Study in Spain with the IB Diploma
This guide explains how the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is used for university admission in Spain, using only official public sources. It is written exclusively for IB Diploma students and IB Coordinators.
Last updated for the 2026 intake
Recognition
How Spain Recognizes the IB Diploma
Spain officially recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma as equivalent to the Spanish Título de Bachiller. This equivalence allows IB students to access Spanish higher education without completing the national Spanish Bachillerato.
This recognition is established in Spanish education regulations published in the Spanish Official State Gazette, Spain's official legal bulletin.
The accreditation process is administered by UNEDassis, the only public body authorized to validate international secondary school diplomas for university access in Spain.
Official Sources
Entrance Exams
Do IB Students Need to Take Selectividad?
No.
IB students are exempt from the general phase of the Spanish university entrance examination (EvAU / Selectividad) due to the official equivalence of the IB Diploma.
This exemption is confirmed through UNEDassis accreditation and applies nationwide.
Grade Conversion
How IB Scores Are Converted in Spain (0–14 System)
Spain uses a two-step scoring system regulated by the Ministry of Universities, with score conversion performed by UNEDassis.
Base University Access Score (0–10)
Your total IB Diploma score (24–45 points) is converted into a Base University Access Score on a 0–10 scale.
| IB Points | Base Score |
|---|---|
| 42–45 | 10.0 |
| 40 | ~9.5 |
| 36 | ~8.4 |
| 30 | ~6.8 |
| 24 | 5.0 |
Subject Weighting Bonus (+0 to +4)
Universities may award up to 4 additional points based on subject relevance (ponderaciones).
Base Score (0–10) + Weighted Subjects (up to +4) = Maximum 14
Subject Weightings
How IB Subjects Increase Your Admission Score
Universities assign subject weightings of 0.1 or 0.2 depending on degree relevance.
Typical high-weight IB subjects:
Engineering
Mathematics AA, Physics
Health Sciences
Biology, Chemistry
Business & Economics
Mathematics, Economics
Humanities
History, Geography, Art
Extra Points
How to Get the Extra Points: Recognition vs PCE Exams
Option 1: IB Higher Level Recognition
UNEDassis may directly recognize IB HL subjects (usually grades 5–7).
Source: https://unedasiss.uned.es
Option 2: PCE Exams
Students may take PCE exams administered by UNED.
University Types
Public vs Private Universities for IB Students
Public Universities
- Score-based admission
- Cut-off grades (Nota de Corte)
- UNEDassis required
Source: https://www.universidades.gob.es
Private Universities
- Holistic admissions
- UNEDassis often required for enrollment
Documentation
UNEDassis Documents Required for IB Students
- IB Diploma or predicted grades
- Academic transcripts
- Passport or ID
- Proof of payment
- Official IB results sent by the IBO
Source: https://unedasiss.uned.es
Timeline
UNEDassis Application Timeline
Typical timeline according to UNEDassis:
February–March
Applications open
May
PCE registration deadline
June–July
Exams and cut-off scores
July–September
Admissions
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (IB Only)
Do predicted IB grades work for Spain?
Yes. Final enrollment requires official results.
Source: https://unedasiss.uned.es
Can IB students study Medicine in Spain?
Yes. Cut-off scores are often above 12.5 / 14.
Source: https://www.universidades.gob.es
Is Spanish language required?
Usually B2 for public universities.
Source: https://www.universidades.gob.es
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