University Entry Requirements – United Kingdom (UK)

🎓 Entry Requirements

• Each university and course sets its own requirements, but most ask for:

  • A-levels (e.g., 4 Bs 3 A Levels 1 AS) or

  • BTECs / GNVQs or equivalents.

• Top universities like Oxford and Cambridge may require interviews and admission tests.

🌍 International Students

• A-levels are not required, but you must check with the university to see if your home qualifications are accepted.

• Use the UK NARIC (now UK ENIC) service to compare international qualifications.

📝 How to Apply?

• Apply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service):

  • Sept 1: Applications open

  • Jan 15: Main deadline for UK/EU students

  • June 30: Final main deadline

  • July–Sept 30: Clearing Process for late applications

🧾 Qualifications Recognised

• A-levels (UK, Cambridge International)

• BTECs

• Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

• Welsh Baccalaureate

University Entry Requirements – Ireland (e.g. Trinity College Dublin)

🎓 General Requirements (for UK students)

You must have either of the following:

• 2 A Levels + 4 GCSEs (Grade C A Levels and grade 4 GCSE or above) Normally 3 A Levels plus AS

• Or combinations of A Levels + AS Levels + GCSEs

🧾 Subject Requirements

• English and Mathematics are compulsory.

• Trinity College Dublin also requires:

  • 6 subjects total (min. 2 A Levels at Grade C+)

  • A pass in a second language (Latin or another)

🚫 Subjects Not Accepted

• General Studies, Media Studies, PE

• Certain subject combinations are disallowed (e.g., Biology + Botany)

📊 Scoring System

• Score calculated using:

  • Best 4 A-Level grades from one sitting 

  • Best 3 A-Levels + 1 AS-Level

• Bonus: +25 points for A-Level Maths (if it’s in your top 4)

💰 Fees & Funding

• UK students do not need a visa

• May qualify for Free Fees Initiative if you’ve lived in UK/EU for 3 of last 5 years

University Entry Requirements – Spain

🎓 Types of Universities

• Public Universities: State-funded, free or low-cost

• Private Universities: Charge tuition; often smaller class sizes and more subject options

📚 Teaching Language

• Most Spanish universities teach in Spanish

• Check individually for courses available in English

🧾 Pros and Cons

Private Universities/Public Universities

Smaller class sizes Free or low-cost

More extracurriculars May have fewer courses in English

Higher tuition (€4,000–€20,000/year or more)Limited access for non-EU students (in some cases)

💰 Fees

• Private universities: €4,000–€30,000 per year

• Public universities: Very low tuition or free for EU students

📌 Key Differences – UK vs Ireland vs Spain

Aspect UK/Ireland/Spain

Application system UCASDirect to university Direct to university

Main qualifications A-Levels, BTECsA-Levels + GCSEs Spanish "Bachillerato" or UK A-Levels

Fees (UK students)£9,250–£16,500/year Often free (under Free Fees Initiative)Public: Free/cheap; Private: €4k–€30k/year

Visa needed (UK)N/A❌ (no visa required)✅ (as UK is now outside the EU)

Teaching language English/ English/ Irish Mostly Spanish (check for English options)