International A levels

Students applying with International A levels normally use one of the following exam boards: 

> Cambridge International
   Useful pages: Find a Cambridge School in your country; If you don't attend a Cambridge school
> Oxford AQA
   Useful pages: Become an Oxford AQA school
> Pearson Edexcel

Do visit the relevant website / look at the British Council website for information about how you can take these qualifications and contact the exam board directly with any queries.

If you are planning to take / apply with International A levels that are not set by one of the exam boards listed above, please email us for guidance.

We require three International A-level subjects, which we expect that you will take in the same exam sitting as we also want to see that you are able to manage the workload associated with preparing for all three at the same time.

There is no advantage in the application process to taking additional A level subjects, however it is common for strong applicants taking A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics to choose to do four A level subjects. 

Before choosing which subjects you will take at A level it's essential to read

The Christ's subject page 
(these have a section on applying with details of any subject requirements/guidance)

The Cambridge admissions course information 
When you click on the relevant subject, go to the entry requirements tab and ensure that you read the whole page (the box at the bottom with stats on the profile of recent successful applicants should be very useful in addition to the requirements).

We have a regular webinar for students who are choosing their A level subjects. This is aimed at students aged 14-16 but you are welcome join us even if you are older than that.

If you speak English as an additional language, you will be aware that a high level of English is needed to study at Cambridge. Alongside your academic ability and potential, we will look for evidence of your English language competence when selecting students for interview. Please read our page on English language requirements (including the lists in the interview selection section) in full, paying particular attention to the following points that are relevant for many Christ's applicants taking International A levels: 

> If you took IGCSE's before your International A levels, note that the list of qualifications accepted at Christ's College (only) as English language proof of competence to participate in an interview includes
        > IGCSE English as a First Language including Speaking and Listening (0522): Grade B
        > IGCSE English as a Second Language including the oral companent (0511): Grade A*

> the list of qualifications accepted at all Colleges as English language proof of competence to participate in an interview includes the following International A level grades: 
        > Grade B or above in International A level English Language
        > Grade B or above in International A level English Literature
        > Grade B or above in International A level English Language and Literature

> Christ's College accepts predicted grades for school qualifications in the lists as evidence that you are on track to achieve the English language scores needed. If you are taking one of the International A levels in English but have not yet finished it, there is no need to worry as long as you are on track to achieve the appropriate grade.

> If after reading the English language requirements information you cannot see another way of meeting the requirements, we advise you to take IELTS Academic before you apply. 

English Language requirements are one of the topics that we discuss in our regular webinar for international applicants, if helpful. 

You have choices about when you apply. 

You can apply in September and take your International A levels in November or the following June. In this case you would need predicted grades for your International A levels, which your UCAS referee would provide as part of your UCAS application. 

Alternatively, you can take your International A levels first and apply the following September when you know your grades. This is called a post-qualification application.

Please see when to apply and the timing of exams for more detail.

In addition to International A levels, in most cases we would normally expect to see: 

> STEP papers II and III if you are applying for Mathematics
See the STEP information on the Maths page. STEP is not needed if you are applying for a subject other than maths.

> an Admissions Test, if this is required for your course at Cambridge (please check the applying information on the relevant subject page and be careful as some written assessments require registration by a deadline in mid-September).

> if English is not your first language, you may need to take an English language qualification.

In all cases it is essential to read the relevant Christ's subject page for details.
 

Our offers are normally based on three International A level subjects. We define the terms of each offer individually, but the minimum conditional offer for your course is below

Please ensure that you also read the information on offers in your subject set out on the Christ's subject page (see the offers sub-heading in the applying section on the relevant page for your course).

See, for example, profiles by Emily, Arqum, Neophytos and Anissa, all of whom applied with International A levels.

If you are taking three or more International A levels, please also read the information about A levels on the Cambridge Admissions website here as well as the details on this page.