Upper Secondary School: International A Levels – entrance ticket to universities worldwide
Our upper secondary school is comprised of two parts: two years of IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) which is a broad curriculum encompassing a range of subjects and two years of A Level study called AS and A2 (Advanced Study).
Worldwide recognition
International A Levels are the world’s most widely recognised qualification for university entrance, allowing access to both Swiss and international universities. The International A Levels (IAL) are known in Switzerland and worldwide for their high academic standards. Often referred to as the ‘gold standard’ for entrance to UK universities they are the most frequently completed university entrance qualification in the world and are offered by Cambridge Assessment International Examinations and Pearson Edexcel at over 10,000 schools in 160 different countries. International A Levels are recognised and earn credit at more than 500 US universities including Ivy League schools such as Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Princeton and Yale.
Offering flexibility and choice
With International A Levels, students get to choose three, four or even five subjects, which they can study in depth. They can focus on subjects they like and enjoy and not be hampered by having to study subjects they don’t want to study.
The depth of study and the autonomy that students have over their learning, prepare them for university study. In fact, International A Levels are so highly regarded, that in the USA, good A Level grades will mean students get credit and can directly enter their 2nd year of study.
Admission to universities
International A Levels are recognised in universities worldwide. Universities prefer A Levels because the depth of study and the autonomy required mean that they are well-prepared for university. Each university will specify the required grades and criteria for entry to its courses. In the USA, good A Level grades give students credit, allowing them to directly enter their 2nd year of study.
For admission to Swiss universities and universities of applied sciences (excluding ETH), 3 A levels with grades BBC or higher and 3 IGCSEs scoring 5/9 are generally required. One of the A Level subjects must be mathematics or a science subject. Another should be German or French. Otherwise, a language certificate at level C1 or higher must be presented to the respective university. This can also be prepared and completed at our school.
Both Academia International Schools are centrally located in Basel and Zurich. Should you like to find out more about our programme, please contact us for a consultation or participate in one of our information evenings.
Advantages of International A Levels
Alternative schooling options with Academia
Are you looking for more individualised study? Academia Matura offers study programmes tailored to your personal requirements to successfully gain International A Levels. This programme is ideal for students who are looking for a change in direction or already work but want to develop further or for those, who work better in an individual setting.
In Zurich, young people with a passion for music, sport or dance may find at the Swiss Academy Zurich a suitable school where they can combine their passion with continuing secondary education.
