International curriculum

Cambridge International AS & A Level

Cambridge International (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)

Stage: Upper secondary, final stage (university entry)
Typical ages: Typically 16 to 19
Course length: A Level typically two years; AS Level typically one year
Exam sessions: June and November; results in August and January.
Grading: A Level: A* (highest) to E. AS Level: A to E (no A*). Each subject is graded separately.

Key facts

Schools choose from 55 subjects, in almost any combination. (Source: Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
An AS Level has half the content of the matching A Level. It can be a qualification on its own or the first half of the A Level; AS marks can be carried forward to the full A Level. (Source: Cambridge University Press & Assessment)

How universities use it

Cambridge International AS & A Levels are not on the UCAS Tariff, but Cambridge states that UK universities accept them grade for grade as equivalent to UK A Levels. Many UK courses make offers in grades rather than Tariff points. (Source: Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
In the United States, Cambridge lists over 200 university statements recognising AS Levels, many with course-credit policies; the most competitive universities expect at least three A Levels. (Source: Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
In Canada, many universities treat two AS Level passes as equal to one A Level. (Source: Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
In South Africa, students with Cambridge qualifications need a certificate of exemption from the Universities South Africa Matriculation Board for first-degree study. (Source: Universities South Africa)

CareerProof guidance

If you take Cambridge A Levels outside the UK, check how your own country's admissions body or recognition body converts them before you apply; in Uganda that is UNEB's equating service.

UCAS Tariff calculator (UK A Level values, for comparison) →

Subjects and the careers they lead to

Each subject links to our global subject page, which shows the careers that rely on it. A selection, with Cambridge's syllabus codes. Law, Thinking Skills, Global Perspectives & Research, Marine Science, Travel & Tourism and many languages are also offered.

Applying in another country

The country where you apply decides how these results count. Official routes we have confirmed:

Uganda: Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB): equating of foreign results
Kenya: Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA): alignment and validation
South Africa: Universities South Africa (USAf) Matriculation Board: exemption certificates
Nigeria: Federal Ministry of Education
United Kingdom: Universities, through UCAS

Details for each country →

Loading curriculum...