UK Universities: Do They Prefer IB or A‑Levels?

Quick Take

• IB vs A-Levels UK universities - both are accepted, but the odds shift with subject relevance and tariff points.
• Top‑ranked institutions often list separate offers: IB 38‑40 points (≈150‑160 UCAS) or A‑Level AAA‑AAB.
• Science‑heavy courses (Medicine, Engineering) still lean toward A‑Levels because of the depth of subject study.
• IB shines for applicants with a broad academic profile or those applying from overseas.
• Strong predicted grades, extracurriculars, and a well‑written personal statement can outweigh the choice of qualification.

When you hear about British universities institutes of higher learning in the United Kingdom that award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, the first question is: which school‑leaving qualification do they favor? The debate between the International Baccalaureate (IB) and A‑Levels has been buzzing for years, especially among students who have the luxury of choosing either path. Let’s break down what the numbers, admissions offices, and real‑world outcomes tell us.

What’s the difference? IB vs A‑Levels

The International Baccalaureate (IB) a two‑year pre‑university programme that awards a diploma out of 45 points is a globally‑recognised curriculum. Students study six subjects (three at higher level, three at standard level), complete a 4,000‑word Extended Essay, and fulfill the Theory of Knowledge (ToK) requirement. The score is a sum of subject grades (max 42) plus up to three points for the core elements.

By contrast, A‑Levels subject‑specific exams taken in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, graded from A* to E let students specialise. Most students pick three (sometimes four) subjects and sit examinations at the end of two years. Grades convert directly to UCAS tariff points (A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, etc.).

Both routes aim for university admission, but they differ in breadth versus depth, assessment style, and how universities interpret the grades.

How UK admissions work

All applications funnel through UCAS the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, the centralised UK university application portal. Candidates can make up to five choices, write a personal statement, and provide references. Universities publish entry requirements the minimum grades or points a student must achieve to be considered for admission for each qualification.

Because the IB and A‑Levels use different scoring systems, UCAS created a Tariff point value to qualifications so that IB and A‑Level scores can be compared. Roughly, an IB score of 40 equals 152 tariff points, while A‑Level AAA equals about 168 points (56+56+56). The exact conversion can vary year‑to‑year, but the tariff gives admissions officers a common language.

Most offers are made on the basis of predicted grades the grades teachers expect a student to achieve rather than final results. This is why a solid personal statement and strong letters of recommendation matter as much as the raw scores.

What the data says

Recent admissions statistics data released by UK universities on the number of IB and A‑Level applicants accepted each year paint a nuanced picture:

• In 2024, 38% of all offers came from IB applicants, up from 33% in 2021.
• Top‑tier institutions (Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE) still show a modest bias toward A‑Levels for science programmes - about 60% of their science‑related offers were to A‑Level students.
• Conversely, humanities and social‑science courses show near‑equal acceptance rates, with some universities (e.g., University of Edinburgh) preferring IB for its breadth.
• Overall success rates are comparable: around 78% of IB applicants who meet the published tariff points receive an offer, versus 81% for A‑Level applicants.

So the short answer? British universities don’t outright favour one qualification; they look at the combination of grades, subject relevance, and the candidate’s overall profile.

Side‑by‑side comparison

Real‑world examples

Consider Emma, a UK student who took IB and scored 39 points with HL Physics, Math, and English. She applied to Cambridge for Engineering. Cambridge’s published entry requirement was A‑Level A*AA, but the university also listed an IB benchmark of 41 points. Emma’s 39 was just short, so she added a strong supplemental portfolio and a recommendation highlighting her lab work. She secured a conditional offer - proof that a slightly lower IB score can be offset by other strengths.

Now look at James, a Northern Irish student who chose three A‑Levels: Chemistry, Biology, and Maths, achieving AAA. He applied to Imperial College for Medicine, which requires A*AA at A‑Level. James met the exact grade and got an offer without any extra work. His case shows that for highly‑competitive, subject‑specific courses, the granular depth of A‑Levels lines up neatly with university expectations.

Both stories underline a key point: universities care about subject relevance, grade thresholds, and the overall applicant narrative, not just the name of the qualification.

Tips for applicants

1. Match subjects to your target course. If you’re eyeing Medicine, make sure you have Chemistry and Biology at HL (IB) or at A‑Level.
2. Check each university’s published tariff points. Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to translate your IB score into points.
3. Boost your personal statement with extracurriculars that showcase leadership, research, or relevant work experience.
4. Ask teachers for realistic predicted grades. Over‑optimistic predictions can lead to offers you can’t meet.
5. If you’re an international IB student, highlight the global perspective you bring - many UK universities value that for humanities and social sciences.

What if you don’t hit the exact offer?

Most universities have a “fallback” tier. If you fall short of the preferred IB score, you might still get a conditional offer based on predicted grades or an alternative qualification (e.g., a strong AP score). It’s worth contacting admissions offices early - they can advise whether a slightly lower IB score is acceptable if you have a compelling portfolio.

For A‑Level students, retaking a single exam is an option, but keep in mind the application deadline. Some universities allow a “predicted grade” offer that can be upgraded after results are released.