International Qualifications. at the heart of connecting people to higher education

Transcription

1 2013 at the heart of connectin people to hiher education International Qualifications For entry to university or collee in 2013 This uide is intended as a workin document for selectors and staff involved in admissions and associated activities in hiher education institutions. The publication contains information relatin to a wide rane of international qualifications offered for underraduate admission in the UK. It will also be of interest and relevance to uidance staff in schools, the further education sector and careers services that advise overseas applicants on entry to hiher education.

2 INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT ISO14001:2004 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Published by: UCAS Rosehill New Barn Lane Cheltenham GL52 3LZ UCAS 2012 All rihts reserved. UCAS is a reistered trade mark. UCAS, a company limited by uarantee, is reistered in Enland and Wales number: Reistered charity number: (Enland and Wales) and SC (Scotland) Publication reference: 12_218 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 any liability for errors, omissions or chanes to information since publication. Wherever possible any chanes will be updated on the UCAS website ( Copies of this publication can be downloaded from For further information about the UCAS application process for HEIs o to If you need to contact the HEI Team: phone or fax If you have hearin difficulties, you can contact the customer service team, usin the text relay service: From the UK phone From outside the UK phone (text phone) and ask the operator to dial Calls from BT landlines within the UK will cost no more than nine pence per minute. The cost of calls from mobiles and other networks may vary. If you have received exceptional service from someone at UCAS and want to acknowlede it, then we would like to hear from you- please your comments to employeeexcellenceawards@ucas.ac.uk. Further information can be found on our website UCAS QUALITY AWARDS ISO/IEC 27001:2005 Certificate No. IS Certificate No. EMS

3 Preface This uide is primarily intended as a workin document for selectors and staff involved in admissions and associated activities in hiher education institutions (HEIs). The publication contains information relatin to a wide rane of international qualifications offered for underraduate admission in the UK. It will also be of interest and relevance to uidance staff in schools, the further education (FE) sector and careers services that advise overseas applicants on entry to hiher education (HE). Its purpose is to provide up-to-date information which is easy to access and use, and which will promote the effectiveness and quality of the admissions process. The publication therefore contains details of a rane of qualifications available from many countries throuhout the world. All entries have been submitted to the appropriate authority of the country concerned to allow an opportunity for comment and update. UCAS is particularly rateful for the care and attention taken by correspondents in the updatin and constructive suestions they have iven for this publication. Extensive reference has been made to additional sources and publications, includin UK and overseas education and examination authorities (see Appendix G). The aim of the publication is to provide objective information, on the basis of which HEIs can make their own decisions about the admission of international students. The inclusion of qualifications does not imply reconition or endorsement on the part of UCAS or HEIs for the purpose of entry to HE prorammes. UCAS would be pleased to receive comments and suestions about the format and content of this publication for the benefit of future editions. Please send any comments you have to: Policy & Research Department UCAS Rosehill New Barn Lane Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ t: +44 (0) f: +44 (0) e: quals@ucas.ac.uk INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 1

4 at the heart of connectin people to hiher education FOR A MULTILINGUAL INTRODUCTION TO UCAS VISIT Introduction to UCAS m/international UCAS UCAS m/international

5 Contents Introduction 4 Countries Albania 6 Aleria 6 Australia 6 Austria 7 Bahrain 8 Banladesh 9 Belium 9 Botswana 10 Brazil 10 Brunei 11 Bularia 11 Cameroon 12 Canada 12 China 15 Croatia 15 Cyprus 16 Czech Republic 17 Denmark 17 Eypt 19 Eritrea 19 Estonia 19 Ethiopia 20 Faroe Islands 21 Finland 21 France 22 Gambia 22 Georia 23 Germany 23 Ghana 24 Greece 25 Hon Kon 26 Hunary 27 Iceland 28 India 28 Indonesia 29 Iran 29 Iraq 30 Ireland (Eire) 30 Israel 31 Italy 32 Japan 32 Jordan 33 Kazakhstan 33 Kenya 34 Korea (South) 34 Kuwait 35 Latvia 35 Lebanon 36 Liechtenstein 36 Lithuania 37 Luxembour 38 Macedonia 38 Malawi 39 Malaysia 39 Malta 40 Mauritius 41 Mexico 41 Montenero 42 Morocco 42 Myanmar 42 Nepal 43 Netherlands 44 New Zealand 44 Nieria 46 Norway 46 Oman 47 Pakistan 47 Philippines 48 Poland 48 Portual 49 Qatar 50 Romania 51 Russia 51 Saudi Arabia 52 Serbia 52 Sierra Leone 52 Sinapore 53 Slovakia 53 Slovenia 54 South Africa 54 Spain 55 Sri Lanka 57 Sudan 57 Sweden 57 Switzerland 58 Syria 59 Taiwan 59 Tanzania 59 Thailand 60 Tunisia 60 Turkey 61 Uanda 61 Ukraine 62 United Arab Emirates 62 Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-khaimah, Sharjah, Umm al Quwain United States of America 62 Uzbekistan 64 Venezuela 64 Vietnam 64 West Indies/Caribbean 65 Anuilla, Antiua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts/Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobao, Turks and Caicos Islands Zambia 66 Zimbabwe 66 Appendices A International examinations of UK awardin 68 oranisations B European Baccalaureate 76 C International Baccalaureate Middle Years 78 Proramme, Certificate and Diploma D Option International du Baccalaureat 83 E International foundation prorammes 84 F Enlish Lanuae Proficiency 85 G Additional sources 87 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 3

6 Introduction Globalisation is leadin to a reater mobility of students across the world, and UK HE is benefitin from the recruitment of students from other countries. It is therefore important that HE admissions officers, staff and tutors are fully aware of the qualifications that may be offered by international applicants. The main aim of this publication is to provide accurate and up-to-date information that allows international students to be assessed fairly, and promotes an understandin of the value of their qualifications, ivin HEIs the ability to make realistic offers to international students. Just as in the UK, the political map of the world is constantly chanin. This affects educational systems and the qualifications offered by potential applicants to UK HE. It can also make it difficult to obtain information from some countries. PRESENTATION OF MATERIAL The layout of this edition is similar to previous editions, with the entries arraned in alphabetical order of country, and provides the followin. Evaluation how qualifications offered by applicants compare with UK qualifications. Gradin system how the examinations are marked or raded by the awardin body or educational system. Where possible, the distribution of rades is iven. Education system a brief outline of how the system works in each country to inform the assessment of qualifications. Access to hiher education an insiht of requirements within each country. Where chanes have been made to text since the last edition, the relevant pararaph has been shaded. Where chanes have been made in a table, the headin or the headins for the table itself have been hihlihted. The Appendices include the followin information. Appendix A covers a number of UK awardin oranisations offerin examinations to overseas centres. Appendix B covers information on the European Baccalaureate. Appendix C covers the International Baccalaureate with information on the Middle Years Proramme (MYP) and certification. Appendix D covers the Option International du Baccalauréat. Appendix E covers International Foundation Prorammes. Appendix F covers Enlish lanuae proficiency and embodies information on a wide variety of examinations and tests, which applicants may present as evidence of competence in Enlish. COMPARABILITY WITH UK QUALIFICATIONS Wherever possible, an attempt has been made to provide comparisons with UK qualifications. In approachin international applications, it may be apposite to bear in mind that many countries have broadly based school-leavin examinations. The roup certificates obtained in such countries usually cannot be readily converted into sinle-subject equivalencies in terms of UK qualifications; the most appropriate way to evaluate performance may be to look for hih marks in subjects of particular relevance to the candidate s application. When the school-leavin qualification of a country is evaluated as acceptable in lieu of GCSE, it will clearly need to be supplemented by acceptable qualifications widely used for entry to UK HE, for example, General Certificate of Education (GCE) or Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) awards. The Bolona Declaration (1999) includes in its objectives the adoption and promotion of a Europe-wide system of comparable derees based on two main cycles of study, leadin to bachelor s and master s awards respectively. The knowlede and capabilities of a raduate from a European bachelor s proramme should, enerally, equip them to proress to master s level study. It is important to note, however, that the selection of candidates to prorammes at UK HEIs is determined solely by the institution concerned and is not an automatic riht. Proress towards the two-study-cycles system is bein made at different rates across the sinatory countries. ENGLISH LANGUAGE QUALIFICATIONS Enlish lanuae proficiency has a particular importance for international applicants. For many of them, Enlish is not the mother tonue and, in some instances, the Enlish lanuae syllabus of their school-leavin examination may be rearded as less than riorous or, indeed, is known to be inadequate. It may be prudent to take particular care reardin competence in the Enlish lanuae in respect of applicants with an acceptable roup qualification. The standard qualification is GCSE Enlish lanuae, but there are other examinations and tests specifically desined for candidates whose first lanuae is not Enlish and which, for a lon time, have been rearded as providin evidence of proficiency in Enlish. Althouh this is not an easy matter to resolve, it may well be that the most useful approach should be in terms of an assessment of the ability to cope; that is, some evidence of competence for the task ahead rather than the achievement of a particular academic qualification. Appendix F lists some of the main Enlish lanuae proficiency tests available to international applicants. Appendix G includes useful addresses and websites, as well as postal addresses and telephone and fax numbers. The information in this publication is also available on the UCAS website. 4 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

7 Qualifications currently offered listed by country

8 Albania Certificate of Maturity (Secondary School Leavin Certificate) Considered to be equivalent to GCSE rade A*-C, with the exception of Enlish Lanuae. 10 Ten Excellent 9 Nine Very ood 8 Eiht Good 7 Seven Very satisfactory 6 Six Satisfactory 5 Five Almost satisfactory (lowest pass mark) 4 Four Unsatisfactory 3 Three Very unsatisfactory 2 Two Poor 1 One Very poor The hihest mark: 10 Pass/fail level: 5/4 the lowest pass mark 5. Compulsory education lasts from ae six 15. Basic education lasts five years from ae six 11 and lower secondary education lasts four years from ae Hiher secondary education lasts from ae It is divided into three streams, eneral, social and natural. Upon completion of hiher secondary education students are awarded the Maturity Diploma. Also available is Professional School Education which enerally lasts three years and successful candidates are awarded the Maturity Diploma and the Professional Skills Certificate for Qualified Workers. Technical School Education lasts five years from ae 15 and upon successful completion candidates are awarded the Maturity Diploma and the Professional Skills Certificate for Secondary Technicians. Admission to Hiher Education is by State Maturity exams, which involves undertakin four exams, of which two are compulsory and two are optional and is based on averae marks of secondary school years. The subjects for the compulsory exams are set for secondary school, whereas the subjects for the two optional exams are chosen by the student from roups of optional subjects, of which there were eiht for the academic year All students undero compulsory exams. With these two compulsory exams the pupils complete secondary school and receive the Maturity Certificate. HIGHER EDUCATION The hiher education system in Albania consists of public and private universities, and academies divided into faculties. Since 2005, universities and hiher non-university schools started the system of studies with bachelor s and master s cycles in Albania. Due to Albania s inclusion in the Bolona process in September 2003, the structure of cycles at doctorate level has not yet been implemented. For this reason, this level of studies continues with former prorammes not bein adapted to Bolona process requirements. Normal duration of doctorate studies (full-time) is three to five years. Aleria Baccalauréat or Baccalauréat Technique Considered to be between the BTEC First Diploma and BTEC National Diploma. Baccalauréat de l Enseinement Secondaire May be accepted as a roup qualification by some institutions as satisfyin eneral entrance requirements, provided that an overall rade of at least bien has been achieved. May usually need to be supplemented with GCE A level. Diplôme de Technicien Supérieur Considered to be comparable to BTEC National Diploma/N(S)VQ très bien (very ood) bien (ood) assez bien (fair) passable/moyen (pass) 9 0 insuffisant (fail) Compulsory education is nine years, from the ae of six to 15, followed by three years secondary. The medium of instruction is Arabic throuhout. French or Enlish are tauht as the first forein lanuae. At the end of the nine years of compulsory primary education, pupils may be awarded a Brevet d Etudes Fondamentales (BEF) and the more able will transfer to secondary education. At a secondary school, pupils will follow a common curriculum in the first year, then select an arts, science or technoloy option and take either the Baccalauréat d enseinement secondaire (arts or science stream) or Baccalauréat de Technicien (technoloy steam) after three years. The Baccalauréat is the basic university entrance requirement in Aleria at rades from 10 accordin to the type of deree to be pursued. Some institutions and courses may stipulate study within a particular stream of the Baccalauréat. Aleria is movin towards a three-tier system (Licence-Master-Doctorat) to brin them in line with the European Bolona process. The underraduate deree, the Licence, is awarded after three years of study. Australia In eneral, senior secondary certificates of education, which meet the matriculation requirements of universities in Australia, are acceptable in satisfyin the eneral entrance requirements for UK universities. All rades reported on the senior secondary certificates achieved by students are based on curriculum statements that are developed throuh accreditation procedures and are community endorsed. School-based assessments are moderated throuh statistical and consensus-based moderation procedures to ensure comparability. 6 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

9 All aspects of primary and secondary education are the responsibility of the individual state or territory overnment. Each state and territory system has distinctive features that are comparable in leadin to a reasonably broad matriculation-type examination in most instances. These examinations, toether with school assessment, are seen as the appropriate basis for entry into a three-year deree or a four-year honours deree in Australia. Althouh curriculum statements are accredited separately in each system, there is sinificant and increasin national comparability. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is known by different titles accordin to the State or Territory issuin authority: Australian Capital Territory (ACT) ACT Year 12 Certificate New South Wales (NSW) Hiher School Certificate (HSC) Northern Territory Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE) Queensland Queensland Certificate of Education South Australia South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) Tasmania Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) Victoria Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Victorian Certificate of Applied Learnin (VCAL) Western Australia Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) These certificates are underpinned by quality assurance processes manaed by boards of studies in each state/territory. Each board of studies is a member of the Australasian Curriculum, Assessment and Reportin Authority (ACARA) and implements the ACARA uidelines for certification and for assessment quality and equity. Each certificate is also part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) a national system of learnin pathways coverin a number of different levels of qualification linkin universities and vocational education and trainin with school education. Student scores for all subjects used for university entrance are placed on the one scale to ensure that students are not disadvantaed by their subject choice or the school they attend. There is separation of university rankin and standards reportin at the end of year 12. Each senior secondary certificate is associated with an overall rankin of students achievement in years 11 and 12. For all states and territories, except Queensland, the nationally areed common index is expressed out of 100 and calculated at intervals of It is a percentile rank of that year s cohort, not of the students completin the requirements. For Queensland, Overall Positions (OPs) are reported as one of 25 bands in which Band 1 is the hihest. These measures, calculated in some states by the tertiary admissions centres and in others by the relevant board of studies, allow students to be placed in an academic order of merit for selection to tertiary courses via a nationally areed common index. This allows comparisons to be made across states and territories. Since 2010, this common index has been called the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) in all states and territories except Queensland. These indicators of overall achievement are the same in all states except Queensland, e an ATAR of in Western Australia is equivalent to an ATAR of in New South Wales. Queensland reports students overall achievement in terms of OPs. Studies include a rane of academic disciplines and vocational courses. The format is a mix of directed classroom studies, extensive written assinments and formal examinations, and may include common assessment tasks. Dependin on study alternatives, students may also apply skills, demonstrate understandin and undertake performance, project, roup and fieldwork activities. A comprehensive summary of the various year 12 systems is contained in the web-based publication Leavin School in Australia Year 12 State by State published by ACARA and updated reularly. This publication can be accessed at The universities in Australia are autonomous institutions and set their own faculty and course entrance requirements. Specific subjects and levels of achievement may be prescribed as prerequisites for entry to individual courses. A university s entrance requirement is most clearly linked to the school leavin certificate system in its own state. In New South Wales, the Universities Admissions Centre calculates an ATAR score for students who have completed the Hiher School Certificate. This is reported out of 100 at intervals of 0.05 for each eliible student. On this basis, cut-off points for the University of New South Wales in 2010, for Commonwealth-supported students, were: law 99.55, science 78.00, arts 79.00, architecture 95.40, commerce and enineerin The South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) calculates ATAR for students who have completed the South Australian Certificate of Education. In 2011 current cut-off points for the University of Adelaide are: arts 65.05, commerce 80.00, civil and structural enineerin 80.45, and law (underraduate entry), science 70 and architecture 70 (desin studies). Since 2000 entry to the University of Queensland, the followin OPs have been required for courses: arts OP12, commerce OP7, enineerin OP8, architecture OP5, science OP12 and law OP3. Recent information can be obtained from each state s University Admission Centre website. Austria Reifeprüfunszeunis/Maturazeunis Acceptable as a roup qualification satisfyin eneral entrance requirements. 1 sehr ut (very ood) 2 ut (ood) 3 befriediend (satisfactory) 4 enüend (pass) 5 nicht enüend (failure) Candidates must achieve rade 4 or better in every subject. Primary education lasts for four years. Secondary education is divided into lower secondary school, which lasts for four years, and upper secondary school, which lasts for four or five years. At INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 7

10 lower secondary level, there are two options: Hauptschule (eneral secondary) and Allemein bildende höhere Schulen (academic secondary), the latter bein divided into Gymnasium (eneral), Realymnasium (Science-based) and Wirtschaftskundliches Realymnasium (Home Economics). Upper secondary education lasts for four or five years. There are four types of Allemeinbildende höhere Schulen: Gymnasium, Realymnasium, Wirtschaftskundliches Realymnasium and Oberstufen-Realymnasium. Vocational secondary education in collees lasts five years. All streams lead to the Reifeprüfun/Matura, which ives access to hiher education. At upper secondary level there are two further forms of vocational trainin: vocational schools combinin eneral and vocational trainin which enerally have a duration of three years. The apprenticeship system combines trainin in a company (approx. four days per week) with trainin in a school. At present there are approximately 260 different apprenticeship trades available, their duration varyin between two and four years. In 1997, the Berufsreifeprüfun (Vocational Certificate) was introduced. It ives access to university and Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences) prorammes. In Austria, hiher education is provided by state universities (includin the universities of the arts), private universities and Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences). There are also University Collees of Teacher Education (Pädaoische Hochschulen) which are responsible for the formation of compulsory teachers and for the in-service trainin of all teachers. The state universities remain state institutions and the state continues to finance them. They are free to handle their internal affairs and formulate their statutes. Non-deree proramme students and deree proramme students (außerordentliche and ordentliche Studierende) at Austrian state universities have to pay tuition fees, which amount to EUR 363,36 per semester. The fee is waived for Austrian students, EU/EEA nationals, students with Swiss nationality as well as other third country lon term resident students as lon as they do not exceed the duration of study reulated in the respective curriculum plus two additional semesters for a bachelor s and a master s proramme. Admission to a bachelor s (diploma) deree proramme is ranted upon the basis of the Austrian hiher secondary school leavin certificate (Reifezeunis), its forein equivalent, or the successful completion of a special university entrance qualification examination (Studienberechtiunsprüfun). Students of compulsory lower schools who have completed additional schoolin in the form of apprenticeships as skilled workers may take a vocationally based examination acknowleded as equivalent to the hiher secondary school leavin certificate (Berufsreifeprüfun). Admission to universities of applied sciences bachelor s and master s deree prorammes may also take place upon the basis of previous vocational or technical experience and qualifications of applicants. In some fields of study admission is based on a selective admission process. This applies in particular to universities of applied sciences bachelor s and master s deree prorammes, study prorammes at university collees of education and some diploma and bachelor s deree prorammes at universities in accordance with respective leal authorisation. This is the case for the study prorammes Human Medicine, Dental Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Psycholoy and Communication Studies and Journalism. The number of newly admitted students is either determined by the university itself ( Human Medicine, Dental Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Psycholoy ) or by the Minister of Science and Research ( Communication Studies and Journalism ). The Minister may limit the number of students as well in other study prorammes as lon as there is an increased demand on the part of forein citizens for these study prorammes. Admission to a bachelor's proramme requires: the eneral university entrance qualification at public universities the specific university entrance qualification for the chosen study proramme knowlede of the German lanuae proof of artistic aptitude in case of artistic prorammes proof of aptitude for physical/motor skills for teacher trainin prorammes in physical education (Leibeserziehun) and for the deree prorammes in sports sciences (Sportwissenschaften) admission procedure for universities of applied sciences deree prorammes proof of aptitude for teacher trainin prorammes at university collees of education. Finally, the eneral university entrance qualification is also obtained by completin studies at a post-secondary educational institution, for which the required work output amounts to a minimum of 180 ECTS credits (corresponds to a minimum three-year duration of studies). Whenever an applicant has obtained a forein admission title, its equivalency to one of the aforementioned Austrian admission titles must be reviewed. Specific university qualification means that at public universities, in addition to the eneral university entrance qualification, proof must be iven that the study-specific admission requirements are met, includin the riht to immediate admission to a deree proramme, as they exist in the country issuin the document that is proof of the eneral university entrance qualification. At public universities, the senate is entitled to establish that unacceptable study conditions would prevail if all forein and stateless applicants were admitted without any restriction, on account of the proportion between teachers and students. In such a case the senate may establish and announce restrictions on the admission of forein and stateless applicants, EU and EEA citizens and certain other roups of persons, for example refuees. Bahrain Tawjahiya (Secondary School Leavin Certificate) Acceptable at 60% or better in lieu of GCSE on a subject for subject basis (except Enlish Lanuae). Would need to be supplemented by GCE A levels, Scottish Hihers or Advanced Hihers, or a bridin course. Markin varies between subjects; the maximum and minimum marks per subject are shown on the certificate, but see below under Education System. Arabic is the medium of instruction in schools. Enlish is the first forein lanuae studied, and is taken from the third year of 8 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

11 primary school, remainin compulsory until the end of secondary education. Six years of primary education leads to three years of intermediate education. The Intermediate School Certificate or its equivalent is a prerequisite to proceedin to three years of upper secondary education culminatin in the Secondary School Leavin Certificate. In upper secondary education, students can choose between a scientific, literary, technical, commercial or applied stream. The award of the Secondary School Certificate involves a credit-hours system and requires 156 credit-hours, except for technical, which requires 180. Admission to four-year deree courses in Bahrain is on the basis of the Secondary School Leavin Certificate with an averae mark of 70% or more. Those who achieve lower scores can undertake additional study at university to improve their chances of admission. Banladesh Hiher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Acceptable in lieu of GCSE on a subject for subject basis (except Enlish Lanuae). Would need to be supplemented by GCE A levels, Scottish Hihers or Advanced Hihers, or a bridin course. Bachelor of Arts, Science and Commerce (Honours) Satisfies the eneral entry requirements for entry into a UK Hiher Education Institution (HEI) and may be eliible for entry with credit (advanced standin). Students with hih rades may be considered for master s prorammes. Bachelor of Arts, Science and Commerce (Ordinary) May satisfy eneral entrance requirements for UK hiher education. See also Overseas Examinations of UK Awardin Oranisations (Appendix A). HSC Letter Grade Grade Point Marks Obtained A A A B C D F Five years of primary education leads to the Primary Final Exam (introduced in 2009), which must be passed in order for the student to enrol in class VI, the first of three years of junior secondary education. At the end of class eiht (the final year of junior secondary education), students take the Junior School Exam or Junior Dakhil Certificate (introduced in 2010). This then leads to two years of secondary education, at the end of which (Class 10) students take the Secondary School Certificate. Two further years (hiher secondary) lead to the Hiher School Certificate (HSC) in Class 12. The medium of instruction is predominantly Benali, but Enlish is used in a small number of schools. Enlish is tauht as a compulsory subject at secondary and hiher secondary levels. The HSC ives access to underraduate studies in universities, collees and other institutions of HE in Banladesh. Such studies include three-year pass derees, four-year honours derees, four-year enineerin, aricultural and business administration derees, and five-year medicine and architecture derees. Pass derees can be undertaken only in affiliated collees, althouh the deree is ranted by the National University ( on the basis of examinations administered by the university. Belium French-speakin community Certificat d Enseinement Secondaire Supérieur Diplôme d accès à l enseinment supérieur (previously Diplôme d aptitude à accéder à l enseinement supérieur) Flemish-speakin community Diploma (previously Getuinschrift) van Hoer Secundair Onderwijs German-speakin community Abschlusszeunis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts All acceptable as roup qualifications satisfyin eneral entrance requirements. Various, with details on certificates, but most commonly: 20 (maximum) 1 or 10 (maximum) 1 Due to the federal state structure of Belium, the Dutch-speakin (Flemish), French-speakin and German-speakin communities have had a very considerable measure of autonomy in educational policy since Nonetheless, there are certain broad national uidelines. Six years of primary education is followed by six years of secondary education leadin to the school-leavin certificate: Diploma van secundair Onderwijs/Certificat d Enseinement Secondaire Supérieur/Abschlusszeunis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts. Secondary education is arraned in four tracks: eneral, technical, artistic and vocational. The certificate will record the specialisation. In the vocational track, an extra seventh year of secondary education is needed to obtain the Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs. Compulsory education covers a period of 12 years, from the ae of six. The Flemish Parliament adopted a new HE Act in April 2003, implementin the principles of the Bolona Declaration. The eneral admission requirement for a bachelor s proramme is the Flemish secondary school leavin certificate: Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs. Entry examinations must be passed by any student who wishes to take up study in civil enineerin, nautical sciences, dentistry, medicine or fine arts. For the French-speakin community in Belium, if students do not hold the Certificat d Enseinement Secondaire Supérieur or its equivalent, universities arrane an admissions examination, which ives entry to HE at universities and Hautes Ecoles, Ecoles INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 9

12 supérieures des Arts and Instituts supérieurs d architecture. There is an exam for entry on to enineerin courses. In order to access the first year of Ecole supérieure des arts, the student has to pass an épreuve d admission. The institution boards may admit persons who cannot meet theeneral admission requirement takin into account the relevant leal reulations. Since 2004/2005, the traditional cycle prorammes previously offered by universities in Belium were radually replaced by Bolona derees. Since 2008/2009, the chane to bachelor s and master s derees was fully implemented. Most universities now use the ECTS. Some professional bachelor s derees (180 ECTS) ive access to subsequent prorammes (at least 60 ECTS), possibly after a preliminary examination. The boards of the university collees stipulate which bachelor s derees ive access to these subsequent professional specialisation prorammes. Academic bachelor s derees (180 ECTS) ive access to master s prorammes (at least 60 ECTS). Some master s derees will ive access to subsequent advanced prorammes (at least a further 60 ECTS), possibly after a preliminary examination. The boards of the universities stipulate which master s derees ive access to these specialised and advanced master s prorammes. Professional bachelor s derees ive access to some master s prorammes after a bridin course. The proramme of the bridin course is determined by the university board. The master s derees ive access to doctoral prorammes, possibly after a preliminary examination (dependent on field of study). Botswana At the end of form 5 students have attained either BGCSE or IGCSE (the UK equivalent of O levels, GCSEs and Standard Grades). Very few students o on to do A levels at private schools; however for those who do these are equivalent to UK A levels The education system in Botswana is structured as follows: Primary is for seven years: Standard 1 7 Junior Secondary is for three years: Form 1 3 Senior Secondary is for two years: Form 4 5 University of Botswana Entry to the University of Botswana (UB) is on BGCSE results. Entry to UK universities As the UB does not offer all subjects, some students are sponsored overseas to countries includin the UK students who are ranted sponsorship to the UK first complete two years at the UB. UK universities accept two years at University of Botswana (part one of a deree course, e BSC part one) as equivalent to A level for entry purposes that is to say if a student has done part one of a deree course at UB they may enter into year one of a UK deree course. In some Scottish universities they may enter into year two of the deree course. UK universities also accept Botswana A levels as entry requirements to join year one of a UK deree course. Botswana students who have done neither A levels nor two years at the UB usually need to o on to foundation access courses in UK universities; BGCSE are accepted as entry requirements into foundation courses. University of Botswana derees are accepted as the required entry to et on to UK master s courses and University of Botswana master s derees are sufficient to allow access to UK PhD courses. University of Botswana has underraduate derees, master s and PhD level courses but not in all subjects. For entry to UK collees: those collees acceptin UK students on GCSE results would also be able to accept Botswana students on BGCSE/IGCSE results as they are equivalent. Brazil Certificado de Conclusao de Ensino Fundamental Considered to be below GCSE standard. Certificado de Ensino Médio Considered to be below GCE A level standard. Acceptable for entry to a foundation year in UK hiher education institutions. Enlish Lanuae requires official proof of knowlede, such as an IELTS exam certificate or other relevant qualification. Compulsory subjects, as set in the national curriculum, include: Portuuese, mathematics, bioloy, eoraphy, chemistry, physics, history, arts, physical education and a forein lanuae. Students can also opt to study the three years of ensino médio followin a vocational route. Subjects studied vary accordin to the career path chosen. Students can also follow the standard ensino médio route and the vocational route simultaneously. Markin systems vary between states. However, in eneral terms: either raded on a scale of 10 (maximum) to 1, with a pass mark of 5, or SS 10 9 MS 8 7 MM 6 5 MI 4 3 II 2 1 SR 0 Oranisation of the educational system in Brazil is decentralised: local and state authorities share the responsibility for primary education (Ensino Fundamental); states are responsible for secondary education (Ensino Médio); and the Federal Government has responsibility for HE. The Ministry of Education issues uidelines for curricular content at primary and secondary level, but there are still enormous reional variations. In addition to the state system, there is a broad network of private schools and HEIs. The medium of instruction is Portuuese. 10 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

13 Brazilian education is oranised in two main blocks. The first is basic, compulsory education from ae seven to 14, on completion of which, successful students are awarded the Certificado de Conclusao de Ensino Fundamental. This is followed by a further, voluntary three years of secondary education. The school leavin qualification is the Certificado de Ensino Médio. Students may take the Exame Nacional Do Ensino Médio (ENEM). This is a test desined to enable the Ministry of Education to assess national standards. It is not a qualification, but is bein increasinly used in Brazil to ain university entrance. Vestibular are university entrance examinations, which are broadly equivalent to GCSEs. Students with hiher rades in Vestibular ain access to the universities. The ENEM is often iven a percentae weihtin with the Vestibular for the purposes of university entrance. The Prorama De Avaliacão Seriada (PAS) is another university entrance examination ained over the last three years of secondary education and adopted by some universities. Demand for HE and competition for places is hih. Entrance to HE is based on possession of the Certificado de Ensino Médio (or Certificado de Conclusao de Seundo Grau) and performance in the entrance exam (Vestibular). The first deree, Bacharel or Licenciado title usually takes from four to six years dependin upon the specialisation. Brunei Brunei-Cambride General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (B-C GCE O Level) examination (at upper secondary level). Grades A, B and C (rade A = rades 1 and 2, rade B = rades 3 and 4, rade C = rades 5 and 6) equivalent to GCSE rades A, B, C. Brunei-Cambride General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (BC-GCE A) examination Examination equates to UK GCE Advanced standard (at pretertiary level). Grades A to E equivalent to UK GCE Advanced level rades A to E The Brunei Darussalam Education System provides schoolin in a pattern, representin primary, lower secondary, upper secondary and pre-tertiary levels respectively. At the ae of five, the child will start pre-school education. Then they will proceed to primary school for six years, at the end of which, they sit the Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (PSR)/Primary School Assessment. The students who pass the examination will continue on to three years of lower secondary education and two years of upper secondary education. In the third year of secondary education, students must sit for the Penilaian Menenah Bawah (PMB)/Lower Secondary Assessment and on meetin the criteria of promotion will qualify for the next level which will allow them to proceed to another two years of secondary education where, in the fifth year, they will sit for the Brunei-Cambride General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (B-C GCE O levels) examination. There are two lanuaes of instruction, Malay for subjects such as Bahasa Melayu, Islamic Reliious Knowlede and Malay Literature, and Enlish. Students who have adequate and relevant O level qualifications may proceed to the pre-university level. At this level, the students follow a two year course leadin to the Brunei-Cambride General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (B-C GCE A level) examination. Students who have completed the PMB or the BC-GCE O Level examination can pursue vocational education in a Technical or Enineerin Collee offerin two- to five-year crafts or technician prorammes. Those who complete A level courses with adequate and relevant passes may be eliible for entry to The Universiti of Brunei Darussalam or other tertiary institutions or be awarded scholarships for further studies abroad. Bularia Diploma za zavarsheno sredno obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Secondary Education) Awarded by standard secondary schools and acceptable as a roup qualification satisfyin eneral entrance requirements.diploma za zavarsheno sredno specialno obrazovanie. (Vocational Diploma of Completed Secondary Education) Awarded by vocational secondary schools and acceptable as a roup qualification satisfyin eneral entry requirements. Includes certificate for professional qualification, issued upon completion of vocational trainin, and certificate rantin the riht to practice a profession, issued for license requirin professions. 6 otlichen (excellent) 5 mnoo dobur (very ood) 4 dobur (ood) 3 sreden (sufficient) [minimum pass mark] 2 slab (poor) The education system in Bularia is structured as follows. Pre-school education (ae three to six/seven) Basic education (rades one to eiht aes six/seven up to ae 16) Secondary education (rades nine to 12) is also offered in vocational and technical schools. Education is not compulsory after the ae of 16. Education in Bularia is reulated by the state and is offered by state schools and by the private sector. Successful completion of secondary education culminates in the award of the Diploma. The Diploma of Completed Secondary Education is a prerequisite for entry to HEIs in Bularia. In the past entry was also based on competitive entrance examinations, but followin the introduction of the compulsory State Maturity Examinations at the end of 12th rade, the results of these are often used as an alternative. The autonomy of hiher education institutions allows them to define their own entry requirements for enrolment each year. The lenth of the first deree course varies and ranes from a minimum of three years, accordin to subject. Private hiher education is also available in Bularia. Both state and private HEIs are reulated by law. INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 11

14 Cameroon Baccalauréat Acceptable as a roup qualification satisfyin eneral entrance requirements provided that an overall rade of at least bien has been achieved. Cameroon GCE Ordinary Level Acceptable at rade C or better in lieu of GCSE on a subject for subject basis. Cameroon GCE Advanced Level Acceptable at rades A E in lieu of GCE A level on a subject for subject basis. Baccalauréat excellent (excellent) très bien (very ood) bien (ood) assez bien (fair) passable/moyen (pass) 9 0 insuffisant (fail) Cameroon GCE Ordinary level Cameroon GCE Advanced level A C (pass), D F (fail) A E (pass), F (fail) The Republic of Cameroon has an educational system unique in Africa, with Enlish and French as the lanuaes of instruction in both educational sub-systems. Six or seven years of primary education lead to national examinations in which a pass is a prerequisite for secondary education. Secondary education in the Enlish-medium system involves a first cycle of five years leadin to O level and a second cycle of two further years to A level. In the French-medium system, the first cycle of four years leads to the Brevet d Etudes du Premier Cycle and the second cycle of three years to the Baccalauréat, which is a roup examination requirin passes in all eiht/nine subjects. Admission to the six state universities in Cameroon is based on the Baccalauréat or two A levels and a minimum of four O levels. However, each university is entitled to impose its own entry qualifications which may be quite specific, especially in relation to bilinual derees. The initial qualification after a minimum of three years is the Licence or BA/BSc. Canada OVERVIEW OF THE S OF THE PROVINCES AND TERRITORIES OF CANADA There is no sinle system of education in Canada: education is the responsibility of the provinces and territories. Althouh systems resemble each other in a number of aspects, each provincial and territorial system has different characteristics. Elementary education in most provinces covers the first eiht years of compulsory education and is followed by four years of secondary education. While most provinces and territories use some form of uniform examinations, this varies across jurisdictions in terms of subjects and rades, and students marks are determined mostly at the school level. In some provinces, the award of standin is shared between the Department of Education and the local authorities. In all jurisdictions, except Quebec where the secondary school leavin diploma is awarded after 11 years of study, students must have completed 12 years of study to be awarded the certificate or diploma markin the end of secondary education. In all provinces and territories (except Quebec, where the completion of secondary school occurs in rade 11), the certificates or diplomas awarded on the completion of secondary school studies (usually in rade 12) normally satisfy eneral entrance requirements to universities. Most of the provincial certificates or diplomas awarded by provinces and territories on the completion of secondary school studies (usually in rade 12) provide individual subject marks on a percentae basis (50% pass), often linked with a literal rade. Diplôme d études colléiales (DEC, Québec): On a percentae basis (60% pass). Canadian universities have individual admission requirements based primarily on the secondary school qualifications awarded in their own province. With the exception of Quebec, where the twoyear Diploma of Colleial Studies (DEC) is the normal requirement for eneral university admission, for a total 13 years of schoolin, most universities require a rade 12 qualification with a minimum averae mark which varies from province to province, but which is usually in the rane 60 75%. Faculties with limited enrolments, usually professional faculties, will require hiher averaes. Provinces and Territories Alberta (AB) Alberta has three years of senior hih school, rades 10 throuh 12, leadin to an Alberta hih school diploma. At the post-secondary level, there are six types of publicly funded institutions, each with a rane of academic prorammin, research activity, and learner focus. The six types of institutions are: comprehensive academic and research institutions (universities), baccalaureate and applied studies institutions, polytechnical institutions, comprehensive community institutions, independent academic institutions, and specialised arts and culture institutions. Publicly funded institutions normally require a hih school diploma for admission to certificate and diploma prorammes; however, academic requirements vary by proramme. Prospective students should consult the institutions of their choice for details. Each deree-rantin institution in Alberta sets its own admission requirements as well as criteria for reconisin academic qualifications obtained in Canadian jurisdictions and abroad. Admission averaes required to enter an underraduate deree proramme, either directly from hih school or throuh transfer from another post-secondary institution, vary by institution, faculty, and proramme. Normally five rade 12 courses (or equivalent) are required. Admission to prorammes that have enrolment limits may require competitive marks hiher than the minimum admission requirements set out in the institution s academic calendar. Mature applicants who do not meet normal admission requirements may be considered with different qualifications. Competency in Enlish is required of forein students. 12 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

15 Prospective students should consult the institutions of their choice for details. British Columbia (BC) Each university in BC determines its eneral entrance requirements for raduatin rade 12 students. Generally, raduation from rade 12 is required. In some cases, the best four or five courses from a defined list of rade 12 level courses are used. The acceptable percentae in these courses can vary from year to year, dependin on the number of students applyin in a iven year and dependin on the faculty. Science prorammes usually require a hiher overall percentae than arts prorammes. For admission to BC s collees, and institutes offerin academic and career/technical prorammes, includin prorammes leadin to derees, entry requirements vary dependin on the institution and the proramme but they enerally require students to have raduated from rade 12. More information is available on admission to BC post secondary institutions at Manitoba (MB) Each university in Manitoba sets its own admission requirements and its own criteria for reconisin academic qualifications obtained in Canadian jurisdictions and abroad. Admission averaes required to enter an underraduate proramme, either directly from hih school or throuh transfer from another post-secondary institution, vary by university, faculty, and proramme. Normally a minimum of 65 to 70% in five acceptable rade 12 subjects is required. Grade 12 or equivalent courses must include Enlish, mathematics, physical education/health and at least two other courses (humanities/social sciences, mathematics, physical sciences). These courses are used to calculate the admission averae. Admission to university faculties and prorammes that have enrolment limits may require competitive marks hiher than the minimum admission requirements set out in the academic calendar. Mature applicants (ae 21 or older) who do not meet normal admission requirements may be considered with different qualifications. Manitoba has five eneral prorammes of study at the secondary level: Enlish Proramme Français Proramme French Immersion Proramme Technoloy Education Proramme Français/French Immersion Technoloy Education Proramme. Minimum entry requirements for secondary school raduates from the Enlish Proramme are a total of 30 credits (equivalent to 30 full-year courses) over the course of their rade 9 to rade 12 studies, includin three rade 12 compulsory credits (one each in Enlish lanuae, arts, mathematics, and physical education/health), plus 13 optional credits, at least three of which must be one rade 11 and two rade 12. Minimum entry requirements for secondary school raduates from the Français and French Immersion Prorammes are a total of 30 credits (equivalent to 30 full-year courses) over the course of their rade 9 to rade 12 studies, includin four rade 12 compulsory credits (one each in Français, Enlish lanuae arts, mathematics and physical education/health), plus nine optional credits, at least two of which must be one rade 11 and one rade 12. Minimum entry requirements for secondary school raduates from the Technoloy Education are a total of 30 credits (equivalent to 30 full-year courses) over the course of their rade 9 to rade 12 studies, includin three rade 12 compulsory credits (one each in Enlish lanuae arts, mathematics, and physical education/health), plus an approved cluster of eiht to 14 compulsory technoloy education credits, at least four of which must be two rade 11 and two rade 12, Minimum entry requirements for secondary school raduates from the Français/French Immersion Technoloy Education Proramme are a total of 30 credits (equivalent to 30 full-year courses) over the course of their rade 9 to rade 12 studies, includin four rade 12 compulsory credits (one each in Français, Enlish lanuae arts, mathematics, and physical education/health), plus an approved cluster of eiht to 10 compulsory technoloy education credits, at least two of which must be one rade 11 and one rade 12, Manitoba also offers a Mature Student Hih School Diploma for individuals who bein their mature student studies when they are 19 years of ae or over, who have been out of school six months or more, and who have been out of school lon enouh for the class of which he or she was last a member to have raduated from rade 12. Eiht credits are required, at least four of which must be rade 12 credits (includin one Enlish lanuae arts and one mathematics). Français and French Immersion raduates also require one rade 12 credit in French. Students intendin to pursue post-secondary studies in a scientific discipline are normally required to have taken, as one of their optional rade 12 credits, a full-year credit in one or more of the foundational sciences (bioloy, chemistry and physics). Minimum entry requirements for secondary school raduates with credit at the five prorammes described above, the International Baccalaureate (IB) proramme, as well as for mature students (21 years of ae or more), vary from postsecondary institution to institution. New Brunswick (NB) Anlophone schools: 60% in 17 of 20 credits, includin seven compulsories in rades and at least five credits at the rade 12 level are required for raduation. Francophone schools: 24 credits out of a possible 30, 17 credits of which are associated with the core courses and seven credits selected from the elective courses. The passin rade is fixed at 55%. Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) University entrance requirements for NL students enterin the NLuniversity are as follows: Completion of raduation requirements for hih school as set down by the Department of Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, or equivalent from other Canadian jurisdictions, and a 70% averae in rade 12 (Level 3) academic and/or advanced courses from the followin cateories: Enlish, maths, laboratory science, social science/modern or classical lanuae, and two credits from elective(s). From the British system, applicants must have completed the General Certificate of Education (GCE) or the Scottish Leavin Certificate with Lower-Level or Ordinary passes in five acceptable subjects deemed equivalent to the requirements for Canadian applicants. Those with Advanced level subjects of the General INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 13

16 Certificate of Education, or Hiher level subjects from the Scottish Leavin Certificate, may submit an application for transfer credit evaluation for transfer credit or advanced standin. A level subjects, with a minimum D rade, will be considered for credit to a maximum of 12 credit hours in each subject. Hiher Level subjects may be accepted for first-year university level credit. Students with General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications normally acceptable for UK university admission, and passes in five acceptable subjects deemed equivalent to Canadian applicant requirements, are advised to contact the International Admissions Officer, Reistrar's Office, Memorial University of Newfoundland, for further information about admissions and credit transfer ( Public collee entrance requirements vary dependin on proramme; however, hih school raduation is the minimum requirement. British applicants should present the General Certificate in Secondary Education. Northwest Territories (NT) NT uses the Alberta curriculum established by that province. Aurora Collee s admission requirements vary dependin on the proramme; however, rade 12 is the minimum requirement. Further information is available on the Aurora Collee website at Nova Scotia (NS) The minimum level of achievement for admission to Nova Scotia universities varies by institution from a low of 60% to a hih of 70% in five acceptable subjects at rade 12. Nunavut (NU) General admission requirements: 65% in five acceptable subjects at rade 12. Ontario (ON) In Ontario, there are provincially assisted universities, provincially assisted collees of applied arts and technoloy (CAATs), and private career collees. Entry requirements vary dependin on the type of institution and the specific proramme. For university, students are required to have successfully completed the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSS) with six rade 12 U or M courses (or a combination of rade 12 U and M courses) or the equivalent. Each Ontario university sets its own admission standards. Further information on the marks schools are lookin for is available on the Council of Ontario Universities Common University Data website ( For entrance into an Ontario collee, admission requirements vary between specific collees and prorammes. In most cases, the successful completion of an OSSD or the equivalent is required. However, collees may establish proramme-specific admission and eliibility requirements. Admission into a private career collee in Ontario varies. In most cases, the successful completion of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or the equivalent is required. Prince Edward Island (PE) General admission requirements: The minimum level of achievement for admission to PEI's university and two collees enerally ranes from 65% to 75% in acceptable subjects at rade 12. Some prorammes of study require hiher marks in one or more of the rade 12 subjects. The University of Prince Edward Island requires successful completion of rade 12 examinations in a University Preparatory Proramme (academic or advanced courses) with an overall averae of at least 70% in five subjects. The subject combinations vary dependin on the field of study as follows: Arts - Enlish, one social studies or lanuae, any three other academic courses, rade 12 mathematics recommended; Business - Enlish, mathematics, any two social studies, lanuaes or sciences, and one other academic course; Science - Enlish, mathematics, two sciences, and one other academic course. As well, applications will be considered from students who have completed prorammes of study in CEGEP, Community Collees or CAAT. Transfer credits, if any, will be considered on an individual basis. More information is available on the UPEI website at Prince Edward Island's public collee, Holland Collee, offers a rane of post-secondary prorammes with a variety of requirements: applied sciences and enineerin technoloy prorammes - rade 12 or equivalent, rade 12 academic Enlish, a rade 11 or 12 science and rade 11 or 12 academic mathematics (minimum 60%-70%); health and community studies prorammes - rade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the eneral level or rade 12 academic, rade 12 academic Enlish (minimum of 65% - 75%), and most require an academic rade 11 or 12 mathematics and/or science (min 60%- 70%); media and communications prorammes - rade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the eneral level, some require rade 12 Enlish (minimum 60%-65%); trades and industrial technoloy - rade 12 or equivalent, some have a rade 11 and/or 12 Enlish and mathematics requirement; prorammes in business, culinary arts, policin / law enforcement, sport and leisure, tourism and the collee foundation proramme - rade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the eneral level. More information is available on the Holland Collee website at Quebec (QC) In Quebec, elementary and secondary education covers 11 years - six at the elementary level, five at the secondary level. The secondary school leavin diploma (diplôme d études secondaires, or DES) is awarded at the end of rade 11 (5e secondaire). All secondary school raduates who want to pursue hiher education studies enrol in a collee-level institution (either a public collèe d'enseinement énéral et professionnel, or céep, or a publicly subsidised private collee) optin for either a two-year preuniversity diploma proramme, or a three-year technical diploma proramme similar to those offered by community collees in other provinces; in both cases, the diploma is called diplôme d études colléiales (DEC). Most universities require the two-year eneral collee-level diploma for admission; the three-year technical diploma is also admissible. Other secondary school raduates can choose to enrol in a Diploma of Vocational Studies followed by an Attestation of Vocational Speciality; up to one year of the Diploma of Vocational Studies could be credited towards the three-year technical diploma. Quebec s Diploma of Colleial Studies (diplôme d études colléiales, or DEC) awarded after two years of study at a public or private collee (for a total schoolin of 13 years) is the normal requirement for eneral university admission; the three-years DEC is also acceptable. Collee education comes after secondary school; it is the first level of hiher education, the second bein university. Secondary school students from outside Quebec may be required to complete bridin courses before admission to a bachelor s proramme. Saskatchewan (SK) Each university determines its eneral entrance requirements for raduatin rade 12 students. The University of Saskatchewan requires a minimum 72% averae for Early 14 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

17 Admission based on first term rade 12 marks. The averae calculation includes Enlish, mathematics and three acceptable academic subjects. The University of Reina uses an Early Conditional Admission Averae (combination of rade 11 and 12 rades) which ranes between 65% - 85% dependin on the faculty/proramme to which a student is applyin. Students must present a minimum number of approved hih school courses for admission consideration. The number of courses required will vary by province/territory. Yukon (YK) Yukon uses the BC curriculum and raduation requirements established by that province. Admission requirements vary between prorammes. The eneral admissions criteria for acceptance into post-secondary studies are completion of academic rade 12 includin rade 12 Enlish and rade 11 mathematics. Admission to some prorammes that have enrolment limits may require competitive marks hiher than the minimum admission requirements set out in the academic calendar. Mature applicants who do not meet normal admission requirements may be eliible throuh consideration of other qualifications and/or assessments. China Senior Hih School Entrance Examination (Chuzhon Huikao) Considered to be between GCSE and GCE A level standard. Those students with hih rades may be considered for admission to access or foundation level prorammes. Vocational Secondary School Diploma (Zhixiao) Considered to be comparable to BTEC First Diploma/NVQ level 2. University Entrance Examination (Gaokao) Considered to be between AS and A2 level standard. It is enerally considered more advanced than the Senior Hih School Examination. Those students with hih rades may be considered for admission to access or foundation level prorammes. Senior Hih School Examination Nine subjects are taken and raded A D (with A bein the hihest). A % B C D Fail University Entrance Examination The examination includes three core subjects, each of which is marked out of 150 points, and a comprehensive subject (arts route or science route) with 300 points maximum, addin up to a total score of 750 for the examination. Primary and secondary education in China comprises three staes: six years of primary school, three years of junior middle school, and three years of senior middle school. Primary and junior middle school education is compulsory, and commences at ae six. To proress from junior middle school, students must pass locally oranised entrance examinations. Results of these entrance examinations are used to stream students into a eneral academic route or a technical and vocational route. The technical and vocational schools offer the Vocational Secondary School Diploma which includes eneral knowlede, basic technoloy and a subject specialism. Senior secondary schools offer the Senior Hih School Entrance Examination, which is usually taken in five or six subjects. As it is taken across the country, but oranised on a provincial basis, curricula and standards may vary. Graduation from Senior Secondary School is a prerequisite for sittin the University Entrance Examination. The upper ae limit of 25 was abolished in The University Entrance Examination format can vary between provinces, but is taken nationwide. There are three compulsory core subjects, namely Chinese, mathematics and a forein lanuae (Enlish, Japanese, Russian, French, German or Spanish). In addition, students need to take a test on a comprehensive subject which is basically a combination of three courses: bioloy, chemistry and physics for science route students; and politics, eoraphy, and history for arts route students. Specific examination arranements may be oranized by the local overnment accordin to their existin policies. HE is structured into four-year bachelor s prorammes (xueshi), two to three-year master s prorammes (shuoshi) and three to five-year Doctorates (boshi). Croatia State Matura (secondary school leavin qualification) State Matura (Državna matura) was introduced in Croatia in 2009/2010. It is taken in three compulsory subjects (Croatian, mathematics and a forein lanuae), which can be taken at an advanced (A) or basic (B) level, and one or more optional subjects (no more than six). The examinations are conducted by the National Centre for External Evaluation of Education. It isacceptable as a roup qualification satisfyin eneral entrance requirements. Medjunarodna Matura (International Baccalaureate) A baccalaureate style qualification offered by some rammar schools (imnazija) in Croatia, which satisfies the eneral entry requirements for UK HE. 5 Excellent 4 Very Good 3 Good 2 Sufficient 1 Fail Eiht years of primary education, with a forein lanuae introduced in year one, are usually followed by one of the followin: Four-year rammar schools (imnazija), which may be classified as eneral, linuistic, classical or scientific, with appropriately different curricula. Four-year art schools (art and desin, music, dance). Four-year vocational schools (enineerin, healthcare, economics, ariculture, etc). Three-year vocational schools (industrial, crafts, etc). Apart from IB prorammes, where the lanuae of instruction is Enlish, the lanuae of instruction in all other schools is Croatian. INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 15

18 Startin from the academic year 2010/2011, admission procedures for enrolment at hiher education institutions in Croatia are centralised and manaed by the Central Application Office which is a part of the Aency for Science and Hiher Education. The bases for the admissions rankin are secondary school rades and success at the newly introduced State Matura, implemented at state level. Hiher education institutions are autonomous in decidin on the weiht iven to the results of the state raduation examination. In addition, some hiher education institutions require entrance classification exams, so prospective students should contact the hiher education institution they wish to enrol in to find out whether this is a requirement. The hiher education system in Croatia has underone a comprehensive reform within the framework of the Bolona Process. The Croatian hiher education system is now structured accordin to three cycles (underraduate, raduate and postraduate) and hiher education studies in Croatia are oranised accordin to the system of transferable credits (ECTS). Cyprus Greek-Cypriot System Apolytirion (School Leavin Certificate) Acceptable in lieu of GCSEs (rades A C) on a subject for subject basis (except Enlish Lanuae), where a mark of at least 10 has been achieved. Some HEIs may additionally require one or two UK Advanced Level qualifications to satisfy specific entry requirements; others accept the Apolytirion as satisfyin eneral entry requirements. Turkish-Cypriot System Devlet Lise Diplomasi (State Hih School Diploma) and Lise Bitirme Diplomasi (Hih School Finishin Diploma) Considered to be at a standard of at least GCSE level. Students with an overall averae of five are eliible to receive a school leavin certificate. Greek-Cypriot System Graded 1 20 (with 20 bein the maximum), pass mark 10. Turkish-Cypriot System Graded 1 10 (with 10 bein the maximum), pass mark 5. Under the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, the two communities, the Greek and the Turkish community respectively, are responsible for dealin with educational affairs. The Cypriot education structure follows the Greek system in the south providin students with an Apolytirion or School Leavin Certificate, and the Turkish system in the north providin students with a Lycée Diploma. Greek-Cypriot System Education is co-educational and compulsory until the ae of 15. As of academic year 2004/5, pre-primary education also became compulsory, followed by six years of primary education and six years of secondary education. Secondary education is divided into two cycles of three years; three years Gymnasio (compulsory lower secondary), followed by three years Eniaio Lykeio (upper secondary) or Secondary Technical and Vocational Education (SVTE). In 2000/1, the Eniaio Lykeio replaced the former Lykeio of optional subjects which had functioned for 20 years. The students of the last two years of Eniaio Lykeio have the flexibility to form their own timetable accordin to their interests; at primary, lower secondary level and in the first year (Class A) of Eniaio Lykeio, a core curriculum is followed. Since 2001/2, STVE is offered in two streams: theoretical and practical. The content of the revised STVE aims to provide technical school raduates with the necessary educational backround to enable them to enter the labour market or pursue further studies. Turkish-Cypriot System The education system follows a similar model to Turkey, and has equivalent standards. Education is compulsory from the aes of five until 14 years. Kinderarten education is tauht from ae five to six years; primary education level I from seven to 11 years; primary education level II from years. Classes are rades as 1-12 and education is compulsory from rades 1 to 8. Optional education is tauht at hih school (lycée) from ae years. Students completin primary levels I and II can choose to attend hih school. There are six different types of hih schools vocational lycee; multi-prorammed lycee; science lycee; fine arts lycee; anadolu lycee (science and mathematics courses are tauht in Enlish and they have igcse classes); and Maarif Collee (all courses except Turkish literature and Turkish history are tauht in Enlish, and they have igcse and A level classes). Greek-Cypriot System Hiher education in Cyprus is provided by public and private institutions of hiher education at university and non-university level. The University of Cyprus was established in 1989 and accepted its first students in The Open University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technoloy accepted their first students in September 2006 and September 2007 respectively. In September 2007, the first private universities were established after a relevant decision of the Council of Ministers. The first private universities are: 1. Frederick University 2. European University Cyprus 3. University of Nicosia (Panepistimio Lefkosias) 4. Neapolis University 5. University of Central Lancashire Cyprus, has reistered with the Ministry of Education and Culture (MOEC) and is expected to operate from the academic year Access to state hiher education institutions of Cyprus (university and non-university) and Greece is done throuh the Pancyprian Examinations, oranised by the Examinations Service of Ministry of Education and Culture. The Pancyprian Examinations have replaced, since 2006, the Eisaoikes Exetaseis (Entrance Examinations) and are oranised for the purposes of both raduation from secondary education and access to state hiher education institutions of Cyprus and Greece. For access to the Open University of Cyprus, interested candidates need to apply directly to the institution and their applications are evaluated by a special committee. 16 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

19 Public and private institutions of hiher education (university and non-university) accept the Apolytirion as a minimum entry requirement. As the medium of instruction is Enlish in all private HEIs, candidates have to provide poof of their proficiency in Enlish. Private HEIs have their own Enlish placement test, and if juded necessary, students have to follow an Enlish foundation proramme. Turkish-Cypriot System Access to the hiher education universities and institutions of Cyprus and Turkey is throuh a competitive central entrance examination. Students who have successfully completed hih school and ained the Lise Diplomasi need to take the University Entrance Examination to ain entry to universities. This exam is oranised by Hiher Board of Education (YOK). Local universities also accept students without the YOK Entrance Exam (OSS) on condition that they pass an entrance exam administered by the institutions themselves. In most universities in Turkey, and in all universities in Cyprus, the medium of instruction is Enlish. Therefore, students are oblied to provide proof of at least intermediate level of Enlish (TOEFL or IELTS) or to pass the institution s own Enlish proficiency test. Students who are unsuccessful will study a year s Enlish foundation proramme, which has an onoin assessment process in addition to a final proficiency test at the end of the academic year. Czech Republic Maturitní Zkou ska/maturita Vysvědčení o Maturitní Zkou sce (Maturita from vocational/technical schools) Acceptable as a roup qualification satisfyin eneral entrance requirements. 1 vyborny (excellent) 2 chvalitebny (very ood) 3 dobry (ood) 4 dostatecny (pass) 5 nedostatecny (fail) Elementary school has two levels: the first stae now covers the first to fifth rade, and the second stae the sixth to ninth rade. Nine years of elementary education are followed by four years of secondary education. Successful completion of compulsory school and meetin the entrance requirements (usually includin entrance examination) are prerequisites for admission to secondary schools. Secondary education is newly structured into three levels dependin on the lenth of the proramme: a b c Secondary education (1 2 years) (ISCED 2C). Secondary education completed by attainin an apprenticeship certificate (výuc ní list) two to three years or a shortened study proramme for those havin completed secondary education with school-leavin certificate (ISCED 3C). Secondary education completed by a school-leavin examination (maturitní zkous ka) study prorammes of various lenth, e after completin a four-year study (ISCED 3A) or, for those with an apprenticeship certificate, a twoyear follow-up course (ISCED 4A). Accordin to the Education Act (of 24 September 2004), the results of the education of a pupil included in a school report is expressed by a classifyin rade, verbally or by a combination of both. The head teacher shall decide upon the manner of evaluation with the consent of the School Board. This concerns both elementary and secondary schools. There is no final examination at the end of elementary school, but in the last year of compulsory school attendance, each school issues to its pupils a final evaluation statin how the pupil concerned has achieved the educational oals stated by the law. Study at a secondary school leads to the traditional matriculation examination, Maturitní Zkouška or Maturita. The passin of the Maturitní Zkouška is a prerequisite for admission to a hiher education institution (and also to a tertiary professional school). There are now 26 public institutions, two state institutions and 46 private institutions of HE in the Czech Republic. By law, hiher education institutions are of two types university type, providin all levels of study prorammes, and non-university type, usually offerin only bachelor s deree prorammes. Due to the historical development, all existin hiher education institutions established before the Education Act came into force are university type institutions. Recently established hiher education institutions have been accredited as non-university types. This refers to all private institutions as well as to the first newly established public institution Collee of Polytechnics (Vysoká s kola polytechnická). All accredited bachelor s deree study prorammes provide education of ISCED 5A Level, ie education that enables students to continue in follow-up master s deree study prorammes. The minimum requirement for admission to a hiher education institution is secondary education completed by the maturitní zkous ka examination. The requirement for admission to a master s proramme is successful completion of a bachelor s proramme. The requirements for admission to a Doctoral proramme are successful completion of a master s proramme. Students may apply for admission to several faculties. Each hiher education institution decides on the number of admissions and on specific admission procedures (secondary school results, approval of credits from previous studies of other fields of study or of tertiary professional school, etc). The admission procedures usually include an entrance examination, in particular, a written test, an oral examination or both. If the number of applicants who meet the conditions is hiher than the maximum number that can be enrolled, applicants are rank ordered based on the examination results. Denmark Folkeskolens 10 Klasseprøve (formerly Folkeskolens Afansprøve) (after Class 10) Acceptable in lieu of GCSE on a subject for subject basis (except Enlish Lanuae). Studentereksamen (STX) Hojere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) Hojere Handelseksamen (HHX) Hojere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX) and EUX Acceptable as roup qualifications satisfyin eneral entrance requirements. INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 17

20 12: For an excellent performance 10: For a very ood performance 7: For a ood 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 and Accumulation System (ECTS). 10 is equivalent to B in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). 7 is equivalent to C in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). 4 is equivalent to D in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). 02 is equivalent to E in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). 00 is equivalent to Fx in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). -3 is equivalent to F in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Prior to 2006/7, the followin radin scale was used: 13 exceptionally independent and excellent performance 11 independent and excellent performance 10 excellent but not particularly independent performance 9 ood performance, a little above averae 8 averae performance 7 mediocre performance, slihtly below averae 6 just acceptable performance 5 hesitant and not satisfactory performance 3 very hesitant, very insufficient and unsatisfactory performance 0 completely unacceptable performance The Danish Ministry of Education has created a conversion scale between the old and the new radin scale: Old radin scale New radin scale Pass level is 6 (old scale) and 2 (new scale). Expected distribution of rades on the new scale: 10 percent rade percent rade percent rade 7 25 percent rade 4 10 percent rade 02 Mark Gymnasium% HF% Averae Mark No of Marks 156,634 62,044 Compulsory pre-school (one year) and nine or 10 years in a basic comprehensive school (Folkeskole), with Enlish Lanuae compulsory from Class Three (sometimes even earlier), may be followed by three years at a ymnasium culminatin in the Studentereksamen STX (Upper Secondary School Leavin Examination). Subjects within the Studentereksamen can be taken at three levels (A hihest, B and C). In addition to Danish and history A level, pupils must take at least two other A levels to obtain the Studentereksamen, which consists of oral and written examinations administered by the Ministry of Children and Education (the former Ministry of Education). A total of 10 examinations must be taken in order to pass the complete examination, of which up to three may be taken after the first and second years. From 2008 the examinations in the A-Level subjects, the Enlish B-Level and physical education B-Level can only be passed after the third year. HF Højere Forberedelseseksamen (Hiher Preparatory Examination) is a two-year course buildin on the 10th (voluntary) year of the Folkeskole. To pass the Studentereksamen or the HF requires a minimum averae of 6.0 (old radin scale) and 2.0 (new radin scale) in the mark (GPA) for final result in the subjects shown as class performance or at the 10 examinations. The HHX (Højere Handelseksamen and the HTX (Højere Teknisk Eksamen) are broadly comparable final examinations from a business collee and a technical collee respectively. They also contain 10 exam subjects and a number of final subject rades based on class performance. The four examinations noted above are the usual university entrance qualifications in Denmark. Usually, a university course consists of a three-year proramme leadin to a bachelor s deree, followed by a two-year proramme leadin to a master s deree. The university sector includes eiht universities, consistin of multi-faculty universities and specialist institutions in particular fields. In addition, there are a number of specialist university-level institutions in fields such as architecture, art and music. University Collees require the same entrance qualifications and issue mainly professional bachelor s derees of up to 3.5 to 4 years of duration. Academies of professional hiher education require the same entrance qualifications and issue mainly academy profession derees of up to two years of duration. Please note that from admission 2013 there will be a new qualification rantin eneral admission to hiher education in Denmark called EUX. Pupils attendin vocational education can et an upper secondary qualification alon with the vocational diploma by extendin their studies with a number of eneral subjects from the STX/HHX/HTX. Accordin to the reulations the total duration of the eneral subjects will correspond to the 18 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS