Applying with Cambridge International AS & A Levels
The Central Office for Foreign Education’s current recommendations, issued in 2017, were updated in September 2021. New entry requirements are due to come into effect from summer semester 2024, however universities can apply them from summer semester 2022 (applications deadline around 15 January) if this is more favourable for admission purposes.
Entry requirements until 2024
- four independent* academic (general, non-vocational) subjects are required, three of which must be at A Level standard, with a pass grade (A-E). The choice of subjects must include a language, plus mathematics or a natural science.
- Please note: the language offered does not have to be English or German as the language requirement is not for proficiency reasons. It can be any language as specified by ZAB. Universities may accept an A / AS Level in Literature instead. Language proficiency requirements (German or English) are separately set by the universities.
- subject-specific requirements also apply, depending on the chosen field of study.
Entry requirements from summer semester 2024, which are applicable from 2022
- three academic, independent subjects at A Level with a minimum grade C
- A language A Level is no longer compulsory, while mathematics or a natural science subject are only required depending on the study programme the student is applying for.
- Subject-specific requirements still apply, depending on the chosen field of study, as well as by reference to three subject lists A, B, and C. Alongside academic subjects (Lists A and B), the Central Office now also specifies vocational subjects (List C). Selecting a subject from List C will narrow the choice of degree programmes that the applicant is eligible for.
In the new set of requirements, Computer Science / IT, formerly only recognised for mathematical and technical programmes can now also be taken when applying for degree programmes in the fields of social / economic studies, natural sciences, or medicine.
*A Level subjects are independent of each other if they are not in the same field, with the exception of languages. For example, Economics and Business are not independent subjects because the content overlaps.
In both sets of requirements, AS & A Levels in English General Paper, Thinking Skills or Global Perspectives & Research are not accepted as a standalone qualifications. However, they may be valued by the university alongside the required number and combination of A Levels.
This factsheet (PDF, 120KB) details the subject-specific requirements by field of study, as provided by the Central Office for Foreign Education. The anabin database of the Central Office provides full details (German).