For students following a British curriculum, A Levels and university entry are closely connected. A Levels allow students to specialise in a smaller number of subjects while developing the academic depth required for higher education.
For international families, however, university planning should not begin after the final A Level examination. The choice of A Level subjects, university destinations, application deadlines and additional requirements can all influence a student’s pathway.
At Owl Academy International School in Mortsel, Antwerp, university planning is integrated into the A Level experience, helping students connect their academic choices with their long-term goals.
What Are A Levels?
A Levels are two-year, subject-based qualifications normally studied by students aged 16–18. At Owl Academy, students in Grades 11–12 typically study 3–4 A Levels, with more than 15 subjects available through Pearson Edexcel and Oxford/AQA.
Unlike a broad secondary curriculum, A Levels allow students to develop deeper knowledge in subjects related to their interests and future degree plans.
For example:
- Medicine: Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
- Engineering: Mathematics, Physics and Further Mathematics
- Economics: Mathematics, Economics and another relevant subject
- Computer Science: Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics
- Humanities: History, English Literature and another relevant subject
The right combination depends on the student’s intended university course.
Why Is University Planning Important During A Levels?
University planning should begin before students make their final A Level choices.
Different university courses can have specific subject requirements. A student who knows they want to study a particular degree can therefore work backwards:
University → Degree → Required subjects → A Level choices → Academic preparation
This approach helps students avoid choosing subjects that could restrict their options later.
At Owl Academy, A Level subject selection is specifically linked to students’ intended university and career pathways.
A Levels and University Entry in the UK
The UK is a natural destination for A Level students because A Levels are a major qualification used for undergraduate admissions.
Students generally apply through UCAS, and universities set their own requirements for individual courses.
For UK applicants, universities may consider:
- A Level subjects
- Predicted grades
- Final A Level grades
- GCSE or equivalent results
- Personal statement information
- Admissions tests where required
- Interviews for certain courses or universities
Students targeting highly competitive universities should begin researching course requirements early.
For example, a student interested in medicine, engineering or other specialist degrees should check whether particular A Level subjects are required or recommended.
University Planning for Oxford, Cambridge and Other Competitive Universities
Students aiming for highly competitive UK universities need to think beyond simply achieving good grades.
The academic profile should be built progressively through the A Level years.
University planning can include:
- Identifying suitable degree courses
- Researching university entry requirements
- Selecting appropriate A Level subjects
- Building strong academic performance
- Developing subject-specific knowledge beyond the syllabus
- Preparing for admissions tests where applicable
- Preparing for interviews where required
- Planning the UCAS application
Owl Academy provides guidance with UCAS applications, personal statements, admissions test preparation and interview skills as part of its A Level university preparation.
A Levels and University Entry in Europe
A Levels can also provide a pathway to universities across Europe. However, requirements can differ considerably between countries, universities and degree programmes.
For students considering universities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France or other European destinations, university planning should include checking:
- Whether A Levels satisfy the institution’s entry requirements
- Required A Level subjects
- Minimum grades
- Language requirements
- Application deadlines
- Whether qualification recognition or equivalence documentation is required
- Any additional entrance requirements
Students should always check the current requirements of their chosen university rather than assuming that the same admissions rules apply throughout Europe.
For international families studying in Belgium, this early research can make the transition from secondary education to university much smoother.
A Levels and University Entry in the USA
The US university admissions process is different from the UK system.
American universities may consider a broader academic and personal profile, including:
- A Level subjects and grades
- School academic records
- Academic interests
- Extracurricular activities
- Essays or application responses
- Teacher recommendations
- English-language requirements where applicable
- Standardised tests where required or submitted
This means university planning for the USA should begin well before the final A Level examinations.
Students should research individual universities and understand what each institution expects from international applicants.
Owl Academy states that its university advisers support students applying outside the UK, including applications to universities in the United States and Europe.
University Planning: More Than Choosing a University
Good university planning is not simply creating a list of famous universities.
Students should consider:
1. The Degree
What does the student actually want to study?
2. Subject Requirements
Does the degree require specific A Level subjects?
3. Academic Profile
Are the student’s predicted and achieved grades realistic for the universities being considered?
4. Application System
Will the student apply through UCAS, a national European system, the university directly or a US application platform?
5. Additional Requirements
Does the course require an admissions test, interview, portfolio or other assessment?
6. Deadlines
International applications can have different deadlines, so families should create a timeline well in advance.
Building a Strong University Application
Academic grades remain central to university applications, but students should also develop evidence of genuine academic interest.
Depending on their destination and course, this might include:
- Independent reading
- Academic projects
- Competitions
- Research
- Subject-related activities
- Relevant extracurricular activities
- Leadership experiences
- Summer academic programmes
Owl Academy’s extracurricular programme also highlights how sustained activities can provide meaningful experiences for university applications.
The important point is quality and relevance rather than collecting activities simply to make an application look impressive.
A Suggested University Planning Timeline
Before A Levels
Research possible degree subjects and university requirements.
A Level Year 1
Choose subjects carefully, develop academic strengths and begin building a university shortlist.
During A Level Year 1
Research entry requirements in greater detail and identify admissions tests, interviews or other requirements.
A Level Year 2
Prepare applications, personal statements and any additional assessments while maintaining strong academic performance.
After Examinations
Use final results to progress to the chosen university pathway.
Starting this process early gives students more time to make informed decisions rather than rushing applications during their final school year.
How Owl Academy Supports University Planning
At Owl Academy, university preparation is integrated into the A Level programme rather than being treated as a final-year activity.
Students receive guidance with:
- University and course selection
- A Level subject choices
- Application planning
- UCAS applications
- Personal statement preparation
- Admissions test preparation where required
- Interview preparation
- International university applications
This approach helps students connect their academic work with their future goals.
