Everything to know about the Cambridge A-Level Program

The Cambridge Advanced Level or The Cambridge A-Levels program is the gateway to the most prestigious universities worldwide. The pre-university program is conducted by the prestigious University of Cambridge International Examinations, United Kingdom.

A Cambridge International A or AS Level is recognized around the world by schools, universities, and employers. The qualifications are accepted as proof of academic ability for entry to universities worldwide. Cambridge International A Levels typically take two years to complete and offer a flexible course of study that gives students the freedom to select subjects that are right for them. Cambridge International AS Levels often represent the first half of an A-Level course.

AS/A Levels

What are AS and A-Levels?

AS and A Levels are advanced qualifications that are also academically rigorous, internationally accredited public examinations, taken after completing IGCSEs. AS and A Levels are the usual assessment criteria to gain entry into UK universities and can be transferred into completed credits at many US universities. If a combination of AS and A levels are taken from different disciplines, and good grades are attained, an AICE Diploma is issued by registered schools in the USA.

The A-level examinations normally taken two years after the O-levels, pave the way for entrance into undergraduate studies in universities and colleges. To apply for entrance to an undergraduate degree, a minimum of three A-level subjects is required. However, it is important to keep in mind that the individual entrance requirements of universities or vocational institutions may vary.

AS Level Subjects: English, History, Geography, Environmental Management, Global Perspectives, Mathematics, Business Studies, Physics, Biology, Art, French

A-Level Subjects: Accounting, Business Studies, English, Law, Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, French as a Second Language, History, Global Perspectives, etc.

Grading in AS-A LEVELS

There are five passing grades (A – E). Minimum requirements for Nigeria are at least three pass grades. But typical international university entrance requirements are closer to three passes at grade C for academic courses in established universities. Very popular courses will often require higher grades. For example, medical schools in the UK often require grades of AAB and the highly selective universities of Cambridge and Oxford ask for at least AAB.

Good A-Level grades can also be a key to admission for all the world’s major Anglophone universities. University course credit and advanced standing is often available in countries such as the USA and Canada, where the entrance to the university takes place after 12 years of education. Good grades in carefully chosen A-Level subjects can result in up to one full year of credit.

Internationally Recognised Qualifications

Cambridge International A-Level certificates are used to award places by leading universities in over 60 countries within the EU, North America, Far East, and the Commonwealth. Typical university destinations are UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

In the USA and Canada, good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge International A-Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit. Over 460 US universities accept Cambridge International AS and A-Levels.