What are the deadlines for studying at a public university in Spain?
Admission timelines vary greatly between public and private universities in Spain. To increase your chances of acceptance at a public university, meticulously follow the application deadlines set for your program and each institution
Deadlines vary depending on the university you wish to apply to.
Registration for public universities in Spain generally opens in June and closes in early July.
- September to April: Preparation of your application to enter a public university in Spain, including Spanish language certification (DELE or SIELE), Credencial, and PCE exam preparation and registration.
- Late May to early June: PCE exams.
- Mid-June: PCE test results.
- June: Send your complete application to public universities in Spain.
- July to October: Announcement of admission results from public universities.

The importance of meeting deadlines Differences to consider
Respecting deadlines is essential when applying to a public university in Spain. Here are some key points to bear in mind:
- Differences between universities: Each public university in Spain has its own admissions calendar. So it’s crucial to find out the specific dates of the universities you’re interested in, to avoid any nasty surprises.
- Differences in A-levels dates: In Spain, students generally obtain their EVAU results at the beginning of June. On the other hand, if you receive your grades later, for example in July, the time to obtain the Credencial (the equivalent of your A-levels in Spain) is very limited. This could prevent you from applying to a public university in time.
- Language differences: Depending on your level of Spanish, you may need to devote a year to learning the language. This period will not only enable you to master Spanish and obtain official certification, but also prepare you for the PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) exams, which are held in Spanish. Mastery of the language is therefore essential.
By preparing in advance, you’ll maximise your chances of success in your bid to join a public university in Spain.