iAL Tutoring (International Advanced Level)
The iAL (International Advanced Level) is a globally recognized pre-university qualification, equivalent to Ofqual-regulated AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A-Levels offered in the UK. Renowned for its flexibility, iAL allows students to complete their studies independently, making it an ideal option for those whose schools do not offer iAL subjects or for students enrolled in other curricula such as OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) or HKDSE.
Suitable for: Grade 10 – 12 Student
Fully recognised by Hong Kong’s 8 Universities
Fully recognized by Hong Kong’s eight universities as well as international institutions, iAL often requires fewer subjects than traditional local pathways. Many students apply to university with just three iAL subjects, enabling a more focused and in-depth approach to learning.
and more worldwide universities, such as US, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia’s universities.
Benefits for students studying iAL
1. Higher chance of being admitted to Hong Kong’s 8 universities
In terms of admission score requirements, iAL applicants generally have a higher chance of being admitted to Hong Kong’s 8 universities compared to HKDSE applicants.
For instance, at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Optometry program, the average admission requirement for HKDSE students is approximately 26 points from their best five subjects. This typically means applicants need at least four Level 5s and one Level 5*, which is quite demanding.
In contrast, iAL applicants are assessed based on only three subjects, and achieving a result of 1A2B is usually sufficient. Given that around 45% of iAL candidates earn grades between A and A*, and about 60% achieve B or above, meeting the 1A2B requirement is relatively attainable.
2. iAL and HKDSE Dual-Track Flexibility, Greater University Admission Chance
Scoring high marks in iAL exams is easier than HKDSE. Achieving the top grade of 5** in the DSE is extremely demanding — only about 2–3% of candidates attain this level in each subject. In contrast, around 40–45% of iAL candidates earn grades between A and A*.
In other words, for a student who ranks among the top 40–45% of all candidates, if they take the traditional high school exams, they would likely receive a Level 4. However, if the same student takes the iAL, they could achieve an A instead.
Therefore, candidates both study in HKDSE and iAL can get greater university admission chance.
3. Take iAL and Sit Exams in Hong Kong
Applying to Hong Kong’s 8 universities through non-JUPAS with iAL qualifications is less competitive than applying through the traditional high school (HKDSE) route.
Public data shows that in 2025, there were about 55,000 HKDSE candidates, while the 8 universities offered only around 15,000 subsidized bachelor’s degree places. However, up to 40% of these places— approximately 6,000 — were open for direct admission through the non-JUPAS scheme.
In other words, students applying via HKDSE through JUPAS are essentially competing as 55,000 candidates for 15,000 funded university places—roughly four students vying for each spot. By comparison, there are about 2,630 local students taking the IBDP each year, and even when adding those with other international qualifications such as GCE A Level, iAL, AP, and SAT, the total number of local candidates remains below 3,500.
Assuming the number of local students going abroad for further studies roughly equals the number of non-local students coming to Hong Kong to enroll in the eight universities, this means around 3,500 international curriculum candidates are competing for 6,000 non-JUPAS university places.
Therefore, gaining admission to a local university through international qualifications is almost a sure success.
4. Multiple Exam Opportunities
iAL exams are offered multiple times throughout the year, giving students the flexibility to schedule assessments at convenient times. Combined with the modular system, this allows students to spread out exams, manage workload effectively, and retake individual modules if needed.
5. Flexible Study Arrangements
Students can choose between online and in-person lessons, allowing them to balance academic commitments while preparing for university in a focused and manageable way.
Course Duration Options
We provide various course duration options to meet different students’ needs. Whether you need short-term exam preparation or long-term academic support, we can tailor our courses to fit your schedule.
1 Unit 15 Hours
(1.5 Hours x 10 Weeks)
1 : 4
Examination Period:
May exam:
September to April (30 weeks),
3 units in total;
——–
January exam:
June to December (30 weeks),
3 units in total
1 : 2
Examination Period:
May exam:
September to April (30 weeks),
3 units in total;
——–
January exam:
June to December (30 weeks),
3 units in total
1 : 1
Examination Period:
January Exam:
September to January
(18 weeks Complete 3 Units);
3 hours per week.
—-
May Exam:
February to April
(12 weeks Complete final 3 Units);
4 hours per week.
Experience Our Trial Class!
If you are interested in our iAL tutoring courses, book a trial class now! Through the trial class, you can experience our teaching style, assess the effectiveness of teacher-student collaboration, and better understand whether our courses meet your needs. Don’t miss this opportunity; book your trial class today to lay a solid foundation for your academic success!