Qualifications that are accepted by universities and employers around the world
International AS Level and A Level are globally recognised qualifications that prepare students for university study and future careers. Offered by three leading UK-based awarding bodies such as Cambridge International Education, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA, these qualifications are trusted by universities worldwide.
What are International AS Level and A Level
International AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary Level) and A Level (Advanced Level) are subject-based qualifications typically taken by students between the ages of 17 and 18. They allow learners to specialise in subjects they are passionate about while developing strong academic and analytical skills.
How the qualification works:
Students usually complete International A Level in two years.
- Year 1 (AS Level): You study the first half of the syllabus.
- Year 2 (A Level): You complete the second half.
- The Final Grade: Your combined result from the two years determines your full A Level grade.
With over 50 A Level subjects available, learners can specialise in a specific area or study a broad range of subjects.
Find out how to register for International AS Level and A Level through the British Council and take your next step towards internationally recognised qualifications.
Why study International AS Level & A Level in Pakistan?
Choosing to study International A Levels offered by Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA awarding bodies have significant advantages for students aiming for competitive fields. These qualifications are highly valued because they benefit from:
- Global acceptance: Accepted by top universities in the UK, USA, Pakistan, and worldwide.
- Subject flexibility: Offer the freedom to choose subjects based on personal interests and career aspirations.
- Skill development: Develop critical independent thinking and in-depth subject mastery.
- Transparent grading: Use a standardised system that ensures fair assessment for university admissions.
Preparation: Equips students for undergraduate study and future careers.
International recognition and university entry
International A Levels are recognised by top universities globally and are widely used for university admissions. Many institutions consider International A Level as a preferred qualification due to their academic depth and rigorous international assessment standards.
Students with strong International A Level results are well-prepared for higher education in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, business, humanities, law and the sciences.
A Level awarding bodies in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the British Council administers International A Level exams for highly trusted international education awarding bodies:
- Cambridge International Education
- Pearson Edexcel
- OxfordA
All three awarding bodies ensure consistent global standards and reliable assessment. Private candidates can choose the awarding body that best fits their syllabus preference when registering with us.
Flexible subject choices
One of the biggest advantages of International A Level is the ability to choose subjects that match a student’s interests and career goals. Students typically choose 3 to 4 subjects that align with their target university degree.
Popular International A Level subjects include*:
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Essential for Medicine and Engineering).
- Commerce: Economics, Business Studies, Accounting.
- Tech: Computer Science and Mathematics.
- Humanities: English Literature, Law, Sociology, Psychology.
*Availability of subjects may vary by country, awarding body and school centre.
International A Level exam results and grading system
AS & A Level use an internationally recognised grading system that clearly reflects a student’s performance.
Depending on the awarding body, International A Level coursework and exam results are graded on a scale from A*/A (highest) to E (minimum pass). This system allows universities to accurately assess a student's potential.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| A* | Highest grade |
| A | Excellent |
| B | Very good |
| C | Good |
| D | Satisfactory |
| E | Minimum pass |
| U | Ungraded / Fail |
When will I get my results?
In Pakistan, International A Level exam results are typically available online six weeks after you take your exams. The process depends on which awarding body you registered with. Your local British Council office will provide you with the necessary login details to access your A Level grades
Why take your A Levels through the British Council?
The British Council supports schools and students to take international exams from registration to accessing results. Students can find preparation material such as study guides, past exam papers and other helpful resources on the relevant awarding body websites.
By choosing the British Council, you benefit from:
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Guidance to official resources: We support you with all the information you need to register for your exams, including the required documents, an easy-to-use online registration platform, exam tips, and other useful guidance throughout your journey.
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Professional exam administration: You will benefit from secure, high-quality administrative standards that guarantee a smooth testing experience.
Pathways to global success: We provide access to internationally recognized qualifications, opening doors to top universities across the
Register for AS Level and A Level
Frequently asked questions about A Levels