In Dubai and Abu Dhabi almost every top school offers both IB Diploma and A Levels. The right choice depends on your child's target universities and workload tolerance. 1. **University acceptance** — Both are equally accepted at UK, US, Canadian and Australian universities. Ivy League admissions officers slightly favour IB's breadth. 2. **Workload** — IB is 6 subjects + TOK + EE + CAS; A Level is 3–4 subjects only. IB is heavier week-to-week. 3. **Depth vs breadth** — A Level goes deeper into 3 subjects — better for STEM-focused students. IB keeps a language and arts subject compulsory. 4. **Grade conversion** — An IB 40+ is broadly equivalent to A*A*A at A Level for UK admissions. 5. **Cost** — IB exam fees in the UAE are higher (roughly AED 4,500 vs AED 2,800 for A Level). 6. **Retake flexibility** — A Levels can be re-sat in October/January; IB is a fixed May exam window. Our UAE-based counsellors will map your child's target universities to the better fit — book a free consultation.

IB vs A Level in the UAE: Which Opens More University Doors?

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