Equivalent qualifications

The below international qualifications and English language equivalencies are intended as a guide only, with certain courses requiring specific subjects and/or grades.

You can contact the admissions departments for further information, details of which can be found on our coursefinder page.

If your country or qualification does not appear in this list or you have any further queries, please contact our admissions team.

All applicants are required to meet the University’s English language requirements eg GCSE English with Grade C or higher, or TOEFL/IELTS/IGCSE. Where other English language qualifications are accepted, these are indicated in the Country specific requirements below.

Foundation year

If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:

International year one

Taught at the Leeds International Study Centre, this two-semester course is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. It aims to help you develop the skills you need to join the second year of a Biological Sciences-related degree.

If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.

* Please note that the standard offer in the table below is for guidance. Some courses within the Faculty of Biological Sciences may require higher entry requirements and/or require further qualifications and subjects. If you have any queries before applying please contact the relevant admissions team.

Equivalent qualifications

Country	Qualification	Minimum Entry Requirements	English Language
Australia	Senior Secondary School Leaving Certificate of all the Australian Territories	Students must take a minimum of 5 subjects, obtaining a minimum of 80 (or grade A) in 2 subjects and 75 (or grade B) in 3. Students are expected to attain an ATAR of 88 to meet our requirements. (Except Queensland where an OP band of 1-5 is required)	75% in English from Senior Secondary / High School Cert
Bahrain	N/A Foundation Year required		A seperate English Language qualificaton is required
Bangladesh	N/A Foundation Year required		A seperate English Language qualificaton is required
Belgium	Diploma - (Flemish / French / German respectively) Flemish-speaking community Diploma (previously Getuignschrift) van hoger Secundair Onderwijs. French-speaking community Certificat d’Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur Diplôme d’accès à l’enseignment supérieur. German-speaking community Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts	Flemish - 7.5 French - 75% German - 17.5 each with 7.5 / 75% / 17.5 in specific subjects Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	Acceptable from the group of qualifications at 6 (Flemish) 60% (French), and 14 (German) in the individual English component
Brazil	N/A - Foundation Year required		A seperate English Language qualification is required
Brunei	The Brunei-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A) is acceptable in place of A-levels on a grade for grade basis.	ABB. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	Cambridge O-level C or above is required.
Cameroon	Cameroon GCE Advanced Level only (we do not accept the Baccalauréat)	ABB. English Language qualification GCE O-level English C or above is required. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	GCE O-level English C or above
Canada	High School Graduation / Secondary School Diploma (awarded at end of grade 12)	Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six grade 12 U courses averaging 75% including 75% in specific subjects Quebec Diplome D'Etudes Collegiales [DEC] - Overall average of 75% including 75% in specific subjects All other provinces Secondary School Diploma with five Grade 12 subjects averaging 75% including 75% in specific subjects Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	65% in English in the relevant Secondary School Diploma
Caribbean Countries	Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)	Grades 1,2,2 including grade 1 in specific subject. Two-unit level subjects are required. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) grade 2. Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or the Bermuda Secondary School Certificate (BSSC) grade C.
China	N/A - Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Croatia	Svjedodžba o Maturi (Matura Certificate)	5,5,5,4,4 including grade 5 in two Advanced Level specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required; English Language from Matura NOT accepted.
Cyprus	Apolytirio of Lykeio	18/20 plus A at A-level. OR 17.5/20 plus AB at A-level. Either 19 or a grade A is required in the relevant subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	17/20 in English in the Apolytirion
Czech Republic	Vysvedcení o Maturitní Zkoušce (Maturita - Secondary School Leaving Certificate)	1222 with no less than 1 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required
European Countries	European Baccalaureate	Score of at least 8.0 (or 80%) overall including 8.0 (or 85%) in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	6 (or 60%) in English.
Finland	Laudatur - Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen (Matriculation Examination)	6,5,5,5 including at least 6 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required.
France	Baccalauréat General or Baccalauréat avec Option Internationale (International Baccalaureat)	13 overall in Science Stream including 13 in specific science subject and 13 in a second science. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements. Arts stream not accepted.	Minimum of grade 10 in English or above
Germany	Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Abitur (High School Leaving Certificate)	1.6 overall including 13 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	Minimum of 11 or above in English
Ghana	N/A Foundation Year required		IELTS, GCSE or equivalent. If only WASSCE available, grade C or above is acceptable in conjuction with an interview by the Language Centre
Greece	Apolyterion and Panhellenic examinations	18/20 including 19 in specific subjects. OR 17.5/20 plus A at A-level. OR 17/20 plus AB at A-level. Can accept Panhellenic exams in lieu of A-levels where A*=19.5, A=19, B=18.5 Either 19 or a grade A is required in the relevant subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	17/20 in English in the Apolytirion
Hong Kong	Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	5,4,4 with no grade lower than 3. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	HKDSE - a minimum of 4 in Core English.
Hungary	Érettségi Bizonyítvány	55444 or 75% overall including at least 2 subjects at higher level. 80% in HL specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required
India	Higher Secondary Certificate / Indian School Certificate (ISC) / All India Senior School Certificate all taken at grade 12 / Standard XII	80% overall including a minimum of 75% in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	Standard XII English is accepted at grade a minimum of 70%
Iran	The Pre-University Certificate and/or National Entrance Examination (Kunkur)	Pre-University Certificate: this must be in a related subject with an overall grade of 80% (16/20) - 17/20 or 85% is required in specific subjects Kunkur: an overall grade of 80% (16/20) - 17/20 or 85% is required in specific subjects Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required
Ireland	Leaving Certificate passed at Higher / Honours level	H2,H2,H2,H3,H3,H3 including H2 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	C or O4 in English
Italy	The Diploma Esame di Stato	85% overall including 85% in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required
Japan	N/A Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Jordan	N/A Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Kazakhstan	N/A Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Kenya	N/A Foundation Year required		KCSE English grade C
Kuwait	N/A Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Latvia	Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Attestation of General Secondary Education)	Minimum of 8.0 (or 80%) overall including 80% in three state exams and 80% in specific subject state exam. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required
Lithuania	Brandos Atestatas	8.0/10 overall with 85% in 3 exams at State Level including specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required
Luxembourg	Diplôme de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires or the Diplôme de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires Techniques (science stream)	44 overall including a minimum of 48 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements	Grade 36 or above in English.
Malawi	N/A Foundation Year required		Malawi Certificate of School Education grades C for English
Malaysia	STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia - Malaysia Higher School Certificate) or Malaysian Matrikulasi (MCM)	STPM - ABB including A in specific subjects. MCM - 3.5 GPA overall including 3.7 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	SPM Grade C or above (1119/O level English paper only)
Malta	Matriculation Cerrtificate Examination from Uni of Malta / Advanced Matriculation	AB at Advanced Level including specific subjects plus BBB at Intermediate Level Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	Matriculation Certificate intermediate level grade 1-6 or C or above in English.
Mexico	N/A - Foundation Year required		A seperate English Language qualification is required
Netherlands	Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)	Grade 7.5 overall including 7.5 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	VWO grade 6 or above in English.
New Zealand	The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 with Excellence will be considered with a minimum of 80 credits (after 2003 only)	80 credits at Level 3 with 60 credits achieved at 'Excellence' including at least 12 credits of specific subjects. Remaining credits at a minimum of 'Merit'. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject's requirements.	NCEA Level 2 at Merit in English
Nigeria	N/A - Foundation Year required		IELTS, GCSE or equivalent. If only WASSCE available, grade C or above is acceptable in conjuction with an interview by the Language Centre
Norway	Vitnemål fra den Videregående Skole / Videregående opplæring (Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate).	4 overall including 5 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements	Grade 3 or above in English
Oman	N/A - Foundation Year required		A seperate English Language qualification is required
Pakistan	N/A - Foundation Year required		A seperate English Language qualification is required
Poland	Swiadectwo Dojrzałości / Matura (post-2005)	80% overall from 3 Advanced Level subjects including 80% in specific subjects at Advanced Level. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements	A separate English Language qualification is required
Portugal	Certificado de fim de Estudos Secundários /Diploma Nivel Secundários de Educação	Score of 18 overall with 18 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	Minimum grade of 14 in English.
Qatar	N/A - Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Romania	Diploma de Bacalaureat	8.5 overall including 8.5 for specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required
Russia	N/A - Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Saudi Arabia	N/A - Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Singapore	Singapore A-Levels at H2 Level	ABB including A in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	Singapore/Cambridge GCE 'O' grade C6 or above English
Slovakia	Vysvedcenie o Maturitnej Skuske/Maturita	An overall grade of 2 is required with grade 1.5 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required.
Slovenia	Maturitetno spricevalo (Matura Certificate)	25 overall with 5 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	A separate English Language qualification is required
South Africa	South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) at Grade 12	76666, to include 6 in specific subjects and a minimum of 4 in English. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements	NSC grade 4 or above in English
South Korea	N/A - Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Spain	Título de Bachillerato	8.5 overall with 8.5 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements	6 in English
Sri Lanka	Sri Lanka Advanced Level	ABB Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements	A separate English Language qualification is required
Sweden	Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola (Upper Secondary school leaving certificate)	Overall grade of 17.75 is required, with a B in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements	C in English
Switzerland	Federal Maturity Certificates: French - Certificat de Maturité / Certificat de Maturité Cantonal reconnu par la Confédération. German - Maturitätsausweis / Eidgenössisch anerkanntes kantonales Maturitätszeugnis. Italian - Attestato di Maturità / Attestato di Maturità Cantonale riconosciuto dalla Confederazione	5 overall with 5 in specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	Grade 4 or above in English
Taiwan	N/A - Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Turkey	Lise Diploma (High School Diploma) from list of British Council approved schools	80% overall with 80% in specific subjects. The Lise Diploma in not accepted from Schools not on this list - a Foundation Year will be required. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements	A separate English Language qualification is required
Uganda	Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) at Principal level	ABB including specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements	Grade 2 in English in Uganda Certificate of Education
Ukraine	N/A - Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
United Arab Emirates	N/A - Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
United States	SAT I / SATR and HSD plus Advanced Placements or SAT II / SATS OR Completed Associates Degree	SATR combined score of 1290 (min 650 Reading/Writing, 620 Maths) AND 3 x APs with grades of 5,4,4 including 5 in specific subjects OR 3 x SAT II / SATS with minimum 650 including specific subjects OR Completed relevant Associates Degree with 3.2 GPA Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements	SATR 700 Reading & Writing or ACT 26 (English). Can also use SAT I in lieu of SATR; old scoring system requires 550 in each of the 3 sections
Vietnam	N/A - Foundation Year required		A separate English Language qualification is required
Zimbabwe	A-Levels	ABB including specific subjects. Visit the individual course pages for information on specific subject’s requirements.	GCSE grade C.