How to Get into Top UK Universities: Minimum A-level and IB Scores

British universities are considered the gold standard in education and consistently rank among the top positions in global rankings. However, the admission requirements for top universities are equally demanding.

At ED-EX.com, we conducted an analysis of the entry scores for the most popular majors at the top 7 universities in the UK (according to the QS 2025 ranking). This information will be especially useful for applicants planning to enroll in undergraduate programs in the 2026/2027 academic year and taking A-level or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.

It is important to note that requirements for specific programs may vary. We recommend checking the exact information on the official websites of the universities you are interested in.

Contents:

1. Imperial College London 
2. University of Oxford 
3. University of Cambridge 
4. University College London (UCL) 
5. The University of Edinburgh 
6. The University of Manchester 
7. King's College London 

1. Imperial College London

Founded in 1907, Imperial College London is among the world’s leading universities in engineering, medicine, natural sciences, and computer science.

General A-level requirements

Expected grades: A*AA, А*А*А, or A*AAA — depending on the chosen program and the number of subjects taken.

Required subjects depend on the specialty but most often include Mathematics and/or Physics.

• Mathematics — grade A*
• Physics — grade A* or A (depending on the number of subjects)
• Third subject — grade A; preferably Further Mathematics, but other subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Economics, etc., are also accepted.

What else should you consider?

• If you take 4 A-levels, the requirements may be A*AAA (with A* in Mathematics, A in Physics, and A in two other subjects).
• Preference is given to candidates taking Further Mathematics, especially for engineering and technical specialties.
• Some programs require entrance tests such as MAT, PAT, TSA, and others.

General International Baccalaureate (IB) requirements

Expected score: from 38 to 42 points, depending on the program.

Higher Level (HL) subjects:

• Mathematics — grade 6 or 7
• Physics — grade 6 or 7
• Third subject — grade 6 or 7; preferably related to the chosen specialty.

What else should you consider?

• Both Mathematics courses (Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation) are accepted, but preference is given to the former.
• Some programs may require higher grades, for example, 7 in Mathematics and Physics.

2. University of Oxford 

Founded in the 12th century, Oxford is considered the oldest university in the English-speaking world — and one of the most prestigious. It is renowned for its top-tier programs in fields such as medicine and biomedical sciences, economics and management, politics, law, engineering, and more.

General A-level requirements

• Typically, A*A*A (or equivalent) in three A-level subjects is required.
• For some programs, an A* in relevant subjects (e.g., Mathematics or Chemistry) is mandatory.
• Some faculties accept four A-levels, with minimum requirements for the fourth subject.
• English language: a separate English qualification is usually required (e.g., GCSE or equivalent).

General International Baccalaureate (IB) requirements

• The standard overall score is usually 38–40 points (including core points), depending on the program.
• Grades of 6 or 7 in relevant Higher Level (HL) subjects are often required.
• Some programs may require a minimum grade of 6 in English.
• Submission of an essay and taking entrance tests (such as TSA, MAT, PAT, etc.) is mandatory, depending on the field of study.

3. University of Cambridge

Founded in 1209, Cambridge is renowned for its strong programs in natural and computer sciences, mathematics, engineering, economics, and the humanities. Among its alumni are more than 120 Nobel Prize winners.

General A-level requirements

• Minimum grades: A*AA in three A-level subjects.
• The A* must be in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
• Some courses, especially in the natural sciences and engineering, may require A*A*A.

General International Baccalaureate (IB) requirements

• Overall score: 41–42 points, including core points.
• Higher Level (HL) subject grades: 776 or 766, depending on the course.
• Some programs require a grade of 7 in the relevant HL subject.

4. University College London (UCL)

UCL is one of the UK’s leading research universities. Founded in 1826, it was the first university in the country to admit students regardless of gender or religion.

General A-level requirements

• Standard grade range: from A*A*A to ABB across three A-level subjects.
• UCL considers only the top three grades, even if more subjects were taken.
• The minimum grade in an offer is no lower than B.

General IB requirements

• Overall score: from 34 to 40 points, including core points.
• Higher Level (HL) subject grades: usually 766 or 666 in three HL subjects, depending on the program.
• For courses requiring Mathematics, both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at HL are accepted.

A-level and IB grade equivalency table

When assessing applications, UCL equates IBDP results to A-level requirements, considering both the total point score and the scores from three Higher Level subjects.

5. The University of Edinburgh

Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is considered one of Europe’s leading universities, particularly in the fields of humanities and medical sciences.

General A-level requirements

• Most courses require three A-level subjects taken in a single examination session.
• Standard grade range: from A*AA to AAB.
• Some programs may specify higher or lower requirements.

General International Baccalaureate (IB) requirements

Applicants must obtain the IB Diploma with a specific overall score and grades in three Higher Level (HL) subjects. A minimum score of 5 in English at Standard Level (SL) is also required.

Standard grade ranges:

• 39 points (with 666 in three HL subjects)
• 37 points (with 665 in three HL subjects)
• 36 points (with 655 in three HL subjects)
• 34 points (with 555 in three HL subjects)

6. The University of Manchester 

Known for its scientific achievements, the University of Manchester (founded in 1824) is part of the prestigious Russell Group. It offers over 500 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including popular fields such as medicine, natural sciences, computer science, mathematics, economics, law, and more.

General A-level requirements

• Most courses require three A-level subjects taken in a single examination period.
• Standard grade range: A*AA to ABB

General International Baccalaureate (IB) requirements

Applicants must hold the IB Diploma with a specific overall score and grades in three Higher Level (HL) subjects. Exact requirements vary depending on the chosen course.

Standard grade ranges:

• 36 points (with 666 in three HL subjects)
• 34 points (with 655 in three HL subjects)
• 32 points (with 555 in three HL subjects)

7. King's College London

Founded in 1829, King’s College London is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK, with strong programs in medicine, law, and the social sciences.

General A-level requirements

• A minimum of three A-level subjects must be taken in a single examination cycle (i.e., within one academic year).
• Standard entry grade range: from ABB to A*AA.
• Most programs have specific subject requirements — for example, Biology and Chemistry for biomedical courses, or Mathematics for Economics.
• Subjects like Critical Thinking and General Studies are generally not accepted.
• Some faculties may consider a fourth A-level subject if it strengthens the applicant’s academic profile.

General International Baccalaureate (IB) requirements

• Applicants must hold an IB Diploma with a total score between 34 and 40 points, depending on the program.
• This must include three Higher Level (HL) subjects with a combined score between 16 and 20 points.
• Most programs require specific HL subjects — for example, Biology and Chemistry for medical fields, or English Literature for humanities.
• Minimum HL subject grades are 5, but for competitive programs, 6 or 7 is typically required.
• Core points (Theory of Knowledge + Extended Essay) are taken into account, but importantly, they do not compensate for lower HL subject grades.

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