18/12/2025
Can I get into UK universities with the IB or AP?
At ACS International Schools, we’re committed to ensuring our students make choices that will prepare them for the next steps in their education and lives. Robust university guidance is central to our offer at each of our three Schools, and students have access to our in-depth university counselling services throughout their time with us. We encourage students to take advantage of college counselling as early as possible to help identify courses of interest and ensure they choose the right qualifications to get there (requirements can change, so it’s important to follow the current guidelines).
Two of our most popular pathways to university are the International Baccalaureate (IBDP) and the Advanced Placement (AP) qualifications, both of which are fully accepted by UK university admissions teams.
Let’s look at the IB and AP pathways individually:
The IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate) as a pathway to university
As an alternative to A-Levels, the IB Diploma (IBDP) can be taken directly from GCSEs or our middle school programmes, is a well-established and highly recognised pathway to higher education, and is fully mapped to the UCAS Tariff. Valued for its academic rigour and breadth, it’s consistently rated as the top post-16 qualification, equipping students with the skills necessary to excel in higher education – not only in the UK but around the world. This is increasingly relevant given the rising costs of UK university education and the increasing globalisation of the job market.
The IB’s UK Higher Education Outcomes (2021) report showed that IB diploma students were significantly more likely to attend a top 20 university, to graduate with honours and to engage in further study upon graduation. The IB Diploma is one of the most common international qualifications for UK undergraduate entry, with most universities looking for Diploma Points of 32-40 out of 45.
Students study six subject groups (usually three at a higher level and three at a standard level), so the curriculum is much broader than A-Levels. Rather than focusing on specific, individual subjects, the IB Diploma is a much more holistic education that centres on core competencies, values and skills. This helps the student explore connections between different disciplines, while also developing a skillset that prepares them for life as a global citizen.
Along with the IB and the IBSCA (IB Schools and Colleges Association), ACS International Schools surveyed 81 UK university admissions officers (that’s nearly half of UK universities) in 2017. The results showed that the IB Diploma is seen as overwhelmingly better than A-Levels in terms of preparation for both university and the workplace.
Read more: How the IB prepared Zara for business at university
The Advanced Placement (AP) as a pathway to university
As another alternative to A-Levels, APs (Advanced Placements) are widely recognised by UK university admissions and most UK universities, including Cambridge, Oxford and Imperial, accept the AP. It may be part of the American Curriculum, but contrary to what many people assume, the globally recognised AP isn’t just for American students. In fact, UK universities (as well as universities around the world) see it as evidence that the student has completed one of the most rigorous and demanding curricula available.
Requirements vary by university, but most institutions ask for 3-5 AP exam scores, usually preferring students to have subject-specific requirements that are relevant to their course.
Globally, it’s estimated that more than 2.6 million high school students take the AP, and this academic programme covers seven core disciplines. It’s designed to provide the same level of rigour as a first-year university course, which means that students are more than prepared for higher education by the time they get there. The AP is a great pathway for students who are clear on what they want to study next, because it gives them the option to study a minimum of three subjects in greater depth (as opposed to the IB, which is six subjects).
What else do I need to get into a UK university?
Whether you choose the IB or the AP pathway, students must do all they can to reach their potential at ACS. Universities will prioritise those with the highest scores for competitive courses, e.g. Medicine and Engineering, and the highest-rated universities (e.g. Oxford and Cambridge) will seek those with the highest scores.
Beyond that, strong personal statements, references and predicted grades remain essential.
ACS’s university counselling services
At ACS International Schools, we place great emphasis on preparing all our students for life beyond school. Our comprehensive and globally minded university counselling services provide students with unlimited help to meet admissions requirements and navigate the UCAS system, along with all the other major systems globally. The counselling team also provides country-specific workshops, essay and personal statement guidance, and full application support, so your child is never on their own throughout the process.
“Our counselling model is deeply personalised and relationship-driven. We don’t follow a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, we meet each student where they are. Whether a student is aiming for Oxbridge, exploring creative arts, or considering a gap year, our approach is tailored to their individual goals.” – Jeremy Forrester, ACS International University Counsellor
How do I learn more?
When considering your child’s options for different pathways to higher education, you’re bound to have more questions. A good next step is to book a visit to one of our three schools via the links below, or come along to one of our Open Days. We’ll be delighted to show you round and discuss your child’s particular needs and interests in more detail.
Book a visit:
