2015 International Qualifications UCA Recognition

8/10/2019 2015 International Qualifications UCA Recognition

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International

qualifications

This publication contains information relating to a

wide range of international qualifications offered forundergraduate admission in the UK.

For entry to university orcollege in 2015


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Published by: UCAS Rosehill New Barn Lane Cheltenham GL52 3LZ

UCAS 2014

All rights reserved.UCAS is a registered trade mark.

UCAS, a company limited by guarantee, is registered in England and Wales number: 2839815Registered charity number: 1024741 (England and Wales) and SC038598 (Scotland)

Publication reference: 130226

We have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at time of publication. We will not, however, accept anyliability for errors, omissions or changes to information since publication. Wherever possible any changes will be updated on the UCAS website (www.ucas.com).

Copies of this publication can be downloaded from www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/advisers-and-referees/guides-and-resourcesFor further information about the UCAS application process for HEPs go to www.ucas.com/members-providers

If you need to contact the HEP Team: phone 01242 545734 or fax 01242 544 961

If you have hearing difficulties, you can contact the customer service team, using the text relay service:From the UK phone 18001 0371 468 0 468

If you have received exceptional service from someone at UCAS and want to acknowledge it, then we would like to hear from you- please email your commentsto [email protected]. Further information can be found on our website www.ucas.com.


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This guide is primarily intended as a working document for

selectors and staff involved in admissions and associated

activities in higher education providers (HEPs). The

publication contains information relating to a wide range

of international qualifications offered for undergraduateadmission in the UK. It will also be of interest and

relevance to guidance staff in schools, the further

education (FE) sector and careers services that advise

overseas applicants on entry to higher education (HE).

Its purpose is to provide up-to-date information whichis easy to access and use, and which will promote theeffectiveness and quality of the admissions process.The publication therefore contains details of a range ofqualifications available from many countries throughoutthe world. All entries have been submitted to theappropriate authority of the country concerned to allowan opportunity for comment and update.

UCAS is particularly grateful for the care and attentiontaken by correspondents in the updating and constructivesuggestions they have given for this publication. Extensivereference has been made to additional sources andpublications, including UK and overseas education andexamination authorities (see Appendix I).

The aim of the publication is to provide objectiveinformation, on the basis of which HEPs can make theirown decisions about the admission of internationalstudents. The inclusion of qualifications does not implyrecognition or endorsement on the part of UCAS or HEPsfor the purpose of entry to HE programmes.

UCAS would be pleased to receive comments andsuggestions about the format and content of thispublication for the benefit of future editions.

Please send any comments you have to:

Margaret FarragherPolicy & Research DevelopmentUCASRosehillNew Barn LaneCheltenhamGloucestershireGL52 3LZ

t: +44 (0)1242 223 765e: [email protected]

Preface


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INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 3

Introduction 4

CountriesAlbania 6

Algeria 6Australia 7Austria 8Bahrain 9Bangladesh 9Belgium 10Botswana 10Brazil 11Brunei 11Bulgaria 12Cameroon 12Canada 13China 16Croatia 17Cyprus 17Czech Republic 18Denmark 19Egypt 20Eritrea 21Estonia 21Ethiopia 22Faroe Islands 23Finland 23France 24Gambia 25Georgia 25Germany 26

Ghana 27Greece 27Hong Kong 30Hungary 31Iceland 31India 32Indonesia 33Iran 33Iraq 34Ireland (Eire) 34Israel 35Italy 36Japan 36Jordan 37Kazakhstan 37Kenya 38Kuwait 38Latvia 39Lebanon 40Liechtenstein 40Lithuania 41Luxembourg 42Macedonia (Republic of) 42Malawi 43Malaysia 43Malta 45Mauritius 45

Mexico 46Montenegro 46Morocco 47Myanmar 47

Nepal 47Netherlands 48New Zealand 49Nigeria 51

Norway 51Oman 52Pakistan 52The Philippines 53Poland 53Portugal 55Qatar 55Romania 56Russia 57Saudi Arabia 57Serbia 58Sierra Leone 58Singapore 59Slovakia 59Slovenia 60South Africa 60South Korea 62Spain 62Sri Lanka 64Sudan 64Sweden 64Switzerland 65Syria 66Taiwan 66Tanzania 67Thailand 67Tunisia 68

Turkey 68Uganda 69Ukraine 69United Arab Emirates 70United States of America 70Uzbekistan 71Venezuela 72Vietnam 72West Indies/Caribbean 72 Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas,

Barbados, Belize, Bermuda,British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands,Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica,

Montserrat, St Kitts/Nevis, St Lucia,St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidadand Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands

Zambia 74Zimbabwe 74

AppendicesA International examinations of UK awarding 75

organisationsB European Baccalaureate 84C International Baccalaureate 86D Option Internationale du Baccalaurat 91E International foundation programmes 92F English language proficiency 93

G ECL European modern languages examination 96H The UCAS Tariff 98I Additional sources 99

Contents


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Welcome to the UCAS International QualificationsGuide 2015.

Globalisation is leading to a greater mobility of students

across the world, and UK HE is benefiting from the

recruitment of students from other countries. It is thereforeimportant that HE admissions officers, staff and tutors are

fully aware of the qualifications that may be offered byinternational applicants. The main aim of this publication

is to provide clear and up-to-date information that allows

international students to be assessed fairly, and promotesan understanding of the value of their qualifications,

giving higher education providers (HEPs) the ability tomake realistic offers to international students.

Just as in the UK, the political map of the world isconstantly changing. This affects educational systemsand the qualifications offered by potential applicants toUK HE. It can also make it difficult to obtain informationfrom some countries.

PRESENTATION OF MATERIALThe layout of this edition is similar to previous editions,with the entries arranged in alphabetical order of country,and provides the following.g Evaluation how qualifications offered by applicants

compare with UK qualificationsg Grading system how the examinations are marked

or graded by the awarding body or educationalsystem. Where possible, the distribution of gradesis given

g Education system a brief outline of how the systemworks in each country to inform the assessment ofqualifications

g Access to higher education an insight into therequirements within each country.

It should be noted that some entries that have beenreviewed for the 2015 guide remain the same as for2014. In these cases, the details of the educationsystems in those countries do not need updating.

The Appendices include the following information:g Appendix A covers a number of UK awarding

organisations offering examinations to overseascentres

g Appendix B covers information on the EuropeanBaccalaureate

g Appendix C covers the International Baccalaureate

with information on the Middle Years Programme(MYP) and certification

g Appendix D covers the Option International duBaccalaurat

g Appendix E covers international foundationprogrammes

g Appendix F covers English language proficiencyand embodies information on a wide variety ofexaminations and tests, which applicants may presentas evidence of competence in English

g Appendix G covers the ECL European modernlanguages examination

g Appendix H provides information about theUCAS Tariff

g Appendix I includes useful email addresses andwebsites, as well as postal addresses and telephoneand fax numbers.

The information in this publication is also available on theUCAS website.

UCAS also provides Qualification Information Profiles(QIPs) which include a range of comparable informationabout qualifications such as size, grading, assessment,structure and content. QIPs for selected EU andinternational qualifications can be found on the UCASwebsite at www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/advisers-and-referees/guides-and-resources

UCAS would welcome any feedback on the qualificationsguide. Any comments or questions should be sent [email protected].

COMPARABILITY WITH UK QUALIFICATIONS

Wherever possible, comparisons have been drawnwith UK qualifications. In considering applicants withnon-UK qualifications, it is worth bearing in mind thatmany countries have broadly based school-leaving

examinations. The group certificates obtained insuch countries usually cannot be readily convertedinto single-subject equivalencies in terms of UKqualifications; the most appropriate way to evaluateperformance may be to look for high marks in subjectsof particular relevance to the candidates application.Further information about the comparability of overseasqualifications can be obtained from UK NARIC at http://ecctis.co.uk/naric/Organisations/Default.aspx

The Bologna Declaration (1999) includes in its objectivesthe adoption and promotion of a Europe-wide system ofcomparable degrees based on two main cycles of study,leading to bachelors and masters awards respectively.

The knowledge and capabilities of a graduate from aEuropean bachelors programme should, generally, equipthem to progress to masters level study. It is importantto note, however, that the selection of candidates toprogrammes at UK HEPs is determined solely by theinstitution concerned and is not an automatic right.Progress towards the two-study-cycles system is beingmade at different rates across the signatory countries.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE QUALIFICATIONS

English language proficiency has a particular importancefor international applicants to enable them to cope withstudy at a UK HEP. For many English is not the primarylanguage of communication and, in some instances,

the English language syllabus of their school-leavingexamination may be regarded as less than rigorousor inadequate. Details of some of the main Englishlanguage proficiency tests can be found in Appendix F.

Applicants from outside the European Economic Area(EEA) and Switzerland also need to prove their knowledgeof the English language, in addition to meeting otherrequirements, when applying for a Tier 4 student visafor study in the UK. The level of English required is CEFRlevel B2 for courses at NQF/QCF Level 6 or SCQF Level 9or above. Information about approved language testscan be found on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)website at www.gov.uk/organisations/uk-visas-and-

immigration

Introduction

4 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS


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Qualificationscurrently offeredlisted by country


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AlbaniaThis entry was last reviewed prior to 2010.

EVALUATION

Certificate of Maturity (Secondary School LeavingCertificate)Considered to be equivalent to GCSE grade A*C, with the

exception of English language.GRADING SYSTEM

10 excellent

9 very good

8 good

7 very satisfactory

6 satisfactory

5 almost satisfactory(lowest pass mark)

4 unsatisfactory

3 very unsatisfactory

2 poor

1 very poor

The highest mark: 10Pass/fail level: 5/4 the lowest pass mark 5.

EDUCATION SYSTEM

Compulsory education lasts from age six to 15. Basiceducation lasts five years from age six to 11 and lowersecondary education lasts four years from age 11 to 15.

Higher secondary education lasts from age 15 to 18. Itis divided into three streams, general, social and natural.Upon completion of higher secondary education studentsare awarded the Maturity Diploma.

Also available is Professional School Education whichgenerally lasts three years and successful candidates are

awarded the Maturity Diploma and the Professional SkillsCertificate for Qualified Workers.

Technical School Education lasts five years from age15 and upon successful completion candidates areawarded the Maturity Diploma and the Professional SkillsCertificate for Secondary Technicians.

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to Higher Education is by State Maturityexams, which involves undertaking four exams, of whichtwo are compulsory and two are optional and is based onaverage marks of secondary school years.

The subjects for the compulsory exams are set forsecondary school, whereas the subjects for the twooptional exams are chosen by the student from groupsof optional subjects, of which there were eight forthe academic year 20072008. All students undergocompulsory exams. With these two compulsory examsthe pupils complete secondary school and receive theMaturity Certificate.

HIGHER EDUCATION

The higher education system in Albania consists ofpublic and private universities, and academies dividedinto faculties.

Since 2005, universities and higher non-university schoolsstarted the system of studies with bachelors and masterscycles in Albania.

Due to Albanias inclusion in the Bologna process inSeptember 2003, the structure of cycles at doctorate levelhas not yet been implemented. For this reason, this levelof studies continues with former programmes not being

adapted to Bologna process requirements. Normal durationof doctorate studies (full-time) is three to five years.

AlgeriaThis entry was last reviewed prior to 2010.

EVALUATION

Baccalaurat or Baccalaurat TechniqueConsidered to be between the BTEC First Diploma andBTEC National Diploma.

Baccalaurat de lEnseignement Secondaire

May be accepted as a group qualification by someinstitutions as satisfying general entrance requirements,provided that an overall grade of at least bien has beenachieved. May usually need to be supplemented withGCE A level.

Diplme de Technicien SuprieurConsidered to be comparable to BTEC NationalDiploma/N(S)VQ.

GRADING SYSTEM

2016 trs bien (very good)

1514 bien (good)

1312 assez bien (fair)

1110 passable/moyen (pass)

90 insuffisant (fail)

EDUCATION SYSTEM

Compulsory education is nine years, ages six to 15,followed by three years secondary. The medium ofinstruction is Arabic throughout. French or English aretaught as the first foreign language. At the end of thenine years of compulsory primary education, pupils maybe awarded a Brevet dEtudes Fondamentales (BEF) andthe more able will transfer to secondary education. At asecondary school, pupils will follow a common curriculumin the first year, then select an arts, science or technologyoption and take either the Baccalaurat denseignement

secondaire (arts or science stream) or Baccalaurat deTechnicien (technology steam) after three years.


The Baccalaurat is the basic university entrancerequirement in Algeria at grades from 10 accordingto the type of degree to be pursued. Some institutionsand courses may stipulate study within a particularstream of the Baccalaurat. Algeria is moving towardsa three-tier system (Licence-Master-Doctorat) to bringthem in line with the European Bologna process. Theundergraduate degree, the Licence, is awarded afterthree years of study.

Qualifications currently offered



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AustraliaThis entry was last reviewed prior to 2010.

EVALUATION

In general, senior secondary certificates of education,which meet the matriculation requirements of universitiesin Australia, are acceptable in satisfying the generalentrance requirements for UK universities.

GRADING SYSTEMAll grades reported on the senior secondary certificatesachieved by students are based on curriculum statementsthat are developed through accreditation procedures andare community endorsed.

School-based assessments are moderated throughstatistical and consensus-based moderation procedures toensure comparability.

EDUCATION SYSTEMAll aspects of primary and secondary education are theresponsibility of the individual state or territory government.

Each state and territory system has distinctive featuresthat are comparable in leading to a reasonably broadmatriculation-type examination in most instances.

These examinations, together with school assessment, areseen as the appropriate basis for entry into a three-yeardegree or a four-year honours degree in Australia.Although curriculum statements are accredited separatelyin each system, there is significant and increasingnational comparability.

The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is knownby different titles according to the State or Territoryissuing authority:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) ACT Year 12 Certificate

New South Wales (NSW) Higher School Certificate (HSC)

Northern Territory Northern Territory Certificate ofEducation (NTCE)

Queensland Queensland Certificate of Education

South Australia South Australian Certificate ofEducation (SACE)

Tasmania Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)

Victoria Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)

Western Australia Western Australian Certificate ofEducation (WACE)

These certificates are underpinned by quality assuranceprocesses managed by boards of studies in each state/territory. Each board of studies is a member of theAustralasian Curriculum, Assessment and ReportingAuthority (ACARA) and implements the ACARAguidelines for certification and for assessment qualityand equity. Each certificate is also part of the AustralianQualifications Framework (AQF) a national systemof learning pathways covering a number of different

levels of qualification linking universities and vocationaleducation and training with school education.

Student scores for all subjects used for university entranceare placed on the one scale to ensure that students are

not disadvantaged by their subject choice or the schoolthey attend. There is separation of university ranking andstandards reporting at the end of year 12.

Each senior secondary certificate is associated with anoverall ranking of students achievement in years 11 and12. For all states and territories, except Queensland, thenationally agreed common index is expressed out of 100and calculated at intervals of 0.05. It is a percentile rankof that years cohort, not of the students completing therequirements. For Queensland, Overall Positions (OPs) arereported as one of 25 bands in which Band 1 is the highest.

These measures, calculated in some states by the tertiaryadmissions centres and in others by the relevant board ofstudies, allow students to be placed in an academic orderof merit for selection to tertiary courses via a nationallyagreed common index. This allows comparisons to bemade across states and territories. Since 2010, thiscommon index has been called the Australian TertiaryAdmission Rank (ATAR) in all states and territories exceptQueensland. These indicators of overall achievement arethe same in all states except Queensland, e.g. an ATAR

of 81.00 in Western Australia is equivalent to an ATAR of81.00 in New South Wales. Queensland reports studentsoverall achievement in terms of OPs.

Studies include a range of academic disciplines andvocational courses. The format is a mix of directedclassroom studies, extensive written assignmentsand formal examinations, and may include commonassessment tasks. Depending on study alternatives,students may also apply skills, demonstrateunderstanding and undertake performance, project,group and fieldwork activities.

A comprehensive summary of the various year 12systems is contained in the web-based publicationLeaving School in Australia Year 12 State by Statepublished by ACARA and updated regularly. Thispublication can be accessed at www.acara.edu.au.

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATIONThe universities in Australia are autonomous institutionsand set their own faculty and course entrancerequirements. Specific subjects and levels of achievementmay be prescribed as prerequisites for entry to individualcourses. A universitys entrance requirement is most clearlylinked to the school leaving certificate system in its ownstate. In New South Wales, the Universities AdmissionsCentre calculates an ATAR score for students who havecompleted the Higher School Certificate. This is reported

out of 100 at intervals of 0.05 for each eligible student. Onthis basis, cut-off points for the University of New SouthWales in 2010, for Commonwealth-supported students,were: law 99.55, science 78.00, arts 79.00, architecture95.40, commerce 96.00 and engineering 91.05.

The South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC)calculates ATAR for students who have completed theSouth Australian Certificate of Education. In 2011 cut-offpoints for the University of Adelaide were: arts 65.05,commerce 80.00, civil and structural engineering 80.45,and law 95.25 (undergraduate entry), science 70 andarchitecture 70 (design studies). Since 2000 entry to theUniversity of Queensland, the following OPs have been

required for courses: arts OP12, commerce OP7, engineeringOP8, architecture OP5, science OP12 and law OP3.

Recent information can be obtained from each statesUniversity Admission Centre website.




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AustriaThis entry was last reviewed for the 2014 qualificationsguide.

EVALUATION

Reifeprfungszeugnis/MaturazeugnisAcceptable as a group qualification satisfying generalentrance requirements.

Pupils who pass the school-leaving examination at theend of academic secondary school receive a matriculationcertificate (Reifeprfungszeugnis).

Five-year courses at technical and vocational colleges endwith a Reife-and Diplomprfung.

These certificates entitle the learner to enrol in studyprogrammes.

Alternatives comprise the Berufsreifeprfungszeugnisand theStudienberechtigungsprfungszeugnis, the latterbeing valid for a given study programme. Depending onthe programme chosen, supplementary examinationsmay be required.

GRADING SYSTEM

1 sehr gut (very good)

2 gut (good)

3 befriedigend (satisfactory)

4 gengend (sufficient)

5 nicht gengend (insufficient)

Candidates must achieve grade 4 or better in every subject.

Students are entitled to promotion to the next higheryear if he/she has successfully completed the previousyear, i.e. if the end-of-year report shows grades for all

compulsory subjects and none of them contains thegrade insufficient.

EDUCATION SYSTEM

Education is compulsory for nine years and starts at theage of six.

Compulsory full-time education:Volksschule or Grundschule (primary school) 610 years of age

Hauptschule(general secondary school) Neue Mittelschule(new secondary school)

Allgemein bildende hhere Schule Unterstufe(academic secondary school lower level)

1014 years of age

First year of an upper secondary school 1415 years of age

Upper secondary educationUpper secondary level AgeAllgemein bildende hhere Schule (Oberstufe)(academic secondary school upper level) )

1418

Polytechnische Schule(pre-vocational school) 1415

Berufsbildende mittlere Schule(technical andvocational school)

14+

Berufsbildende hhere Schule(technical andvocational college)

1419

Bildungsanstalt fr Kindergartenpdagogik/Sozialpdagogik (training schools forkindergarten school teachers and educators)

1419

Berufsbildende Pflichtschule (part-timecompulsory vocational school)

15+

Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegeschulen(health and nursing schools)

16+ 19+

Ausbildungseinrichtungen nichtrztlicherGesundheitsberufe (paramedical schools) 16+


In Austria, higher education is provided by publicuniversities, private universities, Fachhochschulen(universities of applied sciences) and University Collegesof Teacher Education (Pdagogische Hochschulen). Thepublic universities are legal entities under public lawhaving their own legal standing. They act free from anyinstructions and regulate their specific matters

autonomously in their statutes. The performance of eachuniversity and its budget is negotiated every three yearsbetween the respective university and the Federal Ministerand laid down in performance agreements. Students atAustrian public universities have to pay tuition fees, whichamount to EUR 363,36 per semester. The fee is waivedfor Austrian students, EU/EEA nationals, students withSwiss nationality as well as other third country long termresident students as long as they do not exceed theduration of study regulated in the respective curriculumplus two additional semesters for a bachelors and amasters programme.

Admission to a bachelors programme requires: g the general university entrance qualification at

public universitiesg the specific university entrance qualification for the

chosen study programmeg knowledge of the German language

g proof of artistic aptitude in case of artisticprogrammes

g proof of aptitude for physical/motor skills for teachertraining programmes in physical education(Leibeserziehung) and for the degree programmes insports sciences (Sportwissenschaften)

g legally based admission procedures at publicuniversities for several study programmes

g

admission procedure for universities of appliedsciences degree programmes g proof of aptitude for teacher training programmes

at university colleges of education.

Admission to a bachelors (diploma) degreeprogrammeis granted upon the basis of the Austrianhigher secondary school leaving certificate (Reifezeugnis),its foreign equivalent, or the successful completion of aspecial university entrance qualification examination(Studienberechtigungsprfung). Students of compulsorylower schools who have completed additional schooling inthe form of apprenticeships as skilled workers may take avocationally based examination acknowledged as

equivalent to the higher secondary school leavingcertificate (Berufsreifeprfung).

In some fields of study admission is based on a selectiveadmission process. This applies in particular to universitiesof applied sciences bachelors and masters degreeprogrammes, study programmes at university colleges ofeducation and some diploma and bachelors degreeprogrammes at universities in accordance with respectivelegal authorisation. This is the case for the studyprogrammes Human Medicine, Dental Medicine,Veterinary Medicine, Psychology and CommunicationStudies and Journalism. In Wintersemester 2013/14 anew admission process started for demanded study fields

as Architecture and Urban Design Biology andBiochemistry, Nutritional Science, Pharmacy and severalBusiness Studies. For more information visit:www.studienbeginn.at/




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Admission to a master's degree programmeis grantedon the basis of the successful completion of a relevantbachelor's degree programme, university of appliedsciences bachelor's degree programme or other equivalentprogramme at a recognised domestic or foreignpost-secondary educational institution. The curriculum ofa master's degree programme at public universities maydetermine specific qualitative conditions for admission to

the respective programme.

Admission to a doctoral programmeis done by theuniversity. In general, compliance with the generaluniversity entrance qualification for doctoral programmes isprovided by the successful completion of a relevantdiploma or master's degree programme, university ofapplied sciences diploma or master's degree programme orother equivalent programme at a recognised domestic orforeign post-secondary educational institution.

Whenever an applicant has obtained a foreign admissiontitle, its equivalency to the corresponding Austrianadmission titles must be reviewed. In many cases,

equivalency is given by multilateral and/or bilateralagreements. In all other cases, equivalency must bedecided on a case by case basis; if necessary,supplementary examinations may be required as anadmission condition.

For more information visit:www.bmwf.gv.at/home/studies/academic_mobility/

BahrainThis entry was last reviewed prior to 2010.

EVALUATION

Tawjahiya (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)Acceptable at 60% or better in lieu of GCSE on a subjectfor subject basis (except English Language).

Would need to be supplemented by GCE A levels, ScottishHighers or Advanced Highers, or a bridging course.

GRADING SYSTEMMarking varies between subjects; the maximum andminimum marks per subject are shown on the certificate.

EDUCATION SYSTEMArabic is the medium of instruction in schools. Englishis the first foreign language studied, and is taken fromthe third year of primary school, remaining compulsory

until the end of secondary education. Six years ofprimary education leads to three years of intermediateeducation. The Intermediate School Certificate or itsequivalent is a prerequisite to proceeding to threeyears of upper secondary education culminating in theSecondary School Leaving Certificate. In upper secondaryeducation, students can choose between a scientific,literary, technical, commercial or applied stream. Theaward of the Secondary School Certificate involves acredit-hours system and requires 156 credit-hours, exceptfor technical, which requires 180.

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATIONAdmission to four-year degree courses in Bahrain is onthe basis of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate withan average mark of 70% or more. Those who achievelower scores can undertake additional study at universityto improve their chances of admission.

BangladeshThis entry was reviewed for the 2015 qualifications guide.

EVALUATION

Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)Acceptable in lieu of GCSE on a subject for subject basis(except English language). Would need to besupplemented by GCE A levels, Scottish Highers orAdvanced Highers, or a bridging course.

Bachelor of Arts, Science and Commerce (Honours)Satisfies the general entry requirements for entry into aUK higher education provider (HEP) and may be eligiblefor entry with credit (advanced standing). Students withhigh grades may be considered for mastersprogrammes.

Bachelor of Arts, Science and Commerce (Ordinary)May satisfy general entrance requirements for UKhigher education.

See also Overseas Examinations of UK Awarding

Organisations(Appendix A).GRADING SYSTEM

HSCLetter Grade Grade Point Marks Obtained

A+ 5.00 10080

A 4.00 7970

A- 3.50 6960

B 3.00 5950

C 2.00 49 40

D 1.00 3933

F 0.00 320

EDUCATION SYSTEM

Five years of primary education leads to the Primary Final

Exam (introduced in 2009), which must be passed inorder for the student to enrol in class VI, the first of threeyears of junior secondary education. At the end of classeight (the final year of junior secondary education),students take the Junior School Exam or Junior DakhilCertificate (introduced in 2010). This then leads to twoyears of secondary education, at the end of which(Class 10) students take the Secondary SchoolCertificate. Two further years (higher secondary) leadto the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in Class 12. Themedium of instruction is predominantly Bengali, butEnglish is used in a small number of schools. English istaught as a compulsory subject at secondary and highersecondary levels.


The HSC gives access to undergraduate studies inuniversities, colleges and other institutions of HE inBangladesh. Such studies include three-year passdegrees, four-year honours degrees, four-yearengineering, agricultural and business administrationdegrees, and five-year medicine and architecturedegrees. Pass degrees can be undertaken only inaffiliated colleges, although the degree is granted bythe National University (www.nu.edu.bd) on the basisof examinations administered by the university.




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BelgiumThis entry was last reviewed prior to 2010.

EVALUATIONFrench-speaking communityCertificat dEnseignement Secondaire SuprieurDiplme daccs lenseignment suprieur (previouslyDiplme daptitude accder lenseignement

suprieur)

Flemish-speaking communityDiploma (previously Getuignschrift) van HogerSecundair Onderwijs

German-speaking communityAbschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe desSekundarunterrichts

All acceptable as group qualifications satisfying generalentrance requirements.

GRADING SYSTEM

Various, with details on certificates.EDUCATION SYSTEMDue to the federal state structure of Belgium, theDutch-speaking (Flemish), French-speaking andGerman-speaking communities have had a veryconsiderable measure of autonomy in educational policysince 1989.

Nonetheless, there are certain broad national guidelines.Six years of primary education is followed by six yearsof secondary education leading to the school-leavingcertificate: Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs/Certificat dEnseignement Secondaire Suprieur/Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts.

Secondary education is arranged in four tracks: general,technical, artistic and vocational. The certificate willrecord the specialisation. In the vocational track, an extraseventh year of secondary education is needed to obtainthe Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs.

Compulsory education covers a period of 12 years, fromthe age of six.

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATIONThe Flemish Parliament adopted a new HE Act in April2003, implementing the principles of the BolognaDeclaration. The general admission requirement for abachelors programme is the Flemish secondary schoolleaving certificate: Diploma van Hoger SecundairOnderwijs. Entry examinations must be passed by anystudent who wishes to take up study in civil engineering,nautical sciences, dentistry, medicine or fine arts.

For the French-speaking community in Belgium, ifstudents do not hold the Certificat dEnseignementSecondaire Suprieur or its equivalent, universities arrangean admissions examination, which gives entry to HE atuniversities and Hautes Ecoles, Ecoles suprieures des Artsand Instituts suprieurs darchitecture. There is an examfor entry on to engineering courses.

In order to access the first year of Ecole suprieure desarts, the student has to pass an preuve dadmission.

The institution boards may admit persons who cannotmeet the general admission requirement taking intoaccount the relevant legal regulations.

Since 2004/2005, the traditional cycle programmespreviously offered by universities in Belgium weregradually replaced by Bologna degrees. Since 2008/2009,the change to bachelors and masters degrees was fullyimplemented. Most universities now use the EuropeanCredit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

Some professional bachelors degrees (180 ECTS) giveaccess to subsequent programmes (at least 60 ECTS),

possibly after a preliminary examination. The boardsof the university colleges stipulate which bachelorsdegrees give access to these subsequent professionalspecialisation programmes.

Academic bachelors degrees (180 ECTS) give accessto masters programmes (at least 60 ECTS). Somemasters degrees will give access to subsequent advancedprogrammes (at least a further 60 ECTS), possibly aftera preliminary examination. The boards of the universitiesstipulate which masters degrees give access to thesespecialised and advanced masters programmes.

Professional bachelors degrees give access to somemasters programmes after a bridging course. The

programme of the bridging course is determined by theuniversity board.

The masters degrees give access to doctoralprogrammes, possibly after a preliminary examination(dependent on field of study).

BotswanaThis entry was last reviewed prior to 2010.

EVALUATIONAt the end of form 5, students have attained either

BGCSE or IGCSE (the UK equivalent of O levels, GCSEsand Standard Grades).

Very few students go on to do A levels at private schools;however for those who do these are equivalent to UKA levels.

EDUCATION SYSTEMThe education system in Botswana is structured asfollows: g Primary is for seven years: Standard 17 g Junior Secondary is for three years: Form 13 g Senior Secondary is for two years: Form 45.


University of BotswanaEntry to the University of Botswana (UB) is on BGCSEresults.

Entry to UK universitiesAs UB does not offer all subjects, some students aresponsored overseas to countries including the UK students who are granted sponsorship to the UK firstcomplete two years at UB.

UK universities accept two years at UB (part one of adegree course, e.g. BSC part one) as equivalent toA level for entry purposes that is to say if a student hasdone part one of a degree course at UB they may enterinto year one of a UK degree course. In some Scottish

universities they may enter into year two of the degreecourse.




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UK universities also accept Botswana A levels as entryrequirements to join year one of a UK degree course.

Botswana students who have done neither A levels nortwo years at UB usually need to go on to foundationaccess courses in UK universities; BGCSE are accepted asentry requirements into foundation courses.

UB degrees are accepted as the required entry to get

on to UK masters courses and UB masters degrees aresufficient to allow access to UK PhD courses.

UB has undergraduate degrees, masters and PhD levelcourses but not in all subjects.

For entry to UK colleges: those colleges accepting UKstudents on GCSE results would also be able to acceptBotswana students on BGCSE/IGCSE results as they areequivalent.

BrazilThis entry was reviewed for the 2015 qualifications guide.

EVALUATION

Certificado de Concluso de Ensino FundamentalConsidered to be below GCSE standard.

Certificado de Ensino MdioConsidered to be below GCE A level standard. Acceptablefor entry to a foundation year in UK higher educationinstitutions.

English language requires official proof of knowledge,such as an IELTS exam certificate or other relevantqualification.

Compulsory subjects, as set in the national curriculum,include: Portuguese, mathematics, biology, geography,chemistry, physics, history, sociology, philosophy, arts,physical education and a foreign language.

Students can also opt to study the three years of ensinomdio following a vocational route. Subjects studiedvary according to the career path chosen. Students canalso follow the standard ensino mdio route and thevocational route simultaneously.

GRADING SYSTEM

Marking systems vary between states. However, ingeneral terms:

Either graded on a scale of 10 (maximum) to 0 (withdecimals), or

(SS) 10.0 9.0

(MS) 8.9 7.0

(MM) 6.9 5.0

(MI) 4.9 3.0

(II) 2.9 0.1

(SR) 0

The pass mark varies from institution to institution. Itgenerally is stated at 5. Some institutions establish it at6 or 7. The two-letter system (in parentheses above) isonly used in the Federal District (where Brasilia is located).The numeric system is common in the whole country.

EDUCATION SYSTEM

Organisation of the educational system in Brazilis decentralised: local and state authorities sharethe responsibility for primary education (EnsinoFundamental); states are responsible for secondaryeducation (Ensino Mdio); and the Federal Governmenthas responsibility for HE. The Ministry of Education issuesguidelines for curricular content at primary and secondary

level, but there are still some regional variations. Inaddition to the state system, there is a broad network ofprivate schools and HEPs. The medium of instruction isPortuguese.

Brazilian education is organised in two main blocks: basicand HE. The first is basic, compulsory education fromage four to 17, which comprises pre-school, primaryeducation and secondary education. On completion ofprimary education successful students are awarded theCertificado de Concluso de Ensino Fundamental. Thisis followed by three years of secondary education. Theschool leaving qualification is the Certificado de EnsinoMdio.

Students may take the Exame Nacional Do Ensino Mdio(ENEM). This is a test designed to enable the Ministryof Education to assess national standards. It is not aqualification, but is being increasingly used in Brazilto gain university entrance. Vestibular are universityentrance examinations, which are broadly equivalent toGCSEs. Students with higher grades in Vestibular gainaccess to the universities. The ENEM is often given apercentage weighting with the Vestibular for the purposesof university entrance. ENEM is also a selection criterionfor the Science Without Borders mobility scheme. ThePrograma De Avaliaco Seriada (PAS) is another universityentrance examination gained over the last three years of

secondary education and adopted by some universities.


Demand for HE and competition for places is high.Entrance to HE is based on possession of the Certificadode Ensino Mdio (or Certificado de Concluso deSegundo Grau) and performance in the entrance exam(ENEM and Vestibular). The first degree, Bacharel orLicenciado title usually takes from four to six yearsdepending upon the specialisation.

BruneiThis entry was reviewed for the 2015 qualifications guide.

EVALUATION

Brunei-Cambridge General Certificate of EducationOrdinary Level (BC GCE O level) examination (atupper secondary level).Grades A, B and C (grade A = grades 1 and 2, grade B =grades 3 and 4, grade C = grades 5 and 6) equivalent toGCSE grades A, B, C.

Brunei-Cambridge General Certificate of EducationAdvanced Level (BCGCE A level) examinationExamination equates to UK GCE Advanced standard (atpre-tertiary level). Grades A to E equivalent to UK GCE

Advanced level grades A to E.




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EDUCATION SYSTEMThe Brunei Darussalam Education System providesschooling in a 7+3+2+2 pattern, representing primary,lower secondary, upper secondary and pre-tertiarylevels respectively. Pre-school education begins at theage of five. This is proceeded by primary school for sixyears, at the end of which, students sit the PenilaianSekolah Rendah (PSR)/Primary School Assessment. The

students who pass the examination will continue onto three years of lower secondary education and twoyears of upper secondary education. In the third year ofsecondary education, students must sit for the PenilaianMenengah Bawah (PMB)/Lower Secondary Assessmentand on meeting the criteria of promotion will qualifyfor the next level which will allow them to proceed toanother two years of secondary education where, inthe fifth year, they will sit for the Brunei-CambridgeGeneral Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (BCGCE O levels) examination. There are two languages ofinstruction, Malay for subjects such as Bahasa Melayu,Islamic Religious Knowledge and Malay Literature, andEnglish. Students who have adequate and relevant O level

qualifications may proceed to the pre-university level. Atthis level, the students follow a two year course leadingto the Brunei-Cambridge General Certificate of EducationAdvanced level (BC GCE A level) examination.

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATIONStudents who have completed the PMB or the BCGCEO level examination can pursue vocational educationin a Technical or Engineering College offering two- tofive-year crafts or technician programmes. Those whocomplete A level courses with adequate and relevantpasses may be eligible for entry to The Universiti ofBrunei Darussalam or other tertiary institutions or beawarded scholarships for further studies abroad.

BulgariaThis entry was reviewed for the 2015 qualifications guide.

EVALUATION

Diploma za zavarsheno sredno obrazovanie (Diplomaof Completed Secondary Education) is issued tostudents who have completed grade 12 and have passedthe state matriculation exams.

Awarded by standard secondary schools and acceptableas a group qualification satisfying general entrancerequirements.

Completed secondary vocational education is certifiedby a Diploma for completed secondary education andcertificate of professional qualification andcompetence.

Awarded by vocational secondary schools andacceptable as a group qualification satisfying generalentry requirements. The certificate for professionalqualification and competence is issued upon completionof vocational training, granting the right to practise aprofession, issued for license requiring professions.

GRADING SYSTEM

6 otlichen (excellent)5 mnogo dobur (very good)

4 dobur (good)

3 sreden (fair) [minimum pass mark]

2 slab (poor)

EDUCATION SYSTEM

The education system in Bulgaria is structured as follows:

g Pre-school education (age three to six/seven) g Basic education (grades one to eight ages six/

seven up to age 16) g Secondary education (grades nine to 12) is also

offered in vocational and technical schools.

Education is not compulsory after the age of 16.Education in Bulgaria is regulated by the state and isoffered by state schools and by the private sector.

Successful completion of secondary education culminatesin the award of the Diploma.


The Diploma of Completed Secondary Education isa prerequisite for entry to higher education providers(HEPs) in Bulgaria. In the past entry was also basedon competitive entrance examinations, but followingthe introduction of the compulsory general educationstate matriculation exams at the end of 12th grade, the

results of these are often used as an alternative. Theautonomy of HEPs allows them to define their own entryrequirements for enrolment each year. The length of thefirst degree course varies and ranges from a minimum ofthree years, according to subject. Private higher educationis also available in Bulgaria. Both state and private HEPsare regulated by law.

CameroonThis entry was last reviewed prior to 2010.

EVALUATION

BaccalauratAcceptable as a group qualification satisfying generalentrance requirements provided that an overall grade ofat least bien has been achieved.

Cameroon GCE Ordinary LevelAcceptable at grade C or better in lieu of GCSE on asubject for subject basis.

Cameroon GCE Advanced LevelAcceptable at grades AE in lieu of GCE A level on asubject for subject basis.

GRADING SYSTEM

Baccalaurat2018 excellent (excellent)

1716 trs bien (very good)

1514 bien (good)

1312 assez bien (fair)

1110 passable/moyen (pass)

90 insuffisant (fail)

Cameroon GCE Ordinary level AC (pass), DF (fail)Cameroon GCE Advanced level AE (pass), F (fail)

EDUCATION SYSTEM

The Republic of Cameroon has an educational systemunique in Africa, with English and French as the

languages of instruction in both educational sub-systems.Six or seven years of primary education lead to nationalexaminations in which a pass is a prerequisite forsecondary education. Secondary education in the




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English-medium system involves a first cycle of five yearsleading to O level and a second cycle of two further yearsto A level. In the French-medium system, the first cycle offour years leads to the Brevet dEtudes du Premier Cycleand the second cycle of three years to the Baccalaurat,which is a group examination requiring passes in all eight/nine subjects.

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATIONAdmission to the six state universities in Cameroonis based on the Baccalaurat or two A levels and aminimum of four O levels. However, each university isentitled to impose its own entry qualifications whichmay be quite specific, especially in relation to bilingualdegrees. The initial qualification after a minimum ofthree years is the Licence or BA/BSc.

CanadaThis entry was reviewed for the 2015 qualifications guide.

OVERVIEW OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEMS OF THE PROVINCESAND TERRITORIES OF CANADA

There is no single system of education in Canada:education is the responsibility of the provinces andterritories. Although systems resemble each other in anumber of aspects, each provincial and territorial systemhas different characteristics. Elementary education inmost provinces covers the first eight years of compulsoryeducation and is followed by four years of secondaryeducation. While some provinces and territories usea form of uniform examinations, this varies acrossjurisdictions in terms of subjects and grades, andstudents marks are determined mostly at the school level.

In some provinces, the award of standing is sharedbetween the Department of Education and the localeducational authorities.

In all jurisdictions, except Quebec where the secondaryschool leaving diploma is awarded after 11 years ofstudy, students must have completed 12 years of study tobe awarded the certificate or diploma marking the end ofsecondary education.

EVALUATION

In all provinces and territories (except Quebec, where thecompletion of secondary school occurs in grade 11), thecertificates or diplomas awarded on the completion of

secondary school studies (usually in grade 12) normallysatisfy general entrance requirements to universities andother post-secondary institutions.

GRADING SYSTEM

Most of the provincial certificates or diplomas awardedby provinces and territories on the completion ofsecondary school studies (usually in grade 12) provideindividual subject marks on a percentage basis(50% pass), often linked with a literal grade.

Diplme dtudes collgiales (DEC, Qubec): On apercentage basis (60% pass).


Canadian universities have individual admissionrequirements based primarily on the secondary schoolqualifications awarded in their own province. With the

exception of Quebec, where the two-year Diplomaof Collegial Studies (DEC) is the normal requirementfor general university admission, for a total 13 yearsof schooling, most universities require a grade 12qualification with a minimum average mark whichvaries from province to province and by institution andprogramme. Faculties with limited enrolments, usuallyprofessional faculties, will require higher averages.

PROVINCES AND TERRITORIES

Alberta (AB)Alberta has three years of senior high school, grades 10through 12, leading to an Alberta high school diploma.Secondary school qualification is awarded by meetingprovincial education department requirements.

At the post-secondary level, there are six types of publiclyfunded institutions, each with a range of academicprogramming, research activity, and learner focus. The sixtypes of institutions are:

g comprehensive academic and research institutions

g

baccalaureate and applied studies institutions g polytechnical institutions g comprehensive community institutions g independent academic institutions g specialised arts and culture institutions.

Publicly funded institutions normally require a highschool diploma for admission to certificate and diplomaprogrammes; however, academic requirements vary byprogramme. Prospective students should consult theinstitutions of their choice for details.

Each degree-granting institution in Alberta sets its ownadmission requirements as well as criteria for recognisingacademic qualifications obtained in Canadianjurisdictions and abroad. Admission averages required toenter an undergraduate degree programme, eitherdirectly from high school or through transfer fromanother post-secondary institution, vary by institution,faculty, and programme. Normally five grade 12 courses(or equivalent) are required. Admission to programmesthat have enrolment limits may require competitivemarks higher than the minimum admission requirementsset out in the institutions academic calendar. Matureapplicants who do not meet normal admissionrequirements may be considered with differentqualifications. Competency in English is required of

foreign students. Prospective students should consultthe institutions of their choice for details. Contactinformation for all of Alberta's publicly fundedpost-secondary institutions is available at eae.alberta.ca/post-secondary/institutions/public/pscontact

British Columbia (BC)Each university in BC determines its general entrancerequirements for graduating grade 12 students.Generally, graduation from grade 12 is required. Insome cases, the best four or five courses from a definedlist of grade 12 level courses are used. The acceptablepercentage in these courses can vary from year toyear, depending on the number of students applying

in a given year and depending on the faculty. Scienceprogrammes usually require a higher overall percentagethan arts programmes. For admission to BCs colleges,




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and institutes offering academic and career/technicalprogrammes, including programmes leading to degrees,entry requirements vary depending on the institutionand the programme but they generally require studentsto have graduated from grade 12. More information isavailable on admission to BC post-secondary institutionsat www.educationplanner.ca/ and www.aved.gov.bc.ca/find_an_institution/welcome.htm

Manitoba (MB)Universities and colleges in Manitoba set their ownadmission requirements and criteria for recognisingacademic qualifications obtained in Canadianjurisdictions and abroad. Successful completion of highschool (secondary education) is normally required foruniversity entrance. Admission to university faculties andprogrammes that have enrolment limits may requirecompetitive marks higher than the minimum admissionrequirements set out in the academic calendar. Alluniversities and colleges make special provisions formature students, who are normally at least 21 years old.College admission requirements vary by programme.

Most college certificate and diploma programmesrequire high school graduation, and many have specificcourse requirements. The colleges also make specialprovisions for mature applicants who do not meet thenormal entrance requirements.

Manitoba has five general programmes of study at thehigh school (secondary) level:

English Programme Franais Programme French Immersion Programme Technology Education Programme Franais/French Immersion Technology Education

Programme.

Graduation requirements from the English Programmeare a total of 30 credits (equivalent to 30 full-yearcourses) over the course of their grade 9 to grade 12studies, including three grade 12 compulsory credits (oneeach in English language arts, mathematics and physicaleducation/health), plus 13 optional credits, at least threeof which must be one grade 11 and two grade 12.

Graduation requirements from the Franais and FrenchImmersion Programmes are a total of 30 credits(equivalent to 30 full-year courses) over the course oftheir grade 9 to grade 12 studies, including four grade12 compulsory credits (one each in Franais, English

language arts, mathematics and physical education/health), plus nine optional credits, at least two of whichmust be one grade 11 and one grade 12.

Graduates from the Technology Education Programmemust have a total of 30 credits (equivalent to 30 full-yearcourses) over the course of their grade 9 to grade 12studies, including three grade 12 compulsory credits(one each in English language arts, mathematics andphysical education/health), plus an approved cluster ofeight to 14 compulsory technology education credits,at least four of which must be two grade 11 and twograde 12.

Graduate from the Franais/French ImmersionTechnology Education Programme must have a total of30 credits (equivalent to 30 full-year courses) over the

course of their grade 9 to grade 12 studies, includingfour grade 12 compulsory credits (one each in Franais,English language arts, mathematics, and physicaleducation/health), plus an approved cluster of eight to10 compulsory technology education credits, at least twoof which must be one grade 11 and one grade 12.

Manitoba also offers a Mature Student High School

Diploma for individuals who begin their mature studentstudies when they are 19 years of age or over, who havebeen out of school six months or more, and who havebeen out of school long enough for the class of which heor she was last a member to have graduated from grade12. Eight credits are required, at least four of which mustbe grade 12 credits (including one English language artsand one mathematics). Franais and French Immersiongraduates also require one grade 12 credit in French.Students intending to pursue post-secondary studies in ascientific discipline are normally required to have taken,as one of their optional grade 12 credits, a full-yearcredit in one or more of the foundational sciences(biology, chemistry and physics).

New Brunswick (NB)New Brunswick is officially bilingual, with approximately32% of the population French-speaking and 64%English-speaking. The province's education systemreflects this linguistic duality by operating two schoolsystems one English, one French with slightlydifferent curricula and graduation requirements. In bothsystems, high school incorporates grades 9 through 12,and students graduate with a high school diploma. ForAnglophone schools 60% in 17 of 20 credits, includingseven compulsories in grades 11-12 and at least fivecredits at the grade 12 level, are required for graduation.In Francophone schools 24 credits out of a possible 30,

17 credits of which are associated with the core coursesand seven credits selected from the elective courses, arerequired.

Although each university determines its general entrancerequirements, successful completion of secondaryschool with specific "academic" level courses (N.B. Level1 or 2) is the minimum requirement for admissionto the province's four public universities (St ThomasUniversity, University of New Brunswick, Mount AllisonUniversity and Universit de Moncton). A more detailedlist of post-secondary institutions in New Brunswick isavailable at the following: www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post-secondary_education_training_and_labour/post-secondary_education.html

The New Brunswick Community College and Le Collgecommunautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick both requirehigh school graduation or its equivalent for entry intoits diploma and certificate programmes, although someprogrammes have specific course requirements. Adultlearners who have not completed high school can enteracademic upgrading and may acquire a high schoolequivalency diploma (i.e. GED) or a New Brunswick AdultHigh School Diploma.

The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design and theMaritime College of Forest Technology require a high

school diploma for admission, although both institutionshave provisions for accepting students who have notcompleted the high school programme.




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Newfoundland and Labrador (NL)University entrance requirements for NL students enteringthe NL university are as follows:

Completion of graduation requirements for high school asset down by the Department of Education, Governmentof Newfoundland and Labrador, or equivalent from otherCanadian jurisdictions, and a 70% average in grade 12

(Level 3) academic and/or advanced courses from thefollowing categories: English, maths, laboratory science,social science/modern or classical language, and twocredits from elective(s).

From the British system, applicants must have completedthe General Certificate of Education (GCE) or the ScottishLeaving Certificate with Lower-Level or Ordinary passes infive acceptable subjects deemed equivalent to therequirements for Canadian applicants. The AdvancedLevel subjects of the GCE will generally be considered fortransfer credit to a maximum of 12 credit hours in eachsubject provided a minimum grade of D in each subjectclaimed for credit has been obtained. The Higher Levelsubjects of the Scottish Leaving Certificate will generallybe accepted for first-year university level credit.Applicants wishing to be considered for AdvancedStanding or Transfer Credit must submit in addition tothe Application for Admission/Readmission, anApplication for Transfer Credit Evaluation which can beobtained at the Office of the Registrar or online atwww.mun.ca/regoff/forms.php Students with GeneralCertificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications,normally acceptable for UK university admission, andpasses in five acceptable subjects deemed equivalent toCanadian applicant requirements, are advised to contactthe International Admissions Officer, Registrars Office,Memorial University of Newfoundland, for furtherinformation about admissions and credit transfer

(www.mun.ca).

Public college entrance requirements vary dependingon programme; however, high school graduation is theminimum requirement. British applicants should presentthe GCSE.

Programme specific requirements are available in theCollege Calendar which can be found at www.cna.nl.caApplicants who do not meet the educational prerequisitesfor the programme they wish to enter may be consideredfor admission on an individual basis (e.g. as a maturestudent) provided the following conditions are met:

1. Applicants are at least 19 years of age at the time

of application.2. Applicants have been out of high school for at least

one year.3. Applicants present a certified copy of grades for the

highest educational level attained.4. Applicants complete the standardised assessment

instrument at a level approved by the college.

Northwest Territories (NT)NT primarily uses the Alberta curriculum established bythat province. Aurora Colleges admission requirementsvary depending on the programme; however, in mostcases grade 12 is the minimum requirement. Matureapplicants who do not meet normal admission

requirements may be eligible through consideration ofother qualifications and/or assessments. Furtherinformation is available on the Aurora College website atwww.auroracollege.nt.ca

Nova Scotia (NS)The minimum level of achievement for admission toNova Scotia universities varies by institution from a lowof 60% to a high of 70% in five acceptable subjects atgrade 12.

Nunavut (NU)General admission requirements: 65% in five acceptable

subjects at grade 12.Ontario (ON)In Ontario, there are provincially assisted universities,provincially assisted colleges of applied arts andtechnology (CAATs), and private career colleges. Entryrequirements vary depending on the type of institutionand the specific programme.

For university, students are required to have successfullycompleted the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSS)with six grade 12 university preparation (U) or university/college (M) preparation courses. Each Ontario universitysets its own admission standards. Further informationon the marks schools are looking for is available on theCouncil of Ontario Universities Common University Datawebsite (www.cou.on.ca/statistics/cudo.aspx)

For entrance into an Ontario college, admissionrequirements vary between specific colleges andprogrammes. In most cases, the successful completion ofan OSSD or the equivalent is required. However, collegesmay establish programme-specific admission andeligibility requirements.

Admission into a private career college in Ontario varies.In most cases, the successful completion of an OntarioSecondary School Diploma or the equivalent is required.

Prince Edward Island (PE)Holland College is the community college of PrinceEdward Island. The college offers more than 70 full- andpart-time post-secondary programmes to train studentsin a wide variety of areas, including culinary, policing,marine training, applied sciences and engineeringtechnology, trades and industrial technology, health andcommunity services, communications and media studies,computer studies, business studies, sport and leisurestudies, performing arts, and tourism. The college has14 campuses and delivery sites across P.E.I. About 2,330full-time students attend Holland College, 250 studentsattend part time, and about 4,200 enrol in continuingand adult education programmes. The Atlantic PoliceAcademy, The Culinary Institute of Canada, and theMarine Training Centre are all part of the college. Forinformation regarding programme prerequisites, visitwww.hollandcollege.com

The University of Prince Edward Island requires successfulcompletion of grade 12 examinations in a UniversityPreparatory Programme (academic or advanced courses)with an overall average of at least 70% in five subjects.From the British education system, this would normallybe a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE orIGSCE) with five O level subjects with minimum C gradeor better; General Certificate of Education Advancedlevels or Advanced Supplementary (GCE A level or AICEor GCE AS) with at least 2 A levels (two AS subjects maybe substituted for one A level). A minimum C in eachand all AS and A levels to be used for admission. Transfercredits may be awarded for A level subject results with a




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minimum grade of 'C' or better. Applicants are eligible forentrance scholarship with minimum 'B' grades in twoA levels or four AS subjects. The subject combinationsrequired for specific fields of study are as follows: Arts English, one social studies or language, any three otheracademic subjects. Business English, mathematics, anytwo social studies, languages or sciences, and one otheracademic subject; Science English, mathematics, two

science subjects, and one other academic subject.

Prince Edward Island is also home to a French-languagepost-secondary institution: le Collge Acadie P.More information in French is available on its website, athttp://collegeacadieipe.ca/

Quebec (QC)In Quebec, elementary and secondary educationcovers 11 years six at the elementary level, five at thesecondary level. The secondary school leaving diploma(diplme dtudes secondaires, or DES) is awarded at theend of grade 11 (5e secondaire). All secondary schoolgraduates who want to pursue higher education studies

enrol in a college-level institution (either a public collgedenseignement gnral et professionnel, or cgep, ora publicly subsidised private college) opting for eithera two-year pre-university diploma programme, or athree-year technical diploma programme similar to thoseoffered by community colleges in other provinces; in bothcases, the diploma is called diplme dtudes collgiales(DEC). Most universities require the two-year generalcollege-level diploma for admission; the three-yeartechnical diploma is also admissible. Other secondaryschool graduates can choose to enrol in a Diplomaof Vocational Studies followed by an Attestation ofVocational Speciality; up to one year of the Diplomaof Vocational Studies could be credited towards the

three-year technical diploma.

Quebecs Diploma of Collegial Studies (diplme dtudescollgiales, or DEC) awarded after two years of study ata public or private college (for a total schooling of 13years) is the normal requirement for general universityadmission; the three-years DEC is also acceptable. Collegeeducation comes after secondary school; it is the firstlevel of higher education, the second being university.Secondary school students from outside Quebec may berequired to complete bridging courses before admissionto a bachelors programme.

Saskatchewan (SK)

Each university determines its general entrancerequirements for graduating grade 12 students. TheUniversity of Saskatchewan requires a minimum 72%average for Early Admission based on first term grade 12marks. The average calculation includes English,mathematics and three acceptable academic subjects.The University of Regina requires a minimum 65%average for Early Conditional Admission based on acombination of grade 11 and 12 marks. Students mustpresent a minimum number of approved high schoolcourses for admission consideration. The number ofcourses required will vary by province/territory.

Yukon (YK)

Yukon uses the BC curriculum and graduationrequirements established by that province. Admissionrequirements vary between programmes. The generaladmissions criteria for acceptance into post-secondary

studies are completion of academic grade 12 includinggrade 12 English and grade 11 mathematics. Admissionto some programmes that have enrolment limits mayrequire competitive marks higher than the minimumadmission requirements set out in the academic calendar.Mature applicants who do not meet normal admissionrequirements may be eligible through consideration ofother qualifications and/or assessments.

ChinaThis entry was reviewed for the 2015 qualifications guide.

EVALUATION

Senior High School Entrance Examination (ChuzhongHuikao)Considered to be between GCSE and GCE A levelstandard. Those students with high grades may beconsidered for admission to access or foundation levelprogrammes.

Vocational Secondary School Diploma (Zhixiao)Considered to be comparable to BTEC First Diploma/NVQlevel 2.

University Entrance Examination (Gaokao)Considered to be between AS and A2 level standard. It isgenerally considered more advanced than the Senior HighSchool Examination. Those students with high gradesmay be considered for admission to access or foundationlevel programmes.

GRADING SYSTEM

Senior High School ExaminationNine subjects are taken and graded AD (with A beingthe highest).

A 10080%

B 7970

C 6960

D Fail

University Entrance ExaminationThe examination includes three core subjects, each ofwhich is marked out of 150 points, and a comprehensivesubject (arts route or science route) with 300 pointsmaximum, adding up to a total score of 750 for theexamination.

EDUCATION SYSTEM

Primary and secondary education in China comprisesthree stages: six years of primary school, three years ofjunior middle school, and three years of senior middleschool. Primary and junior middle school education iscompulsory, and commences at age six. To progress fromjunior middle school, students must pass locally organisedentrance examinations. Results of these entranceexaminations are used to stream students into a generalacademic route or a technical and vocational route.

The technical and vocational schools offer the VocationalSecondary School Diploma which includes generalknowledge, basic technology and a subject specialism.Senior secondary schools offer the Senior High School

Entrance Examination, which is usually taken in five or sixsubjects. As it is taken across the country, but organisedon a provincial basis, curricula and standards may vary.




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Graduation from Senior Secondary School is aprerequisite for sitting the University EntranceExamination. The upper age limit of 25 was abolished in2001. The University Entrance Examination format canvary between provinces, but is taken nationwide. Thereare three compulsory core subjects, namely Chinese,mathematics and a foreign language (English, Japanese,

Russian, French, German or Spanish). In addition,students need to take a test on a comprehensive subjectwhich is basically a combination of three courses: biology,chemistry and physics for science route students; andpolitics, geography, and history for arts route students.Specific examination arrangements may be organised bythe local government according to their existing policies.

HE is structured into four-year bachelors programmes(xueshi), two to three-year masters programmes (shuoshi)and three to five-year doctorates (boshi).

CroatiaThis entry was last reviewed prior to 2010.EVALUATION

State Matura (secondary school leaving qualification)State Matura (Dravna matura) was introduced in Croatiain 2009/2010. It is taken in three compulsory subjects(Croatian, mathematics and a foreign language), whichcan be taken at an advanced (A) or basic (B) level, andone or more optional subjects (no more than six). Theexaminations are conducted by the National Centrefor External Evaluation of Education. It is acceptableas a group qualification satisfying general entrancerequirements.

Medjunarodna Matura (International Baccalaureate)A baccalaureate style qualification offered by somegrammar schools (gimnazija) in Croatia, which satisfiesthe general entry requirements for UK HE.

GRADING SYSTEM

5 excellent

4 very good

3 good

2 sufficient

1 fail

EDUCATION SYSTEM

Eight years of primary education, with a foreign languageintroduced in year one, are usually followed by one ofthe following:

g Four-year grammar schools (gimnazija), whichmay be classified as general, linguistic, classical orscientific, with appropriately different curricula

g Four-year art schools (art and design, music, dance) g Four-year vocational schools (engineering,

healthcare, economics, agriculture, etc.) g Three-year vocational schools (industrial, crafts, etc.).

Apart from IB programmes, where the language ofinstruction is English, the language of instruction in allother schools is Croatian.


Starting from the academic year 2010/2011, admissionprocedures for enrolment at higher educationinstitutions in Croatia are centralised and managed bythe Central Application Office which is a part of theAgency for Science and Higher Education. The basesfor the admissions ranking are secondary school gradesand success at the newly introduced State Matura,

implemented at state level. Higher education providers(HEPs) are autonomous in deciding on the weight givento the results of the state graduation examination.

In addition, some HEPs require entrance classificationexams, so prospective students should contact theHEP they wish to enrol in to find out whether this is arequirement.

The higher education system in Croatia has undergone acomprehensive reform within the framework of theBologna Process. The Croatian higher education system isnow structured according to three cycles (undergraduate,graduate and postgraduate) and higher education studies

in Croatia are organised according to the system oftransferable credits (European Credit Transfer andAccumulation System [ECTS]).

CyprusThis entry was reviewed for the 2015 qualifications guide.

EVALUATIONGreek-Cypriot SystemApolytirion (School Leaving Certificate)Acceptable in lieu of GCSEs (grades AC) on a subject forsubject basis (except English language), where a mark of at

least 10 has been achieved. Some HEPs may additionallyrequire one or two UK Advanced Level qualifications tosatisfy specific entry requirements; others accept theApolytirion as satisfying general entry requirements.

Turkish-Cypriot SystemDevlet Lise Diplomasi (State High School Diploma) andLise Bitirme Diplomasi (High School Finishing Diploma)Considered to be at a standard of at least GCSE level.Students with an overall average of five are eligible toreceive a school leaving certificate.

GRADING SYSTEM

Greek-Cypriot SystemGraded 120 (with 20 being the maximum), pass mark 10.

Turkish-Cypriot SystemGraded 110 (with 10 being the maximum), pass mark 5.

EDUCATION SYSTEMUnder the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, thetwo communities, the Greek and the Turkish communityrespectively, are responsible for dealing with educationalaffairs.

The Cypriot education structure follows the Greek systemin the south providing students with an Apolytirion orSchool Leaving Certificate, and the Turkish system in thenorth providing students with a Lyce Diploma.




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Greek-Cypriot SystemEducation is co-educational and compulsory until theage of 15. As of academic year 2004/5, pre-primaryeducation also became compulsory, followed by sixyears of primary education and six years of secondaryeducation. Secondary education is divided into twocycles of three years; three years Gymnasio (compulsorylower secondary), followed by three years Eniaio Lykeio

(upper secondary) or Secondary Technical and VocationalEducation (SVTE). In 2000/1, the Eniaio Lykeio replacedthe former Lykeio of optional subjects which hadfunctioned for 20 years. The students of the last twoyears of Eniaio Lykeio have the flexibility to form theirown timetable according to their interests; at primary,lower secondary level and in the first year (Class A) ofEniaio Lykeio, a core curriculum is followed.

Since 2001/2, STVE is offered in two streams: theoreticaland practical. The content of the revised STVE aims toprovide technical school graduates with the necessaryeducational background to enable them to enter thelabour market or pursue further studies.

Turkish-Cypriot SystemThe education system follows a similar model to Turkey,and has equivalent standards. Education is compulsoryfrom the ages of five until 14 years. Kindergarteneducation is taught from age five to six years; primaryeducation level l from seven to 11 years; primaryeducation level ll from 12 to 14 years. Classes are gradesas 112 and education is compulsory from grades 1 8.Optional education is taught at high school (lyce) fromage 14 to 18 years. Students completing primary levelsl and l l can choose to attend high school. There aresix different types of high schools vocational lycee;multi-programmed lycee; science lycee; fine arts lycee;

anadolu lycee (science and mathematics courses aretaught in English and they have iGCSE classes); andMaarif College (all courses except Turkish literature andTurkish history are taught in English, and they have IGCSEand A level classes).


Greek-Cypriot SystemHigher education in Cyprus is provided by public andprivate institutions of higher education at universityand non-university level. The University of Cyprus wasestablished in 1989 and accepted its first students in1992. The Open University of Cyprus and the CyprusUniversity of Technology accepted their first students inSeptember 2006 and September 2007 respectively.

In September 2007, the first private universities wereestablished after a relevant decision of the Councilof Ministers. Nowadays, the following five privateuniversities are operating in the Republic of Cyprus:

1. Frederick University

2. European University Cyprus

3. University of Nicosia

4. Neapolis University

5. University of Central Lancashire Cyprus.Access to state higher education institutions of Cyprus(university and non-university) and Greece is donethrough the Pancyprian Examinations, organised by

the Examinations Service of Ministry of Education andCulture. The Pancyprian Examinations have replaced,since 2006, the Eisagogikes Exetaseis (EntranceExaminations) and are organised for the purposes of bothgraduation from secondary education and access to statehigher education institutions of Cyprus and Greece.

For access to the Open University of Cyprus, interested

candidates need to apply directly to the institution andtheir applications are evaluated by a special committee.

Public and private institutions of higher education(university and non-university) accept the Apolytirionas a minimum entry requirement. As the medium ofinstruction is English in all private HEPs, candidates haveto provide proof of their proficiency in English. PrivateHEPs have their own English placement test, and ifjudged necessary, students have to follow an Englishfoundation programme.

Turkish-Cypriot SystemAccess to the higher education universities andinstitutions of Cyprus and Turkey is through a competitivecentral entrance examination. Students who havesuccessfully completed high school and gained theLise Diplomasi need to take the University EntranceExamination to gain entry to universities. This examis organised by Higher Board of Education (YOK).Local universities also accept students without theYOK Entrance Exam (OSS) on condition that they passan entrance exam administered by the institutionsthemselves. Universities in Turkey have now started toaccept students with AS, A level and IGCSE qualifications.

In most universities in Turkey, and in all universitiesin Cyprus, the medium of instruction is English.

Therefore, students are obliged to provide proof of atleast intermediate level of English (TOEFL or IELTS)or to pass the institutions own English proficiencytest. Students who are unsuccessful will study a yearsEnglish foundation programme, which has an ongoingassessment process in addition to a final proficiency testat the end of the academic year.

Czech RepublicThis entry was last reviewed for the 2013 qualificationsguide.

EVALUATIONMaturitn Zkouka/Maturita Vysvden o MaturitnZkouce (Maturita from vocational/technical schools)Acceptable as a group qualification satisfying generalentrance requirements.

GRADING SYSTEM

1 vyborny (excellent)

2 chvalitebny (very good)

3 dobry (good)

4 dostatecny (pass)

5 nedostatecny (fail)

EDUCATION SYSTEM

Elementary school has two levels: the first stage nowcovers the first to fifth grade, and the second stage thesixth to ninth grade. Nine years of elementary educationare followed by four years of secondary education.




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Successful completion of compulsory school andmeeting the entrance requirements (usually includingentrance examination) are prerequisites for admission tosecondary schools.

Secondary education is newly structured into three levelsdepending on the length of the programme:

a Secondary education (12 years) (ISCED 2C).

b Secondary education completed by attaining anapprenticeship certificate (vun list) two to threeyears or a shortened study programme for thosehaving completed secondary education with school-leaving certificate (ISCED 3C).

c Secondary education completed by a school-leavingexamination (maturitn zkouka) study programmesof various length, e.g. after completing a four-yearstudy (ISCED 3A) or, for those with an apprenticeshipcertificate, a two-year follow-up course (ISCED 4A).

According to the Education Act (of 24 September 2004),

the results of the education of a pupil included in a schoolreport is expressed by a classifying grade, verbally or by acombination of both. The head teacher shall decide uponthe manner of evaluation with the consent of the SchoolBoard. This concerns both elementary and secondaryschools. There is no final examination at the end ofelementary school, but in the last year of compulsoryschool attendance, each school issues to its pupils a finalevaluation stating how the pupil concerned has achievedthe educational goals stated by the law. Study at asecondary school leads to the traditional matriculationexamination, Maturitn Zkouka or Maturita. The passingof the Maturitn Zkouka is a prerequisite for admission toa higher education institution (and also to a tertiary

professional school).


There are now 26 public institutions, two state institutionsand 46 private institutions of HE in the Czech Republic.

By law, higher education institutions are of two types university type, providing all levels of study programmes,and non-university type, usually offering only bachelorsdegree programmes. Due to the historical development,all existing higher education institutions establishedbefore the Education Act came into force are universitytype institutions. Recently established higher educationinstitutions have been accredited as non-university

types. This refers to all private institutions as well as tothe first newly established public institution College ofPolytechnics (Vysok skola polytechnick). All accreditedbachelors degree study programmes provide educationof ISCED 5A Level, i.e. education that enables students tocontinue in follow-up masters degree study programmes.

The minimum requirement for admission to a highereducation institution is secondary education completedby the maturitn zkous ka examination. The requirementfor admission to a masters programme is successfulcompletion of a bachelors programme. The requirementsfor admission to a doctoral programme are successfulcompletion of a masters programme.

Students may apply for admission to several faculties.Each higher education institution decides on the numberof admissions and on specific admission procedures(secondary school results, approval of credits fromprevious studies of other fields of study or of tertiaryprofessional school, etc). The admission proceduresusually include an entrance examination, in particular, awritten test, an oral examination or both. If the number

of applicants who meet the conditions is higher than themaximum number that can be enrolled, applicants arerank ordered based on the examination results.

DenmarkThis entry was reviewed for the 2015 qualifications guide.

EVALUATION

Folkeskolens 10 Klasseprve (formerly FolkeskolensAfgangsprve) (after Class 10)

Acceptable in lieu of GCSE on a subject for subject basis

(except English language).Studentereksamen (STX)Hojere Forberedelseseksamen (HF)Hojere Handelseksamen (HHX)Hojere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX) and EUXAcceptable as group qualifications satisfying generalentrance requirements.

GRADING SYSTEM

12: For an excellent performance

10: For a very good performance

7: For a good performance

4: For a fair performance

02: For an adequate performance

00: For an inadequate performance-3: For an unacceptable performance

12 is equivalent to A in the European Credit Transfer andAccumulation System (ECTS).

10 is equivalent to B in the ECTS.

7 is equivalent to C in the ECTS.

4 is equivalent to D in the ECTS.

02 is equivalent to E in the ECTS.

00 is equivalent to Fx in the ECTS.

-3 is equivalent to F in the ECTS.

Prior to 2006/7, the following grading scale was used:

13 exceptionally independent and excellent performance

11 independent and excellent performance

10 excellent but not particularly independent performance

Documents

2015 International Qualifications UCA Recognition