Studying abroad: Who doesn’t dream of becoming an international student? Gain your degree abroad and see the world at the same time! But what qualification would I need to obtain in order to be accepted into an international university?
Here, we will cover what may be on offer to you!
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity where you will learn all about a new culture, gain international experience and see the world from your perspective.
Destination
The first thing you will need to consider when studying abroad is your chosen destination. You may want to consider the language and if you would be open to studying in a non-English speaking country. Many universities offer courses in English, even in non-speaking English countries.
Next, you will want to consider your study options. Generally, the UK and the U.S. are well known for their high-quality universities and diverse study options, whereas Germany and the Netherlands offer great programs in engineering and technical fields.
Popular Destinations for study:
- United States: Known for its diverse educational offerings, including top universities in various fields such as Harvard, Yale and Princeton.
- United Kingdom: Famous for prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and University College London.
- Germany: Offers high-quality education at a relatively low cost (many programs are in English, and tuition fees are often minimal).
- Australia: Known for its laid-back culture and high-ranking universities such as the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne.
- France: Ideal for those interested in culture, arts, fashion, and history, with many programs available in English.
- Japan: A great option for students interested in technology, business, or East Asian culture.
Types of study programs
In order to gain a place at University, most importantly, you will need to meet their requirements. Most Universities will state what is acceptable on their individual websites. We are detailing the most popular qualifications below which should help you with your application process.
International A Levels
The International A-Level (IAL) is an internationally recognised qualification, similar to the UK A-Level system, but tailored to meet the needs of students outside the UK. These qualifications are designed to prepare students for university or higher education and are widely accepted by universities around the world, including in the UK, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and many other countries.
Learn Now offers two of the most important awarding bodies which are Edexcel (Pearson) and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE). Advanced Levels are typically a two year program, normally taken after completing IGCSEs.
International A Level subjects
International A-Levels are available in a wide variety of subjects, ranging from the sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics) to humanities (e.g., History, Economics, English Literature) and social sciences (e.g., Psychology, Sociology).
Assessment
These qualifications are normally assessed through written examinations, however some will include a practical element too. The grading system for International A-Levels is the same as for UK A-Levels:
A, B, C, D, E (Pass grades)
U (Unclassified) – indicates a fail.
Recognition
International A-Levels are recognised by universities and colleges around the world, and the qualifications are often treated in the same way as the UK A-Levels. They also carry UCAS points if you are applying to a UK University.
IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognised educational qualification aimed at students aged 16 to 19, typically taken in the final two years of secondary school (equivalent to high school in many countries). It is designed to provide a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, and international mindedness. The IB Diploma is widely respected by universities and institutions around the world for its challenging curriculum and the broad skill set it helps develop in students.
IB Diploma Subjects
The IB Diploma Programme is divided into six subject groups, along with a set of core components that are unique to the IB. Students must complete courses from each of the following groups:
Six Subject Groups:
- Group 1: Language and Literature (e.g., English, mother-tongue languages)
- Group 2: Language Acquisition (e.g., Spanish, French, Mandarin, or other foreign languages)
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies (e.g., History, Geography, Economics, Psychology)
- Group 4: Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems)
- Group 5: Mathematics (e.g., Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation)
- Group 6: The Arts (e.g., Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, or students can choose an additional subject from groups 1-5 instead)
Core Components:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A unique interdisciplinary course that explores the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know. It challenges students to think critically and make connections across disciplines.
- Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research project in a subject of the student’s choice, which allows for in-depth study and the development of academic research skills.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): A requirement for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including artistic, athletic, and community service projects. This component aims to develop students’ personal growth and social responsibility outside the classroom.
Assessment
The assessment for IB courses includes both internal assessments (IA) and external exams.
Here’s how it works:
Internal Assessments: These are projects, presentations, lab reports, essays, or oral examinations that are graded by the teacher and moderated by external examiners.
External Exams: At the end of the two-year program, students take exams for each of their subjects.
Each subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest possible grade. The maximum score a student can achieve from their subjects is 42 points (6 subjects x 7 points each). Additionally, up to 3 bonus points can be awarded based on the student’s performance in Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE), bringing the maximum total score to 45 points.
Recognition
The IB Diploma is widely accepted by universities around the world. It is considered a highly rigorous and prestigious qualification.
International BTEC
The International BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) is a vocational qualification that is widely recognised and respected by universities, employers, and educational institutions around the world. The International BTEC programs are designed to offer practical, hands-on learning in specific subjects, and they are an alternative to traditional academic qualifications like A-Levels or the IB Diploma.
International BTEC subjects
The International BTEC is primarily available in subjects such as Business, Information Technology (IT), Health & Social Care, Engineering, and Travel & Tourism. It provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a specific career field, combining theoretical study with practical application.
Assessment
Unlike the traditional academic qualifications that often rely heavily on exams, BTEC assessments are based on continuous coursework and practical assessments. This means students are assessed on a variety of tasks such as:
Project-based work: Students complete assignments, reports, case studies, and practical activities that reflect real-world scenarios.
Presentations: In some courses, students may be asked to present their findings or projects to their peers and teachers.
Portfolios: Students might need to create a portfolio of work that showcases their learning journey and achievements.
There are no final exams for most Level 3 BTEC courses, and assessments are graded on a Pass, Merit, or Distinction scale. The overall BTEC qualification is awarded in the same way, based on the accumulation of these grades.
The grading system for International BTEC Level 3 is as follows:
Distinction (D) = High achievement
Merit (M) = Good achievement
Pass (P) = Satisfactory achievement
Recognition
International Recognition: The International BTEC qualification is accepted by universities around the world. Many universities in the UK, Europe, Australia, and the United States recognise BTEC qualifications as valid entry qualifications.
Which route should I choose?
When deciding between A-Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB) and BTEC, it’s important to understand the key differences between these qualifications, as they offer different approaches to education and have different strengths depending on your academic goals, interests, and future career plans.
The route you choose all depends on your choice of learning style. With A Levels, you will have complete flexibility with subjects (Over 15 choices) and this will allow you to select subjects that align more closely with your future career goals. If taken online, you will also be able to tailor your study time around your commitments. The only thing you will need to bear in mind is that exams will need to be taken at the end of the course.
With the IB you will have less freedom with your subject choices due to its broad curriculum, but you will still study a range of subjects and hopefully develop diverse skills.
BTEC offers less subject variety but provides more practical skills. It is perfect for students who want to pursue a vocational career and want to focus entirely on one field of study.
