A Levels

What it is

A Levels are subject-based qualifications typically taken at age 18 over two academic years. Each subject is graded separately, and most students study three or four subjects that align with their intended university course. Universities consider both predicted and final grades to understand how comfortable you are with advanced academic work.

Adult learners can sometimes take A Levels through evening colleges or online providers. If you already hold equivalent qualifications from another country, admissions teams may compare those certificates against the A Level scale to judge your preparedness.

Why it matters

A Levels remain the most widely understood benchmark for UK admissions teams, especially for competitive courses. Meeting advertised grade requirements helps you secure conditional offers and keeps options open if you decide to apply through UCAS well before deadlines.

Applicants with strong A Level profiles also tend to navigate Student Finance smoothly because their study plans feel realistic to assessors. Even if you are a mature applicant, demonstrating equivalent knowledge or recent study at this level reassures universities that you can handle the pace of a UK degree.

Common mistakes

• Assuming old grades are invalid: Universities regularly accept older A Levels if you can show how the subject knowledge still applies.
• Choosing unrelated subjects: Picking subjects that do not link to your target degree can leave admissions tutors unsure about your academic direction.
• Waiting for final certificates: Offers are usually based on predicted grades, so delaying your application until results day can reduce your options.

How UniStart helps

Our advisors can review your existing certificates and translate them into UK equivalents so that you understand how close you are to typical A Level offers. The app also highlights courses that accept alternative qualifications or professional experience so you do not feel blocked if you never sat A Levels in the UK.

Next steps

• Download the UniStart app to upload your academic history securely.
• Book a free consultation with our education advisors to plan any top-up study you might need.
• Read our guide on entry requirements for EU citizens joining UK universities.