All About Cambridge A Levels in the UAE

Cambridge A Levels are the qualification most UAE students move into after IGCSE or O Level — and the choices made at this stage directly shape which universities and courses are available to them. This guide covers what A Levels are, how they work in the UAE, which subjects are available and which textbooks to use.

Key Takeaways

• Cambridge A Level and AS Level are two-year post-16 qualifications recognised by universities worldwide, including in the UAE, UK, US and beyond.

• Most British-curriculum schools in the UAE offer Cambridge A Levels through Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).

• Students typically study three to four subjects over two years, building on the foundations from Cambridge IGCSE or O Level.

• Official Cambridge University Press and Hodder Education textbooks are available for every core A and AS Level subject at The Book Souq with delivery across UAE and GCC.

• For any title not stocked, students and parents can submit a request through The Book Souq's Request a Book page.

What Is Cambridge A Level?

Cambridge A Level — formally part of the Cambridge International AS & A Level programme offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) — is a pre-university qualification for students aged 16 to 19. It follows Cambridge IGCSE or O Level and prepares students for undergraduate study at universities in the UK, UAE, US, Canada, Australia and most other countries.

The programme is split into two parts. Cambridge AS Level covers the first year of content and can be taken as a standalone qualification. Cambridge A Level spans the full two years and carries more weight in university applications. Most students in UAE schools complete the full A Level.

For students earlier in the Cambridge pathway, the guide on the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum covers what IGCSE involves and how it leads into A Levels.

How Cambridge A Levels Work in the UAE

The Structure

Cambridge A Levels are assessed through written examinations at the end of Year 12 (AS Level) or Year 13 (A Level), along with coursework components in subjects like Biology, Chemistry and Art. Grades run from A* (highest) to E (minimum pass), with U indicating ungraded.

Most British-curriculum schools in the UAE offer Sixth Form programmes — Year 12 and Year 13 — built around Cambridge A Levels. Students select three or four subjects based on their intended university courses, and schools guide that selection through subject options booklets and counselling.

The 2026 Exam Situation

For the May/June 2026 series, Cambridge (alongside Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA) cancelled traditional written examinations in the UAE. Schools are using a portfolio-of-evidence route for grading, with students assessed on submitted coursework rather than written papers. This applies to IGCSE, O Level, AS Level and A Level candidates sitting in the UAE.

Private Candidates

Students who are homeschooled or studying independently can register as private candidates through the British Council United Arab Emirates. The British Council processes subject entries, School Exams Registration Systems and carry-forward options for Cambridge qualifications.

Cambridge A Level vs AS Level: What Is the Difference?

Some students take AS Levels at the end of Year 12 as standalone qualifications before deciding whether to continue to A Level. Others complete the full two-year A Level without sitting the AS exams separately. The approach depends on the school's Sixth Form structure.

A Level Subjects Available in UAE Schools

Cambridge A Levels cover a wide range of subjects. UAE schools typically offer a subject selection built around the most common university entry requirements. The subjects below are among those most widely available across British-curriculum schools in the UAE and GCC.

Sciences

Biology, Chemistry and Physics are the most common science A Levels and carry strong weight for medicine, dentistry, engineering and science degree programmes. Mathematics — including Pure Mathematics and Statistics — is required for most STEM and Economics undergraduate courses. Further Mathematics is available for students aiming at mathematics or physics degrees at competitive universities.

Computer Science covers programming, algorithms and theory of computation, and is well-aligned with software engineering degrees.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Economics is one of the most popular A Level choices in the UAE, pairing well with Business, Mathematics or Law. Business Studies, Accounting, Law and Sociology are also widely available across UAE schools.

Geography covers physical and human geography, including fieldwork components. Global Perspectives and Research develops critical thinking and research skills across subject boundaries. English Language is offered as a distinct A Level from English Literature, focusing on language analysis and communication.

Other Subjects

Psychology, Environmental Management, Marine Science and Information Technology are available at A Level. Marine Science is particularly relevant for students in the UAE and Gulf region given the subject's focus on ocean systems and coastal environments.

Top Schools Offering Cambridge A Levels in the UAE

Several schools across the UAE are well known for their A Level programmes and strong university placement records. Many hold "Outstanding" ratings from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai or the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

• Dubai College (Al Sufouh, Dubai): Annual fees of approximately AED 75,000–90,000. Known for high A*–B pass rates and consistent placement into top global universities.

• Jumeirah College (Al Safa, Dubai): Annual fees of approximately AED 70,000–85,000. Consistently ranks among the leading Cambridge schools globally.

• Brighton College Abu Dhabi (Bloom Gardens, Abu Dhabi): Annual fees of approximately AED 70,000–85,000. Strong STEM focus and well-regarded Sixth Form programme.

• GEMS Cambridge International Schools (Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi): A network of schools across the Emirates offering full Sixth Form A Level programmes.

School fees, subject offerings and entry requirements change year to year — contact schools directly for current information.

What Is Cambridge A Level Equivalent To?

Cambridge A Levels are internationally recognised as equivalent to pre-university qualifications in most countries.

In the United Kingdom, they are equivalent to A Levels from boards such as AQA, OCR and Edexcel, and are accepted by all UK universities through UCAS. In the United States and Canada, strong A Level grades are accepted as evidence of advanced subject knowledge and can earn college credit at many institutions. 

In the UAE and GCC, they are accepted for admission at universities including the University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah, American University in Dubai and Abu Dhabi University, with Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) equivalency applied.

Three A Level passes at grade C or above meet the standard entry requirement for many undergraduate programmes. Competitive courses — medicine, engineering, law — typically require higher grades in specified subjects.

Which Textbooks Do A Level Students Need?

The right textbook covers the current CAIE syllabus in full, matches the exam format and includes practice questions structured like actual A Level papers. Both Cambridge University Press and Hodder Education publish official textbooks across all major A Level subjects in the UAE. All titles below are stocked at The Book Souq with fast delivery across UAE and GCC.

A Level Biology

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology Coursebook 5th Edition (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108859028, AED 44) covers the full Biology syllabus with clear explanations, worked examples and exam-style questions throughout. It suits all AS and A Level Biology students working toward the Cambridge papers.

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology Workbook (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108859424, AED 16) provides structured practice aligned to the coursebook, with questions designed to build exam technique chapter by chapter.

For students who prefer the Hodder approach, the Hodder Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology Students Book 2nd Edition (Hodder Education, ISBN: 9781510482876, AED 55) offers detailed topic coverage and exam preparation sections as an alternative to the Cambridge University Press coursebook.

A Level Chemistry

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry Coursebook 3rd Edition (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108863193, AED 48) covers the full Chemistry syllabus with worked examples, practical guidance and exam-style questions. It is one of the most widely used A Level Chemistry books in UAE schools.

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry Workbook 3rd Edition (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108859059, AED 20) builds topic-by-topic practice for both Chemistry papers.

Students who prefer an alternative will find the Hodder Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry Students Book 2nd Edition (Hodder Education, ISBN: 9781510480230, AED 55) covers the same syllabus with clear chapter structures and a strong exam focus.

A Level Physics

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics Coursebook 3rd Edition (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108859035, AED 43) covers all topics in the AS & A Level Physics syllabus, with practical guidance and worked solutions for every section.

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics Workbook (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108859110, AED 16) pairs directly with the coursebook and builds exam confidence through structured practice questions.

The Hodder Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics Students Book 3rd Edition (Hodder Education, ISBN: 9781510482807, AED 55) is a popular alternative across UAE schools, with a strong focus on exam preparation.

A Level Mathematics

Cambridge AS & A Level Mathematics covers Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. Students typically need more than one book depending on the paper components their school offers. The full A Level Mathematics collection at The Book Souq includes Cambridge University Press and Hodder Education titles for every component.

A Level Economics

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics Coursebook 4th Edition (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108903417, AED 45) covers microeconomics and macroeconomics across the full syllabus, with data response and essay practice sections aligned to the Cambridge papers.

The Hodder Cambridge AS & A Level Economics 2nd Edition (Hodder Education, ISBN: 9781398308275, AED 50) is a strong alternative with clear topic explanations and exam-focused activities throughout. The Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics Workbook 2nd Edition (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108822794, AED 15) supports either coursebook with structured practice questions.

A Level Business

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Business Coursebook 4th Edition (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108921220, AED 39) covers all business topics across the AS and A Level syllabus with real-world case studies and exam-style questions.

The Hodder Cambridge International AS & A Level Business 2nd Edition (Hodder Education, ISBN: 9781398308114, AED 50) is a popular alternative in UAE schools, and the Cambridge AS & A Level Business Workbook 2nd Edition (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108926003, AED 15) adds structured practice for both coursebook options.

A Level Accounting

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting Coursebook 3rd Edition (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108902922, AED 37) covers financial and management accounting for the full A Level syllabus, with worked examples and exam practice throughout.

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting Workbook (Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781108828710, AED 15) provides additional practice questions aligned to the coursebook chapter by chapter.

Other A Level Subjects

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Zone Is the UAE for Cambridge IGCSE?

The UAE falls within Cambridge's Zone 4 for examination purposes. This determines the exam series available (May/June and October/November), the timetable used and some administrative processes. It does not affect the syllabus content or grading scale, which are the same worldwide.

Can You Download Cambridge Textbooks?

Cambridge University Press and Hodder Education offer some digital editions through official platforms — Cambridge GO for Cambridge University Press titles and Boost for Hodder Education titles. These are paid digital licences, not free downloads. Unofficial downloads from third-party sites are often incomplete, outdated and do not reflect the current syllabus edition.

What Is Cambridge A Level Equivalent To?

Cambridge A Levels are accepted as a standard pre-university qualification by universities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and the UAE. In the UK, they are equivalent to A Levels from AQA, OCR and Edexcel. In the UAE, they meet MOHESR requirements for university entry. In the US, strong A Level grades in relevant subjects are recognised and can earn advanced standing at many institutions.

The complete range of Cambridge A and AS Level books — official Cambridge University Press and Hodder Education editions, with ISBNs and prices — is available at thebooksouq.com with fast delivery across UAE and GCC. For any title not listed, contact The Book Souq on WhatsApp at +971-52-866-1514 or use the Request a Book page.