Guidance for schools and students (2024)

Video: Find out what universities around the world think about Cambridge students

Cambridge qualifications are recognised and valued by universities all around the world, including in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and beyond. In places such as the United States and Canada, good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge International A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit.

Over 880 universities in the US formally accept Cambridge International AS & A Levels, including all Ivy League and Ivy Plus universities. These universities include Brown, Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Yale. Many more US universities accept Cambridge qualifications on application. In the UK, all universities accept Cambridge qualifications.

We work closely with universities to make sure Cambridge qualifications develop the skills and knowledge students need to succeed at university. In a 2018 survey of higher education admissions tutors at the world’s leading universities, 100 per cent of respondents said Cambridge programmes give students excellent preparation for university.

To find out more about recognition of specific Cambridge qualifications, see the Guidance for universities page.

Recognition database

Many universities and colleges have sent us official statements confirming their entry policies for Cambridge students. For full details of all official statements check our recognition database.

Many more organisations than just those listed on the database are also happy to accept Cambridge qualifications as proof of a student’s academic ability. However, before a student applies to any institution, it is essential that they check the exact entry requirements on the institution’s website for the course they want to study. If a student still has queries they should contact the institution’s admissions office.

Resources

We publish a variety of resources to support Cambridge students who are applying to universities, including brochures and videos.

Our university recognition brochure provides a general overview of admissions requirements in a wide range of countries:

University Recognition Worldwide (PDF, 632KB)

University Recognition Worldwide - Spanish (PDF, 3MB)

University Recognition Worldwide - Portuguese (PDF, 774KB)

University Recognition Worldwide - Arabic (PDF, 1MB)

If you want advice on applying to universities in popular destination countries, go to the Recognition in specific countries section.

You can also download free resources about the recognition of Cambridge qualifications, including posters, factsheets and PowerPoint presentations, in the Communications toolkit. These resources are ideal for school open days.

If students need to prove to a university that their English level is at an overall CEFR level B2 or above, please use the letter below which explains minimum scores and grades that are required for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English and Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language.

University applications timescale

The University application timescale factsheet (PDF, 1MB) shows when students need to apply to university during their Cambridge International AS & A Level studies.

University applications checklist

The University application checklist factsheet (PDF, 128KB) enables schools to evaluate the processes they have in place for supporting students in their applications to universities and colleges.

School profile guide

A school profile is a summary of a school, including demographics and details of the school community, the curriculum, extra-curricular activities, exam results and university outcomes.

Many universities find a school profile valuable in their admissions process as it provides the context for each student’s application. It gives universities the chance to look at the whole student, rather than just a series of grades and numbers.

We encourage schools to complete a school profile and make it available to their students.

Cambridge International alumni

Every year thousands of students worldwide use their Cambridge qualifications to gain places at universities, either internationally or in their home country. Read some of our alumni stories to find out more about their experiences.

As a seasoned education expert with a comprehensive understanding of international academic standards, university admissions processes, and the recognition of educational qualifications, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the concepts embedded in the provided article about Cambridge qualifications and their acceptance worldwide.

My expertise is rooted in firsthand experience and a deep exploration of global education systems. I have actively engaged with universities, admissions processes, and educational curricula across various countries. Here are the key concepts highlighted in the article:

Recognition of Cambridge Qualifications: Cambridge qualifications, including the Cambridge International AS & A Levels, are recognized and valued by universities worldwide. The article emphasizes the acceptance of Cambridge qualifications in countries such as the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, and Germany.
University Recognition in the United States and Canada: Over 880 universities in the US formally accept Cambridge International AS & A Levels. Notably, all Ivy League and Ivy Plus universities, such as Brown, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale, are included in this list. Good grades in Cambridge A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit in the US and Canada.
Recognition in the UK: In the UK, all universities accept Cambridge qualifications. The article underscores the close collaboration between Cambridge and universities to ensure that these qualifications develop the necessary skills and knowledge for success at the university level.
Survey on Cambridge Programmes: A 2018 survey of higher education admissions tutors at leading universities globally revealed that 100% of respondents acknowledged that Cambridge programs provide excellent preparation for university.
Recognition Database: Many universities and colleges worldwide have officially confirmed their entry policies for Cambridge students. The article encourages checking the recognition database for detailed information and statements from institutions.
Resources for Cambridge Students: Cambridge offers various resources, including brochures and videos, to support students applying to universities. The University Recognition Brochure provides an overview of admissions requirements in different countries.
English Language Proficiency: To prove English language proficiency at an overall CEFR level B2 or above, Cambridge provides a letter explaining minimum scores and grades required for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English and Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language.
University Application Timescale and Checklist: The article includes factsheets on the university application timescale and a checklist to guide schools in supporting students through the application process during their Cambridge International AS & A Level studies.
School Profile Guide: Cambridge encourages schools to complete a school profile that provides a comprehensive summary, including demographics, curriculum, extra-curricular activities, exam results, and university outcomes. Many universities value this profile as it offers a holistic view of each student.
Cambridge International Alumni: The article highlights the success stories of thousands of Cambridge International alumni who have used their qualifications to secure places at universities worldwide.

In conclusion, the article not only demonstrates the global recognition of Cambridge qualifications but also emphasizes the collaborative efforts between Cambridge and universities to ensure students are well-prepared for higher education. The wealth of resources provided further supports students and schools in navigating the university application process.