Chile Extends PAES Registration Deadline Due to Severe Climate Emergency

Chile's Ministry of Education has announced an extraordinary extension for the registration period for the 2026 Higher Education Access Test (PAES). This decision comes in response to the severe weather conditions currently affecting several regions of the country.

The intense storms have led to the suspension of classes in the Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso regions. Thousands of households are also without electricity, creating significant challenges for students attempting to complete their test registrations. The Subsecretary of Higher Education, Fernanda Valdés, emphasized that the priority is to provide peace of mind to families and ensure no student is excluded from the process due to connectivity issues or circumstances beyond their control.

Leonor Varas, director of the DEMRE at the University of Chile, expressed empathy for those affected by the weather contingency. She stated that the decision by the Technical Access Committee is valued, as the primary goal is to ensure no one is left out of the admission process for reasons unrelated to their own actions.

Interested students now have until Monday, July 27, at 1:00 PM to register. The process involves filling out a form on either acceso.mineduc.cl or demre.cl, specifying their chosen test location and the exams they wish to take. The ministry reminds current high school seniors that the mandatory tests for Reading Comprehension and Mathematical Competence 1 (M1) are pre-marked, but they must also select at least one elective test (Science or History/Social Sciences). Those applying to specific programs may also need to take Mathematical Competence 2 (M2).

Graduates from previous years can choose between one and five exams. Upon completion, all applicants must download their Identification Card and carefully review their registration details. The tests they register for will be administered on November 30, December 1, and December 2.