International AS Level is typically taken at the mid-point of an A Level programme. Schools can offer AS Level as a qualification in its own right to increase breadth in the curriculum and allow students to complement other subjects they are studying. In South Africa, AS Level is equivalent to Grade 12.
| International A Level and AS Level have widespread international recognition as educational qualifications. This recognition is because: |
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International A and AS Level qualifications are recognised by universities as equivalent in value to UK A and AS Levels |
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Good A and AS Level grades are vital for admission to all the world’s major English-speaking universities and many non-English-speaking universities |
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A and AS Level are rigorous programmes that encourage high academic standards |
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A and AS Levels have a high profile amongst English-medium international schools around the world |
Grade 8/9 – Foundation: Checkpoint 1, 2 & 3
Grade 10 – IGCSE Core Syllabus in all 5 – 7 subjects
Grade 11 – IGCSE Extended Syllabus in all 5 – 7 subjects (C symbol or higher)
Grade 12 – AS Level in 4 or 5 subjects (minimum of 4 if applying for exemption; D symbol or higher)
Grade 13 – A Level in 2 or 3 subjects (E Symbol or higher)
Please note that these symbol requirements are not the minimum faculty requirements, but the minimum requirements in order to be issued with an exemption letter by Universities South Africa. Students and/or parents should enquire at each university faculty as to their specific requirements.
Other recognized subjects (choose minimum of 3 – any group):
Group 2 – 2nd Language – Afrikaans, French or Isizulu
Group 3 – Mathematics, Biology, Physics or Chemistry
Group 4 – Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, History and Art & Design
Group 5 – Accounting, Computer Science, Divinity, Religious Studies and Business Studies
For the summary of SAQA requirements for students obtaining a basic matric, please click here.
For the summary of the Universities South Africa - requirements for students wanting to go to university, please click here.