First PAU-2026 Cut-Off Scores for University Admission Published in Spain. Several Spanish autonomous communities have already announced the cut-off scores for PAU-2026. New exam regulations and stricter spelling requirements are affecting applicants' chances. Admission decisions will depend on final results.
Spain has begun publishing the PAU 2026 cut-off scores that determine graduates' chances of admission to public universities. On Wednesday, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, Castile and León, Murcia, Navarre, and the Basque Country already announced their results. On Thursday, Andalusia, Madrid, and Galicia will join them. For many applicants, this is a pivotal moment: the cut-off score decides whether they can enter their desired program.
While graduates in Catalonia are still taking their exams, in other regions, analysis of the results has already begun. According to EL PAÍS, fluctuations in cut-off scores from year to year are usually minor, making last year's figures a relevant benchmark. The PAU cut-off score is mandatory in public universities and their campuses, whereas private universities can set their own entrance exams but still require successful completion of the PAU.
The PAU assessment system has changed: now up to 25% of the tasks are competency-based questions that require not just rote memorization, but independent analysis. The final score is composed of 60% from the high school GPA and 40% from PAU results. The basic scale goes up to 10 points, but by taking additional specialized subjects, the maximum score can reach 14. A total of 5 points is enough for admission, but for popular programs, competition is higher and chances are minimal without additional exams.
Since last year, stricter spelling checks have been implemented in the exams: up to two points can be deducted for mistakes in essays in Spanish, Catalan, Galician, and Basque, and up to one and a half points in foreign language and philosophy tests. This measure is intended to improve the quality of written language and is already affecting the final results.
After the publication of all passing scores, students still have the opportunity to file an appeal. In July, additional exams will be held for those who were unable to participate in the main session. As EL PAÍS notes, eight out of ten graduates choose to take extra subjects to increase their chances of admission.
For reference: PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad) is the main entrance exam for Spanish universities, similar to the Unified State Exam. In 2026, the exam is being held under new regulations, which has already sparked discussions among graduates and parents. Last year, a rally was held in Barcelona where issues of education policy and government involvement in reforms were discussed — you can read more about this in the article about the protests in Barcelona.
Each year in Spain, more than 200,000 graduates take the PAU. Passing scores by region and specialty are published on the official university websites and in specialized media. It is important to remember that the highest scores are traditionally required for admission to medical, engineering, and law programs. The new rules and stricter literacy requirements could change the dynamics among applicants as early as this year.
