A-Level Subject Combinations for University Programs
Which A-Level subjects you need depends on your target degree. Here's a general guide for the most common fields in Pakistan.
By field of study
| Field | Typical required subjects | Pakistani equivalent group |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine (MBBS/BDS) | Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics | Pre-Medical |
| Engineering | Physics, Mathematics | Pre-Engineering |
| Computer Science | Mathematics recommended, Computer Science if available | Pre-Engineering / ICS |
| Business / Commerce | Any combination, Mathematics recommended | Commerce / ICOM |
| Architecture | Mathematics, Physics or Art recommended | Pre-Engineering / Arts |
| Social Sciences / Law | Any combination accepted | Arts / Humanities |
Planning your subjects early
If you're choosing A-Level subjects before starting, pick your combination based on your intended field as early as possible, changing subjects mid-way is difficult and can delay your equivalence certificate. If you're unsure of your field, Mathematics keeps the widest range of options open, since it's required or recommended for Engineering, Computer Science, and many Business programs.
Frequently asked questions
Medicine (MBBS/BDS) requires Biology, Chemistry and either Physics or Mathematics at A-Level, matching Pakistan's FSc Pre-Medical group.
Engineering programs require Physics and Mathematics at A-Level, matching Pakistan's FSc Pre-Engineering group. Some programs also prefer Chemistry or Computer Science as the third subject.
Most Business and Computer Science programs accept any A-Level combination, though Mathematics is recommended or sometimes required, especially for Computer Science and Economics-heavy Business degrees.