Hello everyone! Lately, there have been a lot of discussions on the forum about studying abroad. I’ve seen many students asking about how to come to Spain for an undergraduate degree after graduating from high school, particularly after taking China’s National College Entrance Examination (the Gaokao). Having gone through the process myself, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help those of you who might be feeling a bit lost!
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is surely: Do Spanish universities recognize Gaokao scores? The answer is: Absolutely
! This is fantastic news for students from Chinese high schools. Thanks to a mutual recognition agreement between the Spanish and Chinese Ministries of Education, you can convert your Gaokao score into a Spanish university entrance score. This allows you to compete for university spots alongside local Spanish students. The conversion process is handled by an official body called UNEDasiss, which calculates your Spanish university entrance score (on a scale of 10)
based on your overall Gaokao score and individual subject results.
Detailed Application Process
Now that we understand the basic principle, let’s break down the specific steps. It’s not as complicated as it seems once you get the hang of it.
Step 1: Gaokao Score Conversion and Bonus Points
After you receive your Gaokao results, you’ll need to get your high school diploma, three-year academic transcripts, and Gaokao score certificate translated, notarized, and authenticated (double legalization). Then, you register on the official UNEDasiss website and submit these documents. They will issue a score conversion report for you. In addition to the basic converted score, you can also opt to take their specific competency exams (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas - PCE). By taking exams in subjects relevant to your desired major, like Mathematics, Physics, or History, you can earn up to 4 extra points. This can bring your total score up to a maximum of 14, giving you a competitive edge for top universities and popular programs!
Step 2: Proof of Language Proficiency
Language proficiency is crucial! If you’re applying to Spanish universities after high school graduation for a program taught in Spanish, you’ll need at least a DELE B2 or SIELE B2 certificate. Without adequate language skills, attending lectures and completing assignments will be incredibly difficult. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, 'I’ll figure it out when I get there.' Of course, there are also programs taught in English, for which you’ll need to provide IELTS or TOEFL scores. It’s highly recommended to start your language preparation during the first semester of your final year of high school—the earlier, the better.
Important Timeline
The application process is a race against time; missing a deadline by even a day could mean waiting another year. Here is a table I’ve put together with key dates for your reference:
| Timeline / Period | Key Tasks |
|---|
| First semester of your final high school year | Finalize your decision to study abroad, start learning Spanish, and research target universities and programs. |
| After the Gaokao | Focus on preparing for the Gaokao. Immediately after the exam, arrange for the notarization and authentication of your transcripts and diploma. |
| September (Current Year) - January (Next Year) | Register and submit your documents to UNEDasiss for score conversion while intensively preparing for your language exams. |
| February - May (Next Year) | Prepare for the PCE exams (for bonus points) and keep a close eye on the application opening dates for various universities. |
| May - July (Next Year) | Submit your applications through the official university websites for attending university in Spain after high school graduation and wait for the admission results. |
| July - August (Next Year) | Once you receive your acceptance letter, prepare your visa documents and apply for your student visa. |
A few extra tips: When choosing a major, don’t just look at rankings; consider your personal interests and future career plans. For universities, don’t limit yourself to Madrid and Barcelona. Cities like Salamanca, Granada, and Valencia also have excellent universities with a lower cost of living. The whole application process might seem a bit tedious, but if you take it one step at a time, getting an offer from your dream university is definitely achievable! I hope this post helps, and feel free to leave any questions in the comments below!
