply and demand. If there are more applicants than places available for a particular program, the system selects students with the highest entrance exam scores. University pre-registration takes place in June, a process through which students choose their desired program(s) and university. In Catalonia, applicants can apply for up to eight different degree programs. Our offices will advise and guide you through this pre-registration process to ensure you have the best possible chance of securing your desired place. Applications can be submitted in different autonomous communities. If you are offered places in more than one, you decide which one to enroll in. Once the application period closes, the system, based solely on entrance exam scores, will allocate university places and publish the cut-off score for each degree program/university. This score indicates the minimum required to secure a place during the current year, in the June application period, and may vary each year. For guidance, you can see the scores for the June application period in Catalonia from previous years here.
    Once you've been assigned a university place, if you like it, you just need to register at the assigned school or faculty. If you don't get your first choice, you can still wait for further reassignments to improve your assigned place. At the academy, we'll give you all the details and advice you need to make the most of your chances of getting the place you really want. And we'll keep you informed about registration deadlines and the start of your university classes. WE WISH YOU A HAPPY UNIVERSITY LIFE!

    Course financing, interest-free, so that you can pay convenient monthly installments.
    Personalized advice by our professionals on the following aspects:
    – Information and guidance on all universities nationwide.
    – Free processing to take the university entrance exam.
    – Help with pre-registration to Catalan universities.

    Pass the university entrance exam at the Guiu Academy.

    We offer different university entrance exam preparation courses in Barcelona.