Although there is still some way to go, the PAU 2026 already has confirmed dates and new features that you should know about if you are going to apply next year.

At The Open Faculty, As a centre attached to the University of Murcia, we have been accompanying students for years at this decisive moment. The University Entrance Examination not only worries those who are in the 2nd year of Bachillerato, but also many students in the 1st year and even in ESO who want to get a head start. With the changes that came after the pandemic, it is normal to have doubts. That is why we have prepared this summary with everything we know so far about the PAU 2026, so that you can face it with confidence.

Official dates of the PAU 2026 in the Region of Murcia

• Ordinary convocation: 2, 3 and 4 June 2026 (Tuesday-Thursday)
• Extraordinary call for applications: 30 June, 1 and 2 July 2026 (Tuesdays to Thursdays)

This calendar is earlier than in previous years, which gives more time to publish grades and apply for university places.

Main novelties of the PAU 2026

• More competency-based examinations → It will not be enough to memorise, knowledge will have to be applied in real situations.
• More homogeneous correction criteria → Greater coordination between universities and colleges to ensure fairer assessment.
• Language and spelling under scrutiny → Fouls shall be penalised up to a maximum of 2 points per examination.

What does “more competent” mean?

The new PAU model is looking for students who not only know the theory, but also know how to understand, relate and apply it.

At The Open Faculty We have been committed to this methodology for years, combining a 50% theory and 50% practice, because we know that knowledge only becomes valuable when you can use it in real life.

There is no point in memorising if you can't deal with a specific problem. These skills will help you both at university and in your future career.

Tips for preparing for the PAU 2026

1. Practice with simulations → The University of Murcia has already published adapted model tests. They are the best way to train in the new competition format.
2. Organise your study calendar → Plan ahead and spread out the revision phases.
3. Take care of spelling → Details such as “echo” y “done” may seem small, but they subtract valuable points.
4. Take smart breaks → It is not about studying more hours, but about studying with quality and maintaining concentration.
5. Find out about university degrees → With the new weighting table it is essential to decide which degree course you want to take in order to choose the right subjects for the PAU exam.

What do we recommend?

• October - January: consolidates what has been learnt in class.
• February - April: practice with simulations.
• May: intensive review and emotional preparation, it is important to have a calm mind to face this exam.
• June: face the PAU 2026 with confidence.
• During the course: participates in open days. At The Open Faculty we organise one every month, where you can find out more about our Degrees in International Relations and Tourism.

The PAU 2026 It will be more practical and competency-based, reflecting the type of student demanded by universities and the labour market: critical, problem-solving and able to connect theory with practice.

Remember: the PAU does not define who you are or how far you can go, it is just one more step on the road to your dreams.