- by Eliza Fairweather
- on 23 Oct, 2025
When it comes to applying for a spot at a UK university, the age‑old debate surfaces again: IB vs A Levels. Prospective students and parents scramble to figure out which qualification will give them the best shot at a coveted offer. Below we break down exactly how universities weigh each pathway, what the numbers say, and how you can make a data‑driven choice.
What the UK Admissions System Looks At
All UK universities funnel applications through UCAS, the central admissions service that converts grades into tariff points, checks subject prerequisites, and matches you to courses. The key metrics universities analyse are:
- Predicted or actual grades (or IB scores) and how they map to tariff points.
- Subject relevance - whether you have taken the subjects required for the degree.
- Overall academic rigor, reflected in the depth of the curriculum.
- Personal statement, references, and any entrance exams.
Both the IB Diploma and A‑Level qualifications feed into this funnel, but they do so in subtly different ways.
Understanding the International Baccalaureate (IB)
International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognised two‑year programme that awards a diploma based on six subjects, a 150‑hour Theory of Knowledge course, an extended essay, and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirement. Scores range from 24 to 45 points, with 38 + considered a strong university‑ready result.
IB grades translate to UCAS points as follows: 45 = 180 points, 40 = 160 points, 38 = 152 points, and 35 = 138 points. This conversion shows that a top‑scoring IB student can earn more tariff points than a straight‑A A‑Level student, which is why many universities list “IB 38+ (equivalent to AAA)” as a typical entry benchmark.
Understanding A‑Levels
A‑Levels are the traditional British qualification taken over two years. Students usually select three (sometimes four) subjects, each graded from A* to E. UCAS points are allocated per grade: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16.
Because A‑Levels are subject‑specific, universities can directly see whether you have studied, for example, Physics for an Engineering degree. The typical offer for a competitive course reads “A*AA” or “AAA”.
How Top Universities View the IB
Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) 2024 shows that 58 % of students who entered the UK with an IB diploma received offers from the top 20 universities. Oxford and Cambridge, the two most selective institutions, have nuanced policies:
- Oxford - Accepts IB but requires a minimum of 40 points, with at least 6 in Higher Level subjects that map to the course. For History, they expect HL History = 7, HL English = 6, and another HL at 6.
- Cambridge - Generally prefers A‑Levels for science courses because the lab work component aligns better with its pre‑clinical requirements, yet still offers places to IB students scoring 38+ with strong HL subjects.
Other Russell Group universities, such as Imperial College London and University College London (UCL), list IB entry requirements alongside A‑Level equivalents and often mention that a strong IB profile can “demonstrate broader academic breadth”.
How Universities View A‑Levels
A‑Levels remain the default benchmark for most UK institutions. The advantage is crystal‑clear subject specificity: if you need “Mathematics A* and Physics A” for Mechanical Engineering, the A‑Level transcript tells the admissions team instantly that you meet the prerequisite.
Recent admissions statistics (UCAS 2025) reveal that 73 % of successful applicants to the top 30 universities submitted A‑Level grades, compared with 27 % IB. This skew reflects historic familiarity rather than an inherent quality gap.
That said, many universities openly state that “IB students are welcomed and considered equally”, provided they meet the same academic standards when converted to tariff points.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison: IB vs A‑Levels for UK Admissions
| Factor | International Baccalaureate (IB) | A‑Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Typical entry point (UCAS points) | 38 = 152 points (≈AAA) | A*AA = 160 points |
| Subject breadth | 6 subjects + core (TOK, EE, CAS) | 3‑4 focused subjects |
| Depth in specialist subjects | Higher Level (HL) subjects - max 7 points each | Full‑course A‑Level - depth of two years |
| University preference (survey 2024) | 58 % of top‑20 offers go to IB students | 73 % of top‑30 offers go to A‑Level students |
| Flexibility for interdisciplinary study | High - can mix sciences, arts, and languages | Low - limited to chosen subjects |
| Typical requirement for Oxbridge | IB ≥ 40, HL subjects aligned with course | A*AA in relevant subjects |
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Check the specific course page. Every department lists its exact grade expectations. For a Law degree, many schools require “AAA (or IB 38 with HL History)”.
- Map your subjects. If you’re aiming for Medicine, make sure you have HL Biology and HL Chemistry (IB) or A‑Level Chemistry and Biology plus one more science.
- Convert your predicted scores early. Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to see whether your IB forecast (e.g., 5‑6‑6‑5‑6‑5) meets the numeric threshold.
- Leverage the extended essay. A high‑scoring IB EE in a relevant topic can tip a borderline offer in your favour, especially at research‑intensive universities.
- Consider university outreach. Attend virtual open days; many admissions officers will confirm how they view IB versus A‑Level results for their programmes.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Choosing the wrong Higher Level subjects. An IB student who selects HL Art when applying for Engineering will fall short of the required HL science points.
- Assuming a high IB score guarantees an Oxbridge place. Oxford and Cambridge still demand subject‑specific depth; A‑Level “A*AA” in Physics and Maths is often a safer bet.
- Ignoring the “core” components. A weak Theory of Knowledge essay or minimal CAS hours can reduce the overall IB score, affecting the tariff conversion.
- Relying solely on predicted grades. Universities may ask for actual exam results, especially for conditional offers that are close to the threshold.
Decision‑Making Checklist
- Do your desired universities publish clear IB entry requirements?
If yes, note the required HL subjects and minimum total points. - Are you comfortable with a broader curriculum (IB) or prefer depth in three subjects (A‑Levels)?
- Is your school strong in delivering the IB core components (EE, TOK, CAS)?
- Do you need a high‑impact personal statement that showcases interdisciplinary projects? IB often provides richer material.
- Are you applying to a university that historically favours A‑Levels (e.g., most science courses at Cambridge)?
Mini‑FAQ
Do UK universities treat IB scores the same as A‑Level grades?
Most universities convert IB points to UCAS tariff scores and compare them to the A‑Level equivalents listed on their entry requirements. In practice, a 38‑point IB diploma (≈AAA) is considered comparable to A*AA, but subject‑specific depth still matters for courses like Medicine or Engineering.
Which qualification gives me a better chance at Oxford?
Oxford publishes separate criteria. For most arts and humanities courses, an IB score of 40 + with HL subjects matching the course is sufficient. For science subjects, a traditional A‑Level A*AA profile is still the most straightforward path, though high‑scoring IB applicants are accepted when their HL subjects align well.
Can I mix IB and A‑Levels in one application?
Yes, some schools allow a hybrid route (e.g., IB for most subjects plus an additional A‑Level). Admissions offices treat the A‑Level component as a traditional subject and the IB Diploma as the overarching qualification. You’ll need to ensure the total tariff points meet the course threshold.
How important is the Extended Essay for UK admissions?
While not a formal requirement, a high‑scoring EE (usually 6‑7 points) can boost your overall IB total and demonstrate research capability. Universities that value independent study, such as the social sciences and humanities departments, often view a strong EE as a plus.
Do I need to retake exams if I switch from IB to A‑Levels mid‑course?
Switching mid‑course is rare and usually requires you to sit for the full two‑year A‑Level syllabus, which means you’ll effectively start over. Most students commit to one pathway early to avoid this overhead.
Bottom line: UK universities don’t have a blanket “IB or A‑Levels” preference. They look at the conversion to UCAS points, the relevance of your subjects, and the overall academic rigor. If you thrive on a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum, the IB can showcase that depth; if you prefer laser‑focus on three subjects and want to align perfectly with traditional entry tables, A‑Levels remain the safe bet. Use the checklist above, run the tariff conversion early, and tailor your choice to the universities and courses you’re targeting.