Frequently Asked Questions

HRDS is an academic counseling service that supports students in applying to universities abroad. We offer personalised guidance on course selection, university applications, personal statements, visa processes, and more.

Our services are open to students of all academic backgrounds who are interested in studying abroad at various levels.

Free! Our services are completely free of charge from start to finish. However, some universities may charge an application fee. If possible, we’ll help you get a waiver, but please note that not all fees can be waived. Rest assured—our guidance and support remain 100% free throughout your journey! NB. Additional services like non-partner applications may have a fee.

The best course for you depends on the subjects you have taken, your interests, and your future career goals. Certain university programmes have specific subject requirements, while others are more flexible. For example, if you took Mathematics and Science subjects, you might consider degrees in Engineering, Computing, or Health Sciences. However, having a science background doesn't limit you to only science-related fields—you can also explore courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences, such as Psychology, Sociology, Education, or even Law, depending on the university's entry requirements. It’s important to explore courses that not only match your qualifications but also align with your strengths and passions. You can use our course matcher tool to get tailored suggestions based on your subject combination and grades. You can use the course checker below by entering your three A Level subjects to see what courses you may be eligible for—it’s a great starting point to discover your options. 

Choosing the right A-Level subjects is crucial for your university admission and future career. The best approach is to first visit the website of your dream university to check if they offer the course you want. Then carefully review the specific entry requirements for that course.

You can also use the tool below to select your preferred course and see recommended subject combinations that universities often look for. Please remember, this is just a basic guide — always double-check university requirements and ensure your choices match your interests and strengths. Use the dropdown below to find your course and discover suitable A-Level subject combinations to help plan your studies effectively.

This depends on your chosen university and country. We will help you determine which exams are required and how to prepare for them.

Absolutely. We guide you through the writing process, provide feedback, and help you craft a strong personal statement.

We recommend starting at least 6–12 months before your intended intake to allow time for university offers, documents, and visa applications. Ideally, you should apply as soon as you receive your final results. However, you don’t have to wait—you can apply earlier if your school is able to provide official predicted grades. Early applications give you a better chance at getting your preferred course, university, and even scholarships.

Common documents include academic transcripts, certificates, passport, personal statement, reference letters, and proof of English proficiency. We will give you a checklist based on your specific application.

Yes, if your documents are not in English, they must be officially translated. We can help guide you through this process.

Yes, with your consent, we can submit applications on your behalf and keep you updated at every stage.

Yes! We assist with preparing and submitting your visa application.

Yes. We provide pre-departure briefings and can advise you on accommodation, packing, airport pickup, and what to expect in your new country.

Yes. We work with partner institutions and housing providers to help you find suitable and safe accommodation.

Yes, we do! We offer mock interviews to help you prepare for university admission or scholarship interviews, including the MOE Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). Our sessions are designed to boost your confidence, improve your answers, and help you make a great impression.

UCAS Tariff Points are a way of measuring the relative value of A Level grades. Each grade corresponds to a certain number of points—for example, an A* is worth 56 points, an A is worth 48, a B is 40, a C is 32, and so on. To calculate your total, simply add the points for your best three A Level subjects. You don’t need to calculate it manually—just use the checker tool below to enter your subjects and grades, and it will automatically calculate your points for you.

If you're planning to apply to universities in Australia, it's important to understand how your A-Level grades are converted into the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or an equivalent entry score. Unlike the UK UCAS Tariff system, many Australian universities use a simplified point system (usually out of 20 or similar) to assess international A-Level qualifications.

You don’t need to calculate this manually — simply use the calculator below to estimate your score based on your A-Level subject grades. This tool helps you check how competitive your grades are for most undergraduate programs in Australia.

Note: Each university may have different entry thresholds and additional requirements, so always confirm with your chosen institution.

If you’re a Bruneian student with A-Level grades or an IB Diploma, you may be eligible for several local scholarships offered by the government and key institutions. Our Brunei Scholarship Eligibility Checker helps you see which scholarships you might qualify for based on your academic results. You can use our Brunei Scholarship Eligibility Checker to find out which scholarships you may qualify for based on your A-Level or IB results. It compares your grades or points to the minimum academic requirements for major Bruneian scholarships such as: Sultan’s Scholar; MINDEF Scholarship; MOE Government Scholarship; IBTE Scholarship (bonded as educator); SBPP (Education Loan Assistance Scheme); BSP Scholarship, and JPI.

Please note: Eligibility is based on academic entry only. Final selection may also depend on other criteria such as O-Level English/Malay grades, subject combinations, interviews, and citizenship status (only open to Bruneian citizens with yellow ICs).

Try our HRDS checker below to see where you stand!