Complete Guide for Access to the University of Cantabria

Last update: 27 2026 June
  • Admission and enrollment process for Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral students at UC.
  • Specific requirements and calls for applications for people over 25, 40 and 45 years old.
  • Priority criteria and reserved quotas for extraordinary access.
  • Administrative support and academic management services available to students.

University of Cantabria Access

If you're considering taking the plunge into university life, the University of Cantabria (UC) is an excellent option. It's a public institution that stands out for being modern, young, and very strong in the area of ​​research, hosting around 12.000 students and supported by nearly 1.300 faculty members.

Getting into the University of Cantabria (UC) isn't just about passing an exam; it's about understanding the path. From undergraduate degrees to doctorates, the university offers a vast array of options spread across three main campuses : Santander, Torrelavega, and Comillas, home to its 15 educational centers , renowned for their academic activity.

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Admission procedures and academic management

To save you from getting overwhelmed with paperwork, the University of Cantabria (UC) has an Academic Management Service. This team is responsible for helping you with all the necessary bureaucracy throughout your university career, from the moment you apply until you graduate.

When we talk about getting into university, we are mainly referring to three critical steps: taking the university entrance exams , pre-registering to apply for your place, and finally, formalizing your enrollment in the degree you have chosen.

Once inside, the Academic Management Service is still there to help you with issues such as obtaining the smart university card , managing scholarships and grants to study in Spain , the European Diploma Supplement, or the procedures for obtaining official degrees.

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Access routes for people over 25, 40 and 45 years old

Not everyone gets to university through the traditional route. That's why there are specific entrance exams for those without prior academic qualifications. For those over 25 , the University of Cantabria (UC) holds annual exams that grant access to higher education if the applicant reaches the required age within the calendar year of the exam.

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For those over 45, the process is similar, allowing motivated individuals to resume their studies. It's important to know that you can take the entrance exam at different universities during the same academic year, which broadens your opportunities.

Regarding the timing, they are usually concentrated in the spring. For example, registration typically opens in March and the exams are generally held in May . To register, you can go in person to the Tres Torres building in Santander or send an email to [email protected ]

Regarding costs, the fee for the over-25s test is around 71,09 euros , an amount that is usually paid by credit or debit card after receiving instructions by email.

Admission criteria and quotas

Passing the exam is the first step, but securing a place depends on priority criteria. At the University of Cantabria (UC), preference is given to students who took the entrance exam directly at their institution and those applying to programs related to their chosen field of study.

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If there are more applicants than places available, priority is given to those who have completed the exercises for two subjects within their chosen option . If the tie persists, the decision is made strictly based on the score obtained in the exam.

Regarding quotas, those over 25 generally have 2% of places reserved , although in fields such as Nursing or Physiotherapy this percentage rises to 3%. For those over 45, the reserved quota is 1%.

Training offer and internationalization

The University of Cantabria (UC) offers a wide range of options. Its catalog includes 29 official undergraduate degrees, 45 master's degrees, and 19 doctoral programs , in addition to its own postgraduate studies. All of this is offered with a global perspective, as internationalization is one of its top priorities.

The university is a highly sought-after destination for Erasmus students , even surpassing the national average. Furthermore, it maintains mobility agreements with institutions worldwide, especially in the Americas, encouraging students and faculty to move and learn in different environments.

To facilitate this process, they have implemented a Language Training plan , seeking to ensure that the entire university community masters English in order to be able to work or study abroad without language barriers.

If you need to contact them, the general telephone number is 942 20 22 23, although for specific access issues it is better to use the email address of the Academic Management Service or contact the Guidance System in Tower B of the Tres Torres building.

The University of Cantabria offers a structured and accessible path for anyone who wants to train, whether through the ordinary route or through calls for adults, with robust administrative support and an open mind to the world that guarantees quality training on its campuses in Santander, Torrelavega and Comillas.

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