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Key information

Duration:: 4 years full time
Typical A-level offer:: CCC
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:: FF35
Start date:: September 2025

“On my foundation year, I gained the confidence and skills to study the subject I’m passionate about at a top uni.”

Mary Sturch Physics and Astronomy (with a foundation year) BSc

Interested in physics, theoretical physics or astrophysics but don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree? A Foundation Year can help you get on to the course you want.

In the Department of Physics and Astronomy, you’ll be taught by the experts who are driving our research programmes. You’ll have full access to our facilities and equipment.

You’ll be a part of our close community, including:

plenty of opportunities for one-to-one support
shared spaces for peer study support
socialising with other students across all years in the Physics Society.

Once you’ve successfully completed your Foundation Year, you can choose from degrees in whichever branch of physics interests you the most – from astrophysics to theoretical physics. If you’re a high-achiever in your Foundation Year, you also have the option of joining one of our integrated Masters courses (MPhys).

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

How to apply

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Entry requirements

Is a Foundation Year for you?

We welcome students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including:

those who aren’t sure which subject, or branch of a subject, they’d like to specialise in
those who don’t have the right combination of subjects for direct entry into Year 1
those who don’t meet the expected requirements for direct entry into Year 1
those who are returning to education after some time away.

You will need to demonstrate your potential to do well on a demanding degree, including the potential to succeed in your chosen discipline.

The following sets out some of the most common academic qualifications. However, each application is reviewed on its individual strengths and merits.

UK requirements
International requirements

A-level

Typical offer	CCC
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-levels should normally include both Mathematics and Physics, with at least grade C in Mathematics. Applications from A-level students without Mathematics and/or Physics will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	In addition, you will need evidence of a broad range of GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above (or grade C).
Additional requirements	You may be asked to come to an interview and/or a mathematics assessment during an Applicant Visit Day as part of the selection process.
Extended Project Qualification	We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Typical offer	Applicants with a tariff score of at least 112 points at least 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction
Subjects	Applicants need to demonstrate a high level of Mathematics.
GCSEs	You will need to have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade 5 (or grade B).

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

27 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Subjects

Higher Level subjects should normally include both Mathematics and Physics, with at least 4 in each.

Applications from students without Higher Mathematics and/or Physics will be considered on a individual basis. We will be looking for evidence of competence in mathematics (and would expect at least a 5 in Standard Level if not taken to Higher level).

Additional requirements

You may be asked to come to an interview and/or a mathematics assessment during an Applicant Visit Day as part of the selection process.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Typical offer	CC at A-level and Merit
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-levels should normally include Mathematics, with at least grade C. Applications from A-level students without Mathematics and/or Physics will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	In addition, you will need evidence of a broad range of GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above (or grade C).
Additional requirements	You may be asked to come to an interview and/or a mathematics assessment during an Applicant Visit Day as part of the selection process.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Typical offer	MMM
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	BTEC Extended National Diploma in Engineering with overall grade of MMM including no less then Distinction in Engineering Principles Unit
GCSEs	You will need to have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade 5 (or grade B).
Additional requirements	You may be asked to come to an interview and/or a mathematics assessment during an Applicant Visit Day as part of the selection process.

Scottish Highers

Typical offer

CCCCC

Subjects

Highers should include Mathematics and Physics, with at least C grade in each.

Additional requirements

You may be asked to come to an interview and/or a mathematics assessment during an Applicant Visit Day as part of the selection process.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer	CCC from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels
Subjects	A-levels should normally include both Mathematics and Physics, with at least C grade in each. Applications from A-level students without Mathematics and/or Physics will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would generally expect you to have studied two broadly scientific or quantitative subjects or have other evidence of high level competence in mathematics.
GCSEs	You will need evidence of a broad range of GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above (or grade 4 in the new grading scale).
Additional requirements	You may be asked to come to an interview and/or a mathematics assessment during an Applicant Visit Day as part of the selection process.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

27 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Subjects

Higher Level subjects should normally include both Mathematics and Physics, with at least 4 in each.

Additional requirements

You may be asked to come to an interview and/or a mathematics assessment during an Applicant Visit Day as part of the selection process.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer	70%
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and a least 75% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER. Or a Queensland OP of 10 .

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Austria

Typical offer	Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of 2.7 or better.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Belgium

Typical offer

Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Bulgaria

Typical offer	Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 4 overall with good grades in key subjects).
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 60% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation BCCCC from 5 grade 12 courses

We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

China

Typical offer	We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Croatia

Typical offer	Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of 3.4 overall
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Cyprus

Typical offer	Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of 15/20
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Czech Republic

Typical offer	Pass in the Maturita with a score of 3 or better in each subject.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Denmark

Typical offer	Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or studentereksamen with a good overall average.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Finland

Typical offer	Finnish Ylioppilastutkinto with an overall average result of 4.5.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

France

Typical offer	French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 11/20.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Germany

Typical offer	German Abitur with an overall result of 2.5 or better.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Greece

Typical offer	Apolytirion with an overall average of a least 15/20
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Hong Kong

Typical offer	Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 4,3,3 from three subjects including two electives.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Hungary

Typical offer	Erettsegi/Matura with a good average
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results

65% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)
65% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
65% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Iran

Typical offer	Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years
Subject-specific knowledge	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ireland

Typical offer	Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H3 H3 H3 H4 H4.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Israel

Typical offer	We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Typical offer	Italian Diploma di Maturità or Diploma Pass di Esame di Stato with a Final Diploma mark of at least 71.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Japan

Typical offer	We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Latvia

Typical offer	Pass Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with an overall average of 60% from 4 final state/school exams.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Lithuania

Typical offer	Brandos Atestatas including an average score of 70% from at least three state examinations (other than English).
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Luxembourg

Typical offer	Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Typical offer	at least Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B4 (70%) from 6 subjects.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Netherlands

Typical offer	Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO).
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Nigeria

Typical offer	We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Typical offer	Norwegian Vitnemal den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of at least 3.5.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Pakistan

Typical offer

You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies.

You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Poland

Typical offer

Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 65th percentile including Mathematics.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Portugal

Typical offer	Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 14/20
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Romania

Typical offer	Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of 7 to 7.5 including good grades in Mathematics.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Russia

Typical offer	Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Typical offer	A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovakia

Typical offer	Maturitna Skuska or Maturita with honours.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Slovenia

Typical offer	Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

South Africa

Typical offer	National Senior Certificate with very good grades.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Typical offer	Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of 6.5.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer	Sri Lankan A-levels.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sweden

Typical offer	Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include C grades in the majority of subjects including grade C in Mathematics.
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Switzerland

Typical offer	Federal Maturity Certificate.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Typical offer

We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1.

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit or

Subject-specific knowledge

You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Typical offer	Students who have a High School Diploma and SAT or ACT tests only would be eligible to apply for our Foundation Year
Additional requirements	You must have a good level of Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider students without it.

My country is not listed

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.

Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Please refer to our English language requirements above, and as listed for each of our undergraduate courses, to find the appropriate English level for the course you are applying for.

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.

Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the ��ɫ is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A – C in English

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the ��ɫ.

List of exempt countries

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

How to apply

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Modules

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Find out more about studying Physics at Sussex, including astrophysics, theoretical physics and particle physics

I work on the ATLAS experiment at the CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, seeking answers to fundamental questions such as ‘What is the nature of dark matter?”Professor Antonella De Santo
Professor of Physics

How to apply

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Fees

Home students:: £9,250 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £9,250 per year
International students:: £22,575 per year

Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis. Find details on our Tuition fees page.

If you’re an international student, note that fees for the foundation year are at the standard lower rate but fees for courses you can choose to continue your studies are at the standard higher rate. This means your fees will rise from lower to higher level after the foundation year.

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.

Please note: Foundation Year courses are not eligible for USA federal Direct Loan funds. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

How to apply

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Next steps

Successfully completing your Foundation Year means you’re able to take a range of degrees at Sussex. The current list of courses available is:

How to apply

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Physics and Astronomy (with a foundation year) BSc (Hons)

Key information

Entry requirements

Is a Foundation Year for you?

A-level

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

International Baccalaureate

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Scottish Highers

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

International Baccalaureate

European Baccalaureate

Other international qualifications

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Canada

China

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

Iran

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Netherlands

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

USA

My country is not listed

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

GCE O-level

GCSE or IGCSE

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level

West African Senior School Certificate

Country exceptions