Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of September 7, 2026, from UNED, by which an access competition for university teaching positions is announced |
|---|---|
| BOE Publication | September 18, 2026 |
| Entry into force | September 18, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Accredited doctoral researchers as Associate Professors of University with I3 or R3 certificate |
| Category | Public Sector — University Public Employment |
| Legal framework | LOSU and Royal Decree 678/2023 |
| Origin of positions | Public Employment Offers of the PDI for 2024 and 2025 |
| Participation fee | €40 (with applicable exemptions) |
| Application deadline | 20 business days from BOE publication |
| Application channel | UNED electronic office (via electronic means) |
Doctoral researchers with ANECA accreditation have a window of 20 business days to submit their candidacy for Associate Professor of University positions at UNED. The competition, published on September 18, 2026 in the BOE, is supported by the Organic Law of the University System (LOSU) and by Royal Decree 678/2023, which regulates the access regime for university teaching positions.
The announced positions come from the public employment offers of Teaching and Research Personnel (PDI) for 2024 and 2025, which means these are accumulated vacancies from two fiscal years. The process is managed entirely electronically through UNED's electronic office.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution announces an access competition — the selective procedure provided for in LOSU to access university teaching civil servant positions — to fill Associate Professor of University positions at UNED.
The participation requirements are cumulative: one alone is not enough, both must be met:
- ANECA accreditation as Associate Professor of University, issued by the National Agency for Quality Evaluation and Accreditation.
- I3 or R3 certificate of research activity, which certifies a recognized research period.
The application process is exclusively electronic, through UNED's electronic office. Paper or in-person applications are not accepted.
Regarding the fee, the resolution sets 40 euros as the general amount, but establishes total exemptions for the following groups:
| Exempt group | Condition |
|---|---|
| Persons with disabilities | Disability degree equal to or greater than 33% |
| Unemployed persons | Unemployment situation at the time of application |
| Large families | Official recognition as a large family |
| Victims of terrorism | Official recognition as a victim of terrorist acts |
| Victims of gender violence | Official recognition as a victim of gender violence |
Economic and operational impact
The direct cost of participating in this competition is low: €40 fee, with the possibility of total exemption for five specific groups. However, the real impact for candidates is of a different nature:
- Time opportunity cost: the 20 business day deadline is strict. Anyone who does not have the documentation ready (current ANECA accreditation and I3/R3 certificate) will not be able to remedy the lack of requirements once the deadline closes.
- Positions accumulated from two fiscal years: by incorporating the OEP from 2024 and 2025, the volume of announced positions can be significant, which expands the possibilities for eligible candidates.
- 100% digital management: electronic processing requires having an operational digital certificate or electronic ID before starting the application.
Who does it affect?
- University doctors with ANECA accreditation for the Associate Professors of University position.
- Researchers who have the I3 or R3 certificate of recognized research activity.
- Candidates aspiring to UNED PDI positions corresponding to public employment offers from 2024 and 2025.
- Groups with possible fee exemption: persons with disabilities (degree ≥ 33%), unemployed, large families, victims of terrorism and victims of gender violence.
It does not affect private companies, self-employed workers or other sectors outside the public university sector.
Practical example
A doctoral researcher who obtained his ANECA accreditation as Associate Professor two years ago and who has the recognized I3 certificate wants to apply for this competition. His specific situation:
- He meets the two access requirements: current ANECA accreditation and I3 certificate.
- He must access UNED's electronic office and complete the electronic application before the 20 business days counted from September 18, 2026 expire.
- He will pay €40 fee, unless he is unemployed or belongs to one of the exempt groups.
- If he does not have an operational digital certificate, he must obtain it in advance: the electronic office does not accept paper applications.
On the other hand, a doctor with ANECA accreditation but without the I3 or R3 certificate cannot apply for this competition, regardless of his research trajectory. Both requirements are cumulative and not interchangeable.
What should candidates do now?
- Verify access requirements: check that you have ANECA accreditation as Associate Professor of University and a current I3 or R3 certificate. Without both, it is not possible to participate.
- Calculate the exact deadline: the 20 business day deadline starts on September 18, 2026. Identify the actual deadline by excluding weekends and holidays.
- Prepare the digital certificate: the application is exclusively electronic through UNED's electronic office. Verify that the digital certificate or electronic ID is operational before starting the process.
- Review fee exemption: if you belong to one of the five exempt groups (disability ≥ 33%, unemployment, large family, victim of terrorism or gender violence), gather the corresponding supporting documentation to avoid paying the €40.
- Consult the announced positions: review the details of the resolution in the BOE (BOE-A-2026-19459) to identify the specific positions, areas of knowledge and specific conditions of each one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline to apply for the UNED 2026 access competition positions?
The deadline is 20 business days counted from the publication of the resolution in the BOE, which took place on September 18, 2026. Applications must be submitted exclusively electronically through UNED's electronic office. Applications submitted after the deadline are not accepted.
How much does it cost to apply for the access competition for Associate Professor at UNED?
The participation fee is €40. Exempt from payment are: persons with disabilities equal to or greater than 33%, unemployed persons, large families, victims of terrorism and victims of gender violence. To qualify for the exemption, you must provide the corresponding supporting documentation.
What requirements are mandatory to participate in the UNED 2026 access competition?
Two cumulative requirements are necessary: having ANECA accreditation as Associate Professor of University and having the I3 or R3 certificate of research activity. Both are essential; it is not possible to participate if either one is missing.
What positions does this UNED access competition correspond to?
The announced positions correspond to the public employment offers of Teaching and Research Personnel (PDI) for 2024 and 2025. The competition is supported by the Organic Law of the University System (LOSU) and Royal Decree 678/2023.
How is the application submitted for UNED's access competition?
The application is submitted exclusively electronically through UNED's electronic office. There is no option for in-person or paper submission. It is essential to have an operational digital certificate or electronic ID to complete the process.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-19459
