The A-Level system explained: H1, H2 and H3
Singapore's A-Level subjects come at three levels of depth — H1, H2 and H3. A typical student takes three H2 subjects and one H1 subject, plus compulsory General Paper, Project Work and Mother Tongue. Your University Admission Score is built from this combination, out of 90 rank points.
Key facts
| Subject levels | H1, H2, H3 |
| Typical load | 3 × H2 + 1 × H1 content subjects |
| Compulsory | General Paper, Project Work, Mother Tongue (H1) |
| University Admission Score | Out of 90 |
What H1, H2 and H3 mean
The “H” stands for Higher, and the number signals depth. H1 is roughly half the curriculum of an H2 — a broader, lighter treatment of a subject. H2 is the full subject, studied in depth, and is the backbone of most students' combinations. H3 is an advanced extension taken alongside an H2 in the same subject, for students who want to go further in a field they're strong in.
The typical subject load
Most students offer three H2 content subjects and one H1 content subject. On top of these, three things are compulsory: General Paper (H1), Project Work (H1) and Mother Tongue (usually H1). Schools require at least one subject from a contrasting discipline, so a pure-science student still takes something from the arts or humanities side, and vice versa.
General Paper and Project Work
General Paper tests reasoning, awareness of issues and clear argument through an essay and a comprehension paper — every student sits it, regardless of stream. Project Work is a group project assessed on a written report, an oral presentation and an individual component, building research and collaboration skills.How the University Admission Score works
Local university admission uses the University Admission Score (UAS), out of 90 rank points. It is built from a student's three H2 subjects, one H1 content subject, plus H1 General Paper and H1 Project Work. Mother Tongue and any H3 can also factor into specific admission requirements. The exact computation rewards a strong, balanced combination rather than a single standout grade.
When the exams happen
The written A-Level papers run in November, with mother-tongue, listening and oral components and Project Work assessed earlier in the JC journey. Results are released early in the new year. Pathways from there include local and overseas universities, with admission based on the UAS and subject prerequisites.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between H1 and H2?
H2 is the full, in-depth version of a subject; H1 is about half the curriculum — broader and lighter. Most students take three H2 subjects and one H1 subject.
What is H3?
H3 is an advanced extension taken alongside an H2 in the same subject, for students who want to go deeper in a field they're strong in.
What is the University Admission Score out of?
90 rank points, built from three H2 subjects, one H1 content subject, plus H1 General Paper and Project Work.
Is General Paper compulsory?
Yes. Every A-Level student sits General Paper (H1), along with Project Work and Mother Tongue.
More A-Level guides
BrainBuzz publishes plain-English guides on the A-Level system, General Paper and study technique. Browse the blog for more.
Read more guides