ILAC Education Group and UNED have officially strengthened their collaboration to help international students in Canada access higher education opportunities in Spain.
The agreement, signed at UNED’s Rectorate in Spain, reinforces a partnership that began in 2023 and continues to expand opportunities for students interested in pursuing university studies in Spain through the UNED Specific Competency Exams (PCE).
The signing ceremony included representatives from both institutions, including UNED Rector Ricardo Mairal, ILAC Education Group CEO John DeFranco, and members of the Canadian Embassy in Spain and the academic leadership teams of both organizations.
Through this collaboration, ILAC Education Group will continue supporting UNED by providing facilities at its campuses in Vancouver and Toronto for the administration of the PCE exams. These exams are designed for Spanish students completing high school in Canada, as well as Canadian students interested in accessing Spanish universities.
The partnership has shown remarkable growth since its launch. In 2023, the first PCE exams were exceptionally hosted in Vancouver with nine students participating. By 2024, participation grew to 59 students in Vancouver alone. In 2025, the initiative expanded to Toronto, with 37 students participating in Vancouver and 25 in Toronto. The 2026 projections continue this upward trend, with an estimated 50 students in Vancouver and 38 in Toronto.
This growth reflects the increasing interest among students in international pathways to higher education and highlights the importance of global academic collaboration.
“Education is becoming increasingly global, and partnerships like this help create more accessible opportunities for students worldwide,” said John DeFranco. “We are proud to collaborate with UNED and support students who are looking to expand their academic futures internationally.”
UNED Rector Ricardo Mairal emphasized that the agreement represents “an important step in our commitment to the internationalization of higher education and the expansion of opportunities for students seeking access to Spanish universities from abroad.”
This partnership further reinforces ILAC Education Group’s commitment to international education, academic mobility, and creating global pathways for students around the world.
