SQA Higher Equivalents & Alternatives

If you study in Scotland, SQA Highers play a major role in shaping your next steps. They are the main qualifications used for university entry, apprenticeships and many career pathways. But if you’re comparing routes across the UK, planning to study elsewhere, or trying to understand SQA Higher equivalents, it can be hard to know how they match up with qualifications like A Levels, AS Levels or GCSEs.

This guide explains exactly where Highers sit in the wider UK and international qualification landscape. You’ll find clear comparisons and an overview of the alternatives available in Scotland, so you can choose the path that suits your goals.

Key Takeaways

• SQA Highers are broadly equivalent in level to AS Levels, although universities often accept them for entry to degree programmes.

• Highers sit one level above GCSEs and follow on from National 5s in the Scottish system.

• They are recognised across the UK and internationally for university admission.

• Students in Scotland also have alternative qualifications, such as NCs, NPAs, Foundation Apprenticeships, and the Scottish Baccalaureate.

What Are SQA Highers?

SQA Highers are one-year, Level 6 qualifications taken by most students in Scotland, usually in S5 (age 16-17). They build on National 5s and help prepare you for further study, including Advanced Highers, college courses or university entry. 

Students typically take four or five Highers in one year, and university offers in Scotland are often based on Higher results.

Highers involve a mix of assessed coursework and final exams, depending on the subject. They are designed to develop deeper subject knowledge and understanding. They help you to develop independent study skills and apply your learning to new situations. In other words, completing Higher courses shows clearly that you’re ready for the next step in your education.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Scottish education system, all of its qualifications are organised within a framework known as the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (opens in a new tab) (SCQF). Our guides to the SQA and SQA grades will help to get you grounded.

How Do SQA Highers Compare to Other UK Qualifications?

If you are studying in Scotland, you might be confused about how Highers compare with qualifications in the rest of the UK. Here is a clear breakdown of what you need to know.

SQA Highers Compared to Other UK Qualifications

SQA Highers vs A Levels

Highers are completed in one year, while A Levels are taken over two years. While A Levels go into more depth, students often study only three subjects. Higher students in Scotland often study more subjects across a broader range.

Although Highers are not exact equivalents to A Levels, universities across the UK routinely accept strong Higher grades for entry. Competitive courses may ask for Advanced Highers as well.

SQA Highers vs AS Levels

Highers are closest in level to AS Levels. Both sit at a similar academic standard, but Highers are full qualifications on their own, whereas AS Levels normally form part of a two-year A Level course. 

Read our guide on the difference between A Levels and AS Levels if you’re unsure how these qualifications compare.

Universities in Scotland typically base their offers on Higher grades, which gives Highers a more central role in admissions than AS Levels.

SQA Highers vs GCSEs

GCSEs are taken earlier, usually at age 15 or 16, and sit a whole level below Highers. GCSEs focus on broad subject knowledge, while Highers build on National 5 content and prepare students for advanced study.

They are not equivalent in difficulty, depth or purpose.

International Equivalents of SQA Highers

SQA Highers are widely recognised outside Scotland, although exact equivalents vary between countries. Many universities consider them alongside National 5s, and competitive courses may also require Advanced Highers.

Here’s how Highers are typically understood internationally:

United States
Universities usually view Highers as similar to Honours-level high school courses. For more selective programmes, students may be asked for one or more Advanced Highers to demonstrate depth, especially in subjects like maths or sciences.

Canada
Canadian universities accept Highers for entry, although requirements differ by province. Some courses may ask for strong Higher grades, and specialist subjects may require one or two Advanced Highers.

European Union
Most EU universities recognise Highers as part of their admissions process. Competitive or technical degrees may expect Advanced Highers in addition to Highers.

Rest of the world
Many universities worldwide are familiar with Scottish qualifications. In some cases, students may need to provide a transcript or predicted grades, but Highers are generally accepted as evidence of post-16 academic study.

If you are unsure, the safest option is to check the entry requirements for each university, as expectations vary across institutions and countries. Find further university advice in our Learning Hub.

Alternatives to SQA Highers in Scotland

Not every student chooses the traditional Higher route. Scotland offers several alternative qualifications that suit different learning styles and goals. 

These options can support progression into apprenticeships, college courses or, in some cases, university study.

National Certificates (NCs) and National Progression Awards (NPAs)

National Certificates(NCs) and National Progression Awards (NPAs) (opens in a new tab) focus on practical, skills-based learning. They are often delivered in colleges. They may be studied alongside or instead of school subjects.

They are a good choice for students who:

• prefer hands-on learning

• want to explore vocational areas such as engineering, childcare or business

• plan to progress into apprenticeships or college-level study

Employers recognise both NCs and NPAs. They can provide a stepping stone into further qualifications at SCQF Level 6 or above.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeships (opens in a new tab) combine classroom study with real workplace experience. Students typically complete them over one or two years while in S5 or S6.

They allow students to:

• gain industry experience

• complete part of a Modern Apprenticeship

• earn a qualification at SCQF Level 6 (the same level as Highers)

Many colleges and universities accept Foundation Apprenticeships, especially for subjects linked to the apprenticeship pathway.

Scottish Baccalaureate

The Scottish Baccalaureate (opens in a new tab) is an advanced award at SCQF Level 7. It is aimed at highly motivated students and is usually taken in S6.

It involves:

• a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers

• an interdisciplinary project

• a focus on independent research and academic challenge

It is offered in Science, Languages, Expressive Arts, and Social Sciences, and is often taken by students who want to strengthen their application for competitive university courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are SQA Highers equivalent to A Levels?

Not exactly. Highers sit closest to AS Levels in terms of depth and difficulty, although they are completed in one year rather than two.

However, universities understand the Scottish system, and many accept strong Higher grades for direct entry to degree programmes, sometimes alongside Advanced Highers for more competitive courses.

Do English universities accept SQA Highers?

Yes. Universities across the UK accept SQA Highers and usually list separate entry requirements for Scottish students. 

Many courses base their offers on a combination of Highers taken in S5 and Advanced Highers taken in S6.

Are Highers harder than GCSEs?

Yes. Highers sit at SCQF Level 6, which is a full level above National 5s and GCSEs. They involve more advanced content, deeper analysis and higher-level skills such as evaluation and extended writing.

Final Thoughts

SQA Highers are widely recognised and understood, even if they do not align exactly with a single qualification elsewhere in the UK. Knowing their closest equivalents can help you compare routes, plan ahead and feel confident about your choices.

Remember that Scotland offers plenty of strong options. Whether you follow the Higher route, choose more practical qualifications or work towards Advanced Highers later on, there’s more than one way to reach your goals. You can shape a pathway that suits your interests, strengths and future plans. 

Save My Exams is here to help you achieve your goals, with expert-written, exam-board-specific revision resources designed to make your revision less stressful and more effective.

References

• National Qualifications (NQ) - homepage - SQA (opens in a new tab)

• Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (opens in a new tab)

• Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) (opens in a new tab)

• National Certificates (NCs) and National Progression Awards (NPAs) - SQA (opens in a new tab)

• Foundation Apprenticeships - Overview - SQA (opens in a new tab)

• Scottish Baccalaureates - SQA (opens in a new tab)