The topic can be a misleading so please help correct it as required. Basically I understand across the world either a 12 year or 13 year primary and secondary (including senior secondary, or higher secondary) is recognised. Please can you explain which Universities require 13 years of studeis before enrolment in the undergraduate program and which require 12? What is the reason for the extra year of study. In India, for example, we have class XIIth and we generally study for 12 years in primary and secondary before I can enrol into a University. I have seen certain Universities in the UK accepting students only after completing 13 years of secondary school. Please guide with examples and details. 

Many world top universities now are offering pathway programmes to bringing students to their main courses. The foundation year is designed specifically for international students and ensure them academically ready to take their undergraduate level courses in the UK.

By taking a foundation year, instead of continuing your high school studies for 12th year, you can actually attend your 12th at your future university in the UK.

University option for after 10th

University option for after 11th

What are the differences between UK and Indian education?

Here is a brief comparison of schooling ages in India and in the UK.

SSC

The Secondary School Certificate is a public examination taken by students after successfully completing at least ten years of schooling

GCSE

General Certificate of Secondary Education: Level 2 of the NQF Framework for GCSEs grades A* - C. Students can take up to 9-12 GCSE’s including English and Maths at A*-C level.

HSC

The Higher Secondary Certificate is a two-year study in a School in Science/Commerce/Arts streams. 

A-Levels

A-Levels are made up of the AS (advanced subsidiary) level and the A2. Each year makes up 50 per cent of the overall A level grade. This forms level 3 of the NQF qualifications framework.

• Year 1: AS-Level - Students can study the AS-Level as either a free-standing qualification, or it can be the first half of the full A-level.
• Year 2: In year two of study, you take the A2 - this is not a separate qualification, but the second half of the A-Level. The A2 is designed to deepen the knowledge you gained during the AS-Level.

Comparison of UK & India Education Systems

Indian school               UK Schooling

Nursery                                     Primary Year 1

Standard 1                                Primary Year 2

Standard 2                                Primary Year 3

Standard 3                                Primary Year 4

Standard 4                                Primary Year 5

Standard 5                                Primary Year 6

Standard 6                                Secondary Year 7

Standard 7                                Secondary Year 8

Standard 8                                Secondary Year 9

Standard 9                                IGCSE             

Standard 10                             IGCSE             

Standard 11                            AS level

Standard 12                           A2 level