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A Level vs. AUSMAT: The Ultimate Showdown for Your Future

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04 Oct 2024

5 Min Read

Taylor's Team (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

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Alright, the moment has come. You’re fresh out of high school and now staring down the path to your future. The big Q on your mind: should you go with Cambridge A Level or AUSMAT?  No cap, it’s a tough decision, but don’t worry, we got you! Let’s break it all down, so you can vibe with the one that’s actually going to help you thrive.

What’s the Tea on A Level and AUSMAT?

 Lady holding a cup in front of her laptop
Cambridge A Level

 

A-Level is the OG of pre-university courses, coming straight from the UK. It’s super focused and designed for those who like to go all-in on a few subjects. Think of it as mastering a select few topics and really flexing your brainpower.

 

Subjects: Usually, you’ll pick 3-4 subjects. These are like, your life for the next two years. And hey, if you’re ready to challenge yourself, you can even add an extra subject! But remember, more subjects mean more work. You got to be confident in your time management game to handle that extra responsibility.

 

AUSMAT

 

AUSMAT, aka Australian Matriculation, gives you options with two main tracks: SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) and WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education). Both are internationally recognised, but with slight differences depending on where you’re headed. AUSMAT is kind of like the all-rounder pre-uni programme—you get more subjects to work with, and it’s not just about crushing one big exam at the end. Instead, you’re spreading your energy across the year with a mix of coursework and tests.

 

Subjects: You’ll be picking 4-5 subjects, but again, you can add an extra subject if you’re looking to push your limits. Just like with A Level, though, it means more work. Handling 5 subjects in AUSMAT is no joke with all the extra academic expectations. But on the bright side, adding that extra subject might come in clutch if one of your main ones doesn't work out. Plus, it can help you stand out on those uni applications.

 

Pro tip: Not sure which subject combo fits your vibe? Have a chat with our counsellor and figure out what combo works best for your future plans.

How Do You Get Graded?

A Level: Exams, exams, exams. Did I say exams? Your whole score comes from your final exams, which means you got to nail that one shot. It’s like trying to hit that high score in one go—pressure’s on, but if you perform under stress, this might be your thing.

 

AUSMAT: You’ve got a sweet mix of coursework and exams. So, it’s more balanced. If you love getting constant feedback and low-key hate the stress of one massive exam, AUSMAT's got your back.

How Long Does It Take?

A Level: Two years. It’s like a long campaign game—more time to really get into the lore (aka subjects).

 

AUSMAT: One year. Perfect if you’re like, 'Let’s get this done, quick!' You’ll be done in no time, ready to move onto uni life.

How Much Is It Going to Cost?

A Level: A top-tier option for sure. For locals, it depends on how many subjects you take. Expect fees between MYR34k and MYR46k. For international students, it’s around USD12k to USD14k. The more subjects you choose, the higher the cost.

 

AUSMAT: Easier on the wallet. Fees are based on the intake, not subjects. For locals, it’s MYR27k to MYR33k. International students? Around USD9k to USD11k.

How to Pick Your Best Fit?

Mother and daughter consult about college programme

Okay, now for the real talk—how do you even decide between these two powerhouses?

 

Your Vibe

 

Are you the 'let’s deep dive into a few things and go hard' type? Or do you prefer a balanced, jack-of-all-trades kind of approach? If you’re super into focusing on specific subjects, A Level is the play. But if you love juggling a few things, AUSMAT’s probably more your style.

 

Stress Levels

 

Be honest—how do you handle pressure? A Level is all about nailing those final exams. AUSMAT, on the flip side, might seem more chill with coursework and exams spread out, but don’t get it twisted - you’ve got to stay on your game all year. No slacking, or your grades will take a hit. So, ask yourself again: are you better at keeping up with assignments and staying steady, or do you thrive when it’s time to go all out for big exams?

 

Time Crunch

 

Need to get out there ASAP? AUSMAT’s shorter. Want to take your time? A Level let you simmer and shine.

 

Future Plans

 

Planning to go to uni in the UK? A Level’s more recognised in that part of the world. Heading to Australia? AUSMAT’s your golden ticket. But in reality, both are recognised worldwide, so you’re good either way.

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, both A Level and AUSMAT are solid paths—you just need to pick the one that vibes with your personality and future goals. Whether you want to go deep into a few subjects with A Level or juggle different ones with AUSMAT, you’ll find success as long as you’re passionate.

 

So, which path are you choosing? If you’re still unsure, no worries— connect with our education counsellor for that final boost of clarity.

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