International A Levels an Expert Guide

International A Levels are recognised Level 3 qualifications accepted by universities throughout the world. This guide explains how they work, how they compare with UK A Levels and how to choose the right qualification.

  • Recognised by universities worldwide
  • Pearson Edexcel & Cambridge qualifications
  • Ideal for home & online study worldwide
  • Expert support
  • Flexible learning for UK and international students
  • Common App, UCAS and University references
student studying an international a level course on ipad.

International A Levels (IAL)

International A Levels are subject-based qualifications and learners aged 16-19 would normally study these advanced level courses.  They are equivalent to UK GCE Levels and were initially developed specifically for schools delivering British qualifications outside the UK.

Awarding organisations that deliver these programmes include:

  • Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level
  • Cambridge International (CIE)

Unlike UK A Levels, many International A Levels are modular, allowing staged exams or enabling students to re-sit units to improve results.

Learners would normally study 3 to 4 subjects over a two-year period.  However, many distance learning providers allow fast-track and flexibility so that learners can complete in a time scale that suits them.

International A Levels provide the foundations for university and are recognised by many institutions worldwide.

Can You Study International A Levels Online?

Learn Now offers flexible study for both UK and International A Levels. Explore our full range of subjects where you can compare options and qualifications available.

International A Levels vs UK A Levels

Feature International A Levels UK A Levels
Qualification Level Level 3 Level 3
Academic Standard Equivalent to UK A Levels National standard qualification in England and Northern Ireland
University Recognition Accepted by UK and International universities Accepted by UK and international universities
Awarding Organisations Pearson Edexcel, Cambridge International AQA and various other awarding bodies
Who They're Designed For Students worldwide, including UK students, international students and home-educated learners. UK learners.
Study Flexibility Designed for flexible international and online study Available through schools, colleges and providers
Assessment Varies by exam board; often modular (Edexcel) or linear (Cambridge), although CIE offer a "staged" assessment option. Usually linear, depending on the awarding organisation.
Course Availability Online providers and international schools Available in schools, colleges and distance learning providers
Practical Subjects Practical requirements vary per subject. Practical endorsements apply to some subjects
Progression University, apprenticeships and employment University, apprenticeships and employment

What is the history behind International A Levels?

 Advanced Level qualifications have been around for a long time, rolling out in 1951.  They quickly became the main qualification used for entry to university in the UK.

As demand for British qualifications increased, awarding bodies created versions that could be used specifically for students who lived overseas.

Cambridge International

Cambridge International Education introduced qualification that were equal to UK qualifications academically and were able to satisfy the needs of students overseas.  They are now administered in over 130 countries worldwide.

Pearson Edexcel

International Advanced Levels were developed as an alternative to UK A Levels. These specifications were created to:

  • Aid modular assessments
  • Ensure that there is the opportunity to complete exams in multiple series throughout the year.
  • Uphold the standards already seen with UK A Levels.

International A Levels are now offered through mainstream schools, colleges and online learning providers, ensuring that hundreds of thousands of students worldwide can gain their recognised qualifications, whatever their circumstances may be.

 

Recognition

IALs attract global recognition, being accepted by universities, employers and professional organisations.

Top universities in many countries accept International A Levels and they are well received along with specific subject requirements.

Learners wishing to study Medicine, Veterinary Science, Engineering, Law and Mathematics consistently enrol on International A Level courses to satisfy the entry requirements of university admission.

Why recognition matters

Students who are considering university or international careers find that IALs offer many advantages:

  • Recognised by universities all over the world
  • Equivalent to GCE A Levels in the UK
  • Massively acceptable for degree programmes that are extremely competitive.
  • Valued by many employers for their educational authenticity.
  • Give a structured pathway to study for undergraduates in the UK and overseas.

All in all, they continue to be the top choice for learners wishing to obtain widely recognised and respected qualifications when planning their career options.

UCAS

UCAS points are awarded to International A Levels, in the same way as their UK counterpart and can be used towards entry requirements.

However, many universities will award offers based on grades for individual subjects, such as AAA or AAB to ensure that you are properly prepared for the degree you have chosen.

It is wise to always consult the university you have in mind and discuss the exact requirements needed for entry so that you can ensure you will not be disappointed.

UCAS references and predicted grades are still available for international students.  You might like to read our article on UCAS References – Don’t leave it too late!

Pearson Edexcel vs Cambridge

Exam Structure

Pearson Edexcel International A Levels

Pearson Edexcel International A Levels are modular qualifications and the number of units in each subject vary consisting of:

  • IAS Level: International Advanced Subsidiary
  • IA2 Level: International Advanced Level

Learners will complete individual units throughout the course and when they complete all units, they will achieve the full International A Level qualification.

As an example:

International A Level Chemistry consists of 6 units: International A Level Chemistry

  • Unit 1
  • Unit 2
  • Unit 3 (Practical Skills)
  • Unit 4
  • Unit 5
  • Unit 6 (Practical Skills)

Each unit completed is examined separately and will contribute towards the final grade. Being modular in most cases, students may spread assessments over time rather than sitting all examinations at the end of the course. This helps provide flexibility to the course and eases pressure on learners.

Cambridge International

Cambridge International A Levels are generally structured in two stages:

  • AS Level
  • A Level

Students have the option to:

  • complete the AS Level first and then "carry forward" their result to the full A Level, or
  • complete all papers for the full A Level in the same examination series.

Whichever awarding body you choose, it is wise to check the individual specifications fully to ensure you fully understand what options are available.

As an example:

International A Level Accounting consists of 4 papers with various options leading to various routes you can follow: International A Level Accounting

Option 1: Complete AS Level only. This will involve completing papers 1 and 2, which will lead to an AS Level qualification.

Option 2: This will be staged over two years and initially learners will complete papers 1 and 2 in year 1, followed by papers 3 and 4 in year two. The final result once completed will be a full A Level qualification.

Option 3: Candidates can complete all 4 papers in the same exam series and gain a full A Level qualification.

Flexibility

Pearson Edexcel International A Levels

Flexibility is the main advantage that draws IAL learners to Pearson Edexcel.

Students will enjoy the benefits of:

  • The modular study programme
  • Various examination dates, ranging from January, May/June and October/November
  • If time is available, learners have options to improve grades by resitting single units
  • The option to spread examinations over a period of time that suits the individual

This flexibility makes Pearson Edexcel a winner with distance learning students, mature students, home schooled learners and students trying to run them alongside other commitments.

This structure also prevents learners from becoming overwhelmed and they can concentrate on one or two units at a time.

Cambridge International

Cambridge is also able to offer flexible study options, whilst it is typically less of a modular approach.

However, students can still:

  • Complete AS and A Levels in a separate series
  • AS results can be carried forward to the full A Level (subject to rules)
  • Choose from an extensive range of subjects

Things to consider:

  • Cambridge exam series are normally June and November, but this does not apply to all subjects
  • Retakes are the relevant exam paper rather than modular units if improvements are required

This clear progression from AS Level to A Level suits many schools curriculums and gives clear outlines to examinations.

Assessment

Pearson Edexcel International A Levels

Assessment would ordinarily include:

  • Written exams
  • Data-response questions
  • Essays (specific subjects)
  • Problem-solving questions
  • Practical assessments are through written practical exam papers for science subjects

Being modular, each unit will receive its own mark using the Uniform Mark Scale (UMS) score. Final grades will be calculated from the combined performance of all units completed.

Cambridge International

Assessments will vary depending on the subject chosen but typically include:

  • Written examinations
  • Structure questions
  • Essays
  • Source-based analysis
  • Practical papers for most science subjects. Alternatives may be used where appropriate

Percentage uniform marks are used instead of the UMS system to determine grades.

Popularity

Pearson Edexcel International A Levels

Pearson Edexcel IALs are particularly popular in:

  • The United Kingdom (for international and distance learners)
  • The Middle East
  • South Asia
  • Africa
  • Southeast Asia

With multiple exam series and the modular structure, they are extremely useful to independent learners.

Cambridge International

Cambridge International have been delivering these qualifications for many decades and during that time have built a strong global reputation and a vast recognition.

1000s of schools worldwide offer the Cambridge curriculum and this makes them extremely popular with independent learners, when looking for exam centres.

With exam centres in more than 130 countries, there are more choices available.

International A Level FAQs

A Level information

Where can I sit my A Level exams?

 The General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A Level) is a qualification offered by secondary schools or sixth form colleges. They are also available for study at further education colleges and some distance learning colleges.

There are many students outside the UK, either from expat communities or students wishing to continue with higher education in the UK, who require A Level qualifications in order to progress their education. Not all students are able to attend a conventional school or college to complete their studies and now that there are many awarding bodies offering examination centres throughout the world; there is no reason why all individuals should not have the opportunity to gain A Level qualifications.

The list of countries below offering facilities for students to sit examinations is not exhaustive and there are many more. If students find a centre to sit their examinations, we will happily work with that centre to ensure that the full specification is covered, and you are ready to sit your exams.

EUROPE – GCE Advanced Levels

Whether you are applying through Parcoursup to a French University or Uni-assist to a German University, International A Levels are accepted by European Universities. Universities within Europe are a popular choice for international learners and many programmes are taught in English. Popular countries to study within include the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Some countries such as Germany will require the A Levels to be subject specific but the individual university will state their requirements. Most Universities will require 3-4 A Levels.

  • UK
  • Ireland
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Germany
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Greece
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
ASIA – GCE Advanced Levels

Asia is a popular choice for universities situated in places such as Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo etc. Many international learners apply each year to universities within Asia.

Countries such as Japan have had a substantial increase in international learners applying. This is due to the Japanese government and their initiatives to improve the number of international learners. Most institutions ask for 3-4 A Level subjects for acceptance and some will also require some sort of English qualification such as IELTS/IGCSE English. Many programmes are taught in English and students can generally apply directly to their chosen university unless they state otherwise.

  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • Turkey
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Pakistan
  • India
  • Myanmar
  • Thailand
  • Cambodia
  • Vietnam
  • Philippines
  • Malaysia
  • Indonesia
  • Sri Lanka
AMERICA – GCE Advanced Levels

If you are looking to apply to universities such as Brown, Cornell, Harvard, New York, Stanford and Yale etc, International A Levels are widely accepted. Most Universities will require three A Levels but it is best to check the individual entry requirements. Some will even accept five IGCSE subjects or O Level subjects at a grade C or above.

  • Canada
  • USA
  • Saint Lucia
  • Mexico
  • Jamaica
  • Barbados
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Peru
  • Venezuela
  • The Falkland Islands
  • South Georgia
AUSTRALIA – GCE Advanced Levels

Australia is a popular choice for international learners due to the support students receive. Learners can obtain foundation years and pathways but also help with English language. Most universities will accept International A Levels.

AFRICA – GCE Advanced Levels

South Africa and Nigeria are some of the most popular places to attend University as an international learner and A Levels are accepted by most universities. You could study in places such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Marrakesh.

  • Morocco
  • Ghana
  • Nigeria
  • Ethiopia
  • Botswana
  • Zambia
  • South Africa