International A Levels (IAL) Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel

For over ten years, Learn Now Distance Learning College have been offering International A Levels (IALs) to learners worldwide.  We are the largest online provider for choice – see our full range of subjects below!

We have supported learners applying to universities directly, via UCAS or The Common App with references and predicted grades. We also have over 15 A Level subject choices and can offer exam centres with Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel in most countries. This makes life much easier for private candidates to gain reputable qualifications for University.

UK A Levels

International A Level (IAL) learners have a choice between Cambridge (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel for the awarding body. For UK learners, we can offer AQA or Cambridge (CIE) awarding bodies.

Exam centres are available all over the world making it easy for private candidates to gain these respectable qualifications.

International A Level (IAL) Subjects

Below is a list of our International A Level subjects with both Cambridge and Edexcel. These courses can be taken all over the world. Once you click onto the individual subject, you will see if there is an option for AS Levels

Please note: IAL students should be fluent in English in order to complete their chosen subject(s).

A Level Online in Accounting CIE
Accounting - CIE
Biology - CIE
International A Level Biology Edexcel Online Course
Biology - Edexcel
A Level Online in Business Studies CIE
Business - CIE
International A Level Business Edexcel Online Course
Business - Edexcel
A Level Online in Chemistry CIE
Chemistry - CIE
International A Level Chemistry Edexcel Course
Chemistry - Edexcel
A Level Online in Classical Studies CIE
Classical Studies - CIE
A Level Online in Computer Science CIE
Computer Science - CIE
A Level Online in Economics CIE
Economics - CIE
International A Level Economics Edexcel Online Course
Economics - Edexcel
A Level Online in English Language CIE
English Language - CIE
English Language - Edexcel
A Level Online in English Literature CIE
English Literature - CIE
English Literature - Edexcel
A Level Online in Geography CIE
Geography - CIE
A Level Online in History CIE
History - CIE
A Level Online in Information Technology CIE
Information Technology - CIE
A Level Online in Law CIE
Law - CIE
International A Level Law Edexcel Online Course
Law - Edexcel
Marine Science - CIE
A Level Online in Mathematics CIE
Mathematics - CIE
A Level Mathematics Edexcel
Mathematics - Edexcel
A Level Online in Further Maths CIE
Further Mathematics - CIE
A Level Further Mathematics Edexcel
Further Mathematics - Edexcel
General Certificate of Education in Physics CIE
Physics - CIE
International A Level Physics Edexcel Online Course
Physics - Edexcel
General Certificate of Education in Psychology CIE
Psychology - CIE
International A Level Psychology Edexcel Online Course
Psychology - Edexcel
General Certificate of Education in Sociology CIE
Sociology - CIE

International A Level FAQs

International A Levels are essential for overseas students to reach their potential and attend top universities worldwide.  They are recognised internationally and the academic pathway gives students the skills and knowledge to succeed in various academic subjects and sectors and gives them an edge in the global employment market.

This all depends on the country and university you are applying to after A Levels.  Some countries require less subjects for their university entry requirements than others.  For example, within the UK, it is normally recommended that you take 3-4 subjects, however some universities within the US and other countries will accept less.

Both qualifications are equivalent to one another and therefore the subject content has a similar level of difficulty.

Some learners favour International Advanced Levels over UK Advanced Levels due to their assessment route having IAS and IA2.

UK Advanced Levels use to be split into AS and A2AS would be the content and assessment for Year 1 and A2 was for Year 2.  You would be able to take AS in one exam sitting and A2 in a later exam sitting which would make up the Full A Level.

Teaching for UK Advanced Levels changed in 2015 where the courses were no longer assessed in modules but became linear.  All exams for the Full A Level would need to be taken in one exam sitting and this is still the case now.

International Advanced Levels didn’t change and are still modular qualifications.  Therefore IAS (International AS) makes up year one of the A Level and IA2 (International A2) makes up year two of the A Level.  Students have more flexibility with their exams.  They can either take all exams (IAS and IA2) in one exam sitting gaining a Full A Level qualification quickly.  Alternatively, they can take IAS in one exam sitting and IA2 in another exam sitting.  This would still allow the learner to gain a Full A Level qualification, however it relieves the pressure of taking all exams in one sitting.

Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel are similar in the level of difficulty, however sometimes they are assessed in slightly different ways.  It is important to check the syllabus for both awarding bodies and the way they are assessed.  This can sometime be a deciding factor along with the availability of exam centres

For more information on the awarding bodies, feel free to check out our articles:

Why Choose Cambridge International AS And A Levels?

Why should you choose Pearson Edexcel for your A-levels and IGCSEs?

Where can I sit my A Level exams?

The General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A Level) is a qualification offered by secondary schools or sixth form colleges. They are also available for study at further education colleges and some distance learning colleges.

There are many students outside the UK, either from expat communities or students wishing to continue with higher education in the UK, who require A Level qualifications in order to progress their education. Not all students are able to attend a conventional school or college to complete their studies and now that there are many awarding bodies offering examination centres throughout the world; there is no reason why all individuals should not have the opportunity to gain A Level qualifications.

The list of countries below offering facilities for students to sit examinations is not exhaustive and there are many more. If students find a centre to sit their examinations, we will happily work with that centre to ensure that the full specification is covered and you are ready to sit your exams.

ASIA – GCE Advanced Levels

Asia is a popular choice for universities situated in places such as Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo etc. Many international learners apply each year to universities within Asia.

Countries such as Japan have had a substantial increase in international learners applying. This is due to the Japanese government and their initiatives to improve the number of international learners. Most institutions ask for 3-4 A Level subjects for acceptance and some will also require some sort of English qualification such as IELTS/IGCSE English. Many programmes are taught in English and students can generally apply directly to their chosen university unless they state otherwise.

  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • Turkey
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Pakistan
  • India
  • Myanmar
  • Thailand
  • Cambodia
  • Vietnam
  • Philippines
  • Malaysia
  • Indonesia
  • Sri Lanka

AFRICA – GCE Advanced Levels

South Africa and Nigeria are some of the most popular places to attend University as an international learner and A Levels are accepted by most universities. You could study in places such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Marrakesh.

  • Morocco
  • Ghana
  • Nigeria
  • Ethiopia
  • Botswana
  • Zambia
  • South Africa

AMERICA – GCE Advanced Levels

If you are looking to apply to universities such as Brown, Cornell, Harvard, New York, Stanford and Yale etc, International A Levels are widely accepted. Most Universities will require three A Levels but it is best to check the individual entry requirements. Some will even accept five IGCSE subjects or O Level subjects at a grade C or above.

  • Canada
  • USA
  • Saint Lucia
  • Mexico
  • Jamaica
  • Barbados
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Peru
  • Venezuela
  • The Falkland Islands
  • South Georgia

EUROPE – GCE Advanced Levels

Whether you are applying through Parcoursup to a French University or Uni-assist to a German University, International A Levels are accepted by European Universities. Universities within Europe are a popular choice for international learners and many programmes are taught in English. Popular countries to study within include the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Some countries such as Germany will require the A Levels to be subject specific but the individual university will state their requirements. Most Universities will require 3-4 A Levels.

  • UK
  • Ireland
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Germany
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Greece
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

AUSTRALIA – GCE Advanced Levels

Australia is a popular choice for international learners due to the support students receive. Learners can obtain foundation years and pathways but also help with english language. Most universities will accept International A Levels.

International A Level Benefits for International Students

International A Levels are respected by universities and employers worldwide. This qualification shows a student’s intellectual ability and college readiness.

A Levels for international students challenges pupils and develops critical thinking and analysis. Students learn to solve problems methodically via independent study, creating a comprehensive skill set for academic and professional success.

The course is an excellent way for overseas students to enhance their English. Most foreign University programmes teach in English so students will learn English in an English-speaking environment.

We also have our IGCSE in English as a Second Language which some learners take alongside their A Levels.

International A Levels are accepted by universities worldwide, giving pupils an advantage when applying. Depending on the curriculum, graduates have a better chance of getting into prestigious colleges and can avoid some admissions restrictions.

Students can experience diverse cultures and develop unique social skills by studying an International A Level program. The curriculum promotes global viewpoints and cultural awareness among students. Personal growth depends on this enrichment experience.

International A Levels