* High school diplomas (or equivalents): This is the most common pre-university qualification worldwide. Specific names vary (e.g., High School Diploma in the US, Abitur in Germany, Baccalauréat in France, Leaving Certificate in Ireland). These generally involve several years of secondary education.
* Advanced Placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme: These are more rigorous pre-university programs that often grant college credit or advanced standing at universities. They're designed for high-achieving students.
* A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications): A common pre-university qualification in the UK and some other countries, involving two years of focused study in a small number of subjects.
* Foundation programmes: These are designed to prepare students who may not meet the direct entry requirements of a university, often bridging the gap between secondary education and university-level work. They're especially common for international students.
* National vocational qualifications (NVQs) or other vocational certificates: While often not directly leading to university entry, these can demonstrate skills and experience relevant to certain university courses. Sometimes they can be combined with other qualifications for university admission.
The specific requirements for university admission vary widely. Some universities might accept a wider range of pre-university qualifications than others, and specific subjects studied might be crucial for certain degree programs.