By Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
Cambridge International A Levels are the international version of UK A-Levels, run by Cambridge International. Two-year, subject-specialised qualifications leading to A*–E grades. Recognised by universities everywhere, including all Russell Group, Ivy League and top Asian universities. The most common British-system senior qualification at international schools.
The learning pathway
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Ages 16–18
Two-year A Level
Students pick three or four subjects and take them across two years to depth. Cambridge International A Level exams sit later than UK A-Levels — May/June or October/November depending on the syllabus.
Cambridge International vs UK A-Levels
Structurally the same. Cambridge International A Levels adapt for global cohorts — international-appropriate exam contexts, papers sat later in each timezone-safe window, and stronger presence in international schools. UK universities treat the two versions as identical.
Cambridge A Level vs Pearson Edexcel International A Level
Both are widely-offered international variants of UK A-Level. Cambridge International has broader reach across international schools; Pearson Edexcel is stronger where the school runs Edexcel IGCSE. Universities do not distinguish between them.
Is Cambridge A Levels right for your child?
It tends to suit families who…
- •Want subject depth at 16+ over the IB's six-subject breadth
- •Are targeting UK universities
- •Enjoy exam-based, linear-syllabus assessment
It may be less ideal if…
- •You want to keep six subjects open (IB Diploma is better)
- •Your child prefers coursework and modular assessment (BTEC or IBCP fits better)
- •You want a broader senior core (Extended Essay, ToK etc.)
The bigger picture
Read the full British curriculum guide Cambridge A Levels sits inside the wider British pathway. See how it slots in with the other stages, how universities recognise it, and where to find British-curriculum schools by country.Common questions
FAQs about the Cambridge A Levels curriculum
Are Cambridge A Levels accepted at US universities?
Yes — increasingly so. Three A*/A grades are typically equivalent to a strong AP record, and A Levels often earn college credit at competitive US institutions.
How is Cambridge A Level graded?
A*–E, with U (Ungraded) as the fail category. UCAS tariff points map onto these grades.
When are Cambridge A Level exams sat?
Typically May/June, with November as an alternative session for some syllabuses — a bigger part of the international offer than UK domestic timetables.
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