The General Certificate of Education (GCE) – O Level is something we hear of but it may not be clear what it is or what it’s equivalent to. It is more popular in some countries than others and is normally compared to the IGCSE.
The GCE O Level was first introduced within the UK
In 1951, the GCE Ordinary Level (O Level) was introduced along with the GCE Advanced Level (A Level) in the UK. By 1988, the GCE O Level was replaced with the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). The GCE A Level remains and still helps learners secure places at their chosen University each year.
Whilst the GCE O Level was replaced by the GCSE and/or IGCSE in some countries, other countries have decided to continue offering the GCE O Level (as an equivalent qualification to the GCSE) and GCE A Level as part of their curriculum.
What is the difference between O Level and IGCSE?
O Levels and IGCSEs are equivalent qualifications grade for grade. They are both internationally recognised and form a natural progression onto A Levels. There are a few differences between the O Level and IGCSE. These are listed below:
- O Level learners are awarded grades A* – E, whereas IGCSE learners can achieve grades A*-G.
- With O Levels, there are fewer coursework options than GCSE/IGCSEs.
- Some O Levels have been developed to meet specific local needs, such as minority languages.
- Practical test options within the O Level sciences are more restricted. This is to help some schools where resources are limited.
Whilst there are some differences, both qualifications are recognised internationally.
Cambridge GCE O Level
If you are taking GCE O Levels, you will most likely be taking them through Cambridge International. They work in a similar way to Cambridge IGCSEs and therefore the O Level examination series happens in June and November. Results are issued in June and January. Learners would typically take O Levels over two years similar to the IGCSE, however as the qualifications are flexible, there are options such as fast track.
O Levels are flexible and learners can choose the exact subjects they would like to study. The O Level is for an international audience and is sensitive to the needs of different countries. Learners whose first language isn’t English will find the O Level a good option for them.
GCE A Level
The GCE A Level qualification is a step up from the O Level and IGCSE. Once you have successfully passed the O Level or IGCSE, you will be able to naturally progress onto the GCE Advanced Levels (A Levels).
A Levels are subject based qualifications and will prepare learners for university. There is a huge range of subjects to choose from and if learners take International A Levels, most subjects can be split over two exams series rather than one. Therefore learners could take exams for the first year (IAS) in one sitting and then the remaining exams for the second year (IA2) in another sitting. AS Level marks can be carried forward to a full A Level twice within a 13 months period.
GCE O Level and A Level recognition globally
Success in O Level, IGCSE and A Level qualifications will open doors to universities internationally. It is always important to check the entry requirements with your chosen institution directly, however we have summarised some of the higher education institutions accepting these qualifications below.
India – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the organisation that awards equivalence to foreign degrees in India, has granted equivalence to Cambridge International A Levels, IGCSEs and O Levels. Cambridge work with over 600 schools in India to offer Cambridge programmes and qualifications. Their March series is the most popular exam series in India.
To see a sample list of universities that have admission policies for Cambridge qualifications, please see our article ‘Can I study International A Levels in India?’
Japan – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
Japan’s world-class science and technology makes it a popular place to study for international learners. Also, in recent years, the number of international learners studying at the undergraduate level have increased considerably. This is most likely due to the government’s strategy to internationalise universities and increase the number of courses taught in English at universities.
MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan) officially recognises Cambridge International A Levels as university entrance qualification for all Japanese universities.
Some universities also accept the O Level and most will accept the International GCSE.
Some examples of universities accepting A Levels and/or IGCSEs and/or O Levels are listed below:
- Chuo University
- Eikei University of Hiroshima
- Hosei University
- International Christian University
- International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA), Yamanashi Gakuin University
- Kanazawa University
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto University of Advanced Science
- Kyushu University
- Nagoya University
- Nagoya University of Commerce and Business
- Osaka University
- Rikkyo University
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
- Temple University, Japan Campus
- The University of Tokyo Tohoku University.
Malaysia – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
International GCSEs and A Levels are recognised by both state and private Malaysian universities. Most universities will ask for three A Levels and either IGCSEs or a pass in SPM examinations. See our article ‘SPM or IGCSE – Secondary Education Malaysia’.
Nigeria – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
Nigeria consists of federal, state and private universities. You will find a substantial amount of universities listed on the Times Higher Education University Rankings page.
Learners must also take the joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination (the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)) and obtain the approved cut-off mark for that year.
Learners must also take the joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination (the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)) and obtain the approved cut-off mark for that year.
Learners with at least two A Levels and five IGCSEs or O Levels will be able to apply for direct entry into level 200 at a Nigerian University.
Pakistan – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
Pakistan welcomes both local and international learners. Teaching is delivered in English and education has expanded substantially over the last few years.
Most universities in Pakistan accept O Levels, IGCSEs and International A Levels. O Level and IGCSE qualifications are equivalent to the local Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and A Levels are equivalent to the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC).
Philippines – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
Most Universities within the Philippines will accept International A Levels, however it is best to check with your chosen University first.
A few examples are listed below:
- De La Salle University
- Enderun Colleges
- Mapúa University
- Miriam College
- University of Asia and the Pacific
- University of Santo Tomas
- University of the Philippines Diliman.
Singapore – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
Singapore offers six public universities along with a wide range of private institutions. Courses in Singapore are delivered in English and therefore learners wishing to study in Singapore may need to take IELTS / TOEFL or ESL.
The application process for public universities is highly competitive –students will generally need at least four very strong International A Level grades.
Some examples of Universities accepting International A Levels are as follows:
- National University of Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore Management University.
Sri Lanka – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
The Department of Examinations within Sri Lanka conduct the GCE (Ordinary Level) in Sri Lanka and this is based on the Cambridge University O Level.
Examples of institutions accepting International A Levels include:
- General Sir John Kotewala Defence University
- NSBM Green University
- SLIIT
- University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka.
UK – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
A Levels are recognised by UK Universities. Learners will normally need at least 3 Full A Levels for university and some form of English qualification for visa requirements. Different degrees may stipulate certain A Level subjects so it is best to check with the individual University.
Recognising institutions include:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- The University of Manchester.
US – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
International A Level qualifications are widely recognised by US universities, including Ivy League and Ivy Plus institutions.
As entry requirements, exemption options, and/or credit arrangements can vary, students should check entry criteria for both individual institution and course before applying.
Recognising institutions include:
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- Caltech
- University of Chicago
- Princeton University.
Zimbabwe – GCE Ordinary Levels (O Levels) and Advanced Levels (A Levels)
The GCE Ordinary-Level is offered by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC). Most institutions within Zimbabwe will accept Cambridge O Levels, IGCSEs and International A Levels.
Recognising institutions include:
- Bindura University of Science Education
- Harare Institute of Technology (HIT)
- National University of Science and Technology
- University of Zimbabwe.