Selectividad Guide 2025

You may be a recent high school graduate or perhaps have a few months left in your last year. As most high school seniors, the only concern right now is the career you want to pursue and which higher education institution to choose to make your professional goals happen. 

Spain is home to some of the best universities in Europe with several of them constantly ranked at the top of world’s best universities as well. You may be asking yourself how a degree from a Spanish university can help you secure a future career or even land THE dream job. Spanish universities are highly popular among foreign students for several reasons with promising chances of employment after graduation topping the list. 

After making the decision to pursue a higher education degree in Spain, the challenging part is the application procedure and admission criteria. Considering higher education institutions have a more strict admission process, there is a lot of information that international students need to know about studying in Spain. 

A crucial step in the application process for public universities is the requirement for international students to sit certain exams known as ‘Selectividad’, which are the Spanish University Admission Tests.

Here is everything you should know about the ‘Selectividad’, along with a helpful guide: 

What is ‘Selectividad’?

In order to pursue a higher education degree in Spain, it is necessary for students to take a set of exams. Selectividad is the equivalent of an entrance exam however there are different subjects to test on depending on your chosen career path. 

So, you can take the test in either of the following subjects:

• Mathematics 
• Spanish language 

*In specific cases:

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Spanish Geography 
• Spanish history.

Selectividad Test Structure: Sections, Duration, and Format

The ‘Selectividad’ exam is divided into two parts: General and Specific Phase. The student has 90 minutes to complete each exam in both parts with a half-hour break in between. 

1. General Phase. 

Also known as the Compulsory part of ‘Selectividad’ comprises of 4 exams on the core subjects such as: 

1. Spanish language and literature: Vocabulary, grammar, and essay writing. 
2. Any foreign language: English,French, German, Italian or Portuguese.
3. History or philosophy.
4. An extra subject depending on the student’s degree program of choice.

2. Specific phase. 

Otherwise known as the voluntary phase offers students to choose between 2 and 3 maximum exams subjects. 

Although this second part is entirely optional, it is useful for students who wish to further increase their chances of admission and get extra points in their final mark.

Who needs to take the Selectividad exam? 

Although the ‘Selectividad’ exam is no longer mandatory to be admitted to a university in Spain, it is still highly recommended that international students do sit the exam to better their chances of admission. 

It should be noted that private universities may not ask for the ‘Selectividad’ exam considering the majority of private institutions administer their own entrance exam or have other admission requirements which might not include any exams. 

Public universities on the other hand strongly encourage international students from Non-EU countries to prepare and successfully pass the ‘Selectividad’ entrance exams. 

Selectividad Scoring

Each subject exam in the General/Compulsory part of ‘Selectividad’ has a maximum score of 10 points. To pass, students must score at least 4 out of 10 in each exam. These scores are then combined with the student’s secondary school grades, and the overall final minimum score requirement is 5 out of 10. 

To simplify, the university admissions take into consideration 60% of the Baccalaureate (high school) average grade and 40% of the General Phase exam results, meaning that high school grades have a bigger role on the results. 

The second part of ‘Selectividad’ can help increase the student’s final score up to a maximum of 14 points. However, this varies depending on the specific criteria set by the university of choice.

📝 Note: The second part/specific phase of ‘Selectividad’ scores are only valid for 2 years after getting the results, whereas the General part scores do not have an expiration date. 

📢Important: Make sure to check the specific requirements of your target university, as criteria may vary. The minimum score is not always a guarantee, some competitive programs may have higher requirements.

How Do I Register for 'Selectividad’?

The process of registering for the ‘Selectividad’ exam depends on your nationality and whether you have completed secondary education in Spain or outside of the country. 

European Students

Those who have finished their secondary education in Spain can apply through their schools or through UNED (the Spanish National University for Distance Education). 

Non-EU Students 

The registration procedure for the ‘Selectividad’ exam is done through the university that you plan to study in. You must firstly register with your personal information at the university platform and check all the information regarding the exam and the deadlines. 

Here is a step-by-step registration process:

1. Required Documents.

As a Non-EU applicant from a foreign educational system you must firstly receive a recognition from your school, a process which in Spanish is known as ‘homologation’. This process is to make sure that your high school diploma is recognized in Spain.

The ‘homologation’ recognition is obtained at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. The embassy will then release a document called Volante Acreditativo, which proves you have started the recognition process. Once you have your ‘Volante Acreditativo’, you can register for the Selectividad exam.

2. Additional Documents.

Make sure you have the following official documents close when registering for the exam. 

• Valid identity card or passport. 
• Proof of completion of secondary education: high school diploma.
• Proof that you have started the ‘homologation’ process: Volante Acreditativo.

3. Selectividad 2025 Exam Dates and Deadlines

One of the most important steps when registering for the exam is to know well beforehand the exam dates, location and deadlines. You can choose to sit the exam either in Spain, or at one of the 100 UNED examination centers available in the world, whichever is closest to your current country of residence.

According to UNED, students can take the Selectividad exam in two sessions in 2025.

• May/June Session.  
  
  • Registration period: February 25 – April 28, 2025.
• Exam dates:
  
  • Spain: May 19 – 23, 2025.
  • Other international centers: June 2 – 7, 2025.

• September Session.

• Registration period: July 1 to July 22. 
• Exam dates: From September 2 to 6, 2025.

Results for the May/June session will be published by June 18, and for the September session by September 16.

Note: Please be advised that places are limited, so make sure to register as early as possible.

Selectividad Exam Fees 

The registration fee for the Selectividad exams change from year to year, and the cost also depends largely on the country, examination center, and the administrator of the exam. The exact cost of exam registration fees for 2025 are yet to become public. 

However, taking into consideration previous years of administering the exam, the fees have ranged from €70 and €130. Once you finish your registration and received the confirmation, you will be provided with detailed information about the fees and other necessary details, as payment is required to finalize the registration.

Make sure to regularly check the official website of the institution where you plan to take the exam for the latest updates prior to your exam dates.

Exam Day

There are certain exam regulations that you need to follow set by UNED regulations for your designated examination center.

Here are some general rules you should follow on exam day:

• Be on time. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam begins.
• Only students are allowed. No accompanying individuals are allowed in the exam area.
• After completing the exam, students must exit the entire exam venue, including hallways and other rooms (to avoid disturbing other test takers).
• Be quiet when entering and exiting the exam room. 
• Phones and any type of electronics  are strictly off-limits
• You are not allowed to bring notes without prior authorization.
• Once the exam begins, no late entries are allowed after the first 30 minutes.
• Students are not allowed to leave the exam room within the first hour.

What Should I Bring on Exam Day?

Below is a list of items you are allowed at the exam center, and other important things you might need to bring.

• Bring a valid identity document or passport (placed at the table in front of you).
• Registration payment confirmation (with barcode, required to enter the exam room).
• Writing materials. pen, pencil, eraser, extra paper. 
• Scientific calculator (if allowed).
• Ruler and compass (if required).
• Water and snacks (if allowed).
• Handwatch.
• Extra clothes (jackets and sweaters in case it is cold).

Preparing for the Selectividad Exam and Overall Tips

Having a solid preparation plan is one of the most key steps to making sure you succeed in the Selectividad test. Preparing can take different forms for different people, however there are some basic preparation steps that will help you manage the stress better and be more organized. 

To help you prepare, we have put together some important tips and advice to ensure you are at your best on exam day. 

1. Make an organized study plan. 

One of the first and most crucial steps you can take to prepare for the Selectividad exam is to make a thorough study plan. You might consider making a schedule for each of the subjects you are taking, helping you stay organized and manage the time. 

2. Check past exam papers. 

This is one of the best proven ways to succeed. Papers from previous exam sessions will help you get familiarized with the exam structure and question types. 

3. Mock tests. 

Similar to the previous advice, mock tests are typically a very efficient strategy to succeed in the exam. Mock tests can also be found in the official web pages of the exam centers or you can find them anywhere online. Additionally, time yourself during the mock test to increase your speed with confidence.

4. Time management. 

During the test, it will be useful to set a time for each section of the test, setting expectations of yourself. Also, it is always better to complete the easy questions first so you can start on the right foot. Do not spend a lot of time on one question, if you are stuck you can always go back with a fresh set of eyes. 

5. Use available sources online.

There are unlimited helpful guides online to help you pass the Selectividad exam including practice tests, videos, tutorials and even free online courses. Make good use of them.

Remember to get a good night’s sleep, stay hydrated and eat a healthy nutritious breakfast on the day of the exam. Try to be there early so you can stay calm and familiarize yourself with the venue.

Do not forget to carefully read the instructions before you answer the questions and good luck!