The IGCSE is a popular qualification globally. It is taught in the UK, India (Full Form), Malaysia, Hong Kong, the UAE and many more countries. But what is the IGCSE? In this article, we will look into this highly desirable qualification and see why it has become such a popular curriculum worldwide.
IGCSE Meaning
IGCSE stands for the International General Certificate of Education and is recognised by schools all over the world as the equivalent to the UK GCSE – General Certificate of Education. The qualification is designed for learners aged 14-16, however we have learners of all ages enrolled onto this course.
Generally speaking, this level of education provides a good introduction even to adult learners and a great subject overview for further progression in the field of study.
IGCSE Exam Boards
Awarding bodies offering these qualifications include Cambridge International Education (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel. Awarding bodies are examination boards who set examinations and award qualifications. They will also create the course specifications ensuring schools/institutions are following their requirements.
Cambridge International Education (CIE)
Over 2000 institutions worldwide in 95 countries accept Cambridge qualifications. All UK Universities accept Cambridge qualifications.
Pearson Edexcel
Pearson Edexcel are known well within the UK as they already offer GCSE qualifications to UK learners through state schools and colleges. They are the largest exam board in the UK but have also built up an international presence where they have partnered with more than 6,500 schools, universities, and employers worldwide.
Do I choose Cambridge CIE or Pearson Edexcel for my IGCSEs?
That is a good question and not that simple to answer. Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel offer over 30 subjects for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education and it would take too much time to compare every single subject.
Generally speaking however, most subjects are similar in respect of the modules taught and the way the qualification is assessed. You can see the difference in syllabus on our individual subject pages for IGCSE but here is an example.
IGCSE Mathematics (0580) Cambridge (CIE)
Cambridge International Education (CIE) offer Core assessment (access to grades C-G) and an Extended assessment (access to grades A*-E). Learners will need to choose between the Core or Extended. For the Core assessment, the exam papers are 1 hour 30 minutes long and for the Extended assessment, the exam papers are 2 hours long.
IGCSE Mathematics (4MA1) Pearson Edexcel
Pearson Edexcel offer a Foundation Tier (access to grades 5-1) and a Higher Tier (access to grades 9-4) which learners will choose between. Whichever tier learners go for, The Pearson Edexcel Mathematics course will consist of two exam papers which are 2 hours long each.
The syllabus taught for Cambridge and Edexcel Mathematics is similar and one is not harder than the other.
Are there any other differences I should be aware of between Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs?
Cambridge offer both 9-1 and A*-G grading system for a substantial amount of their subjects whereas Edexcel only offer 9-1 grading system. If you have a preference, please let us know which subject you are interested in and we can let you know what is available in your area.
Both Cambridge and Edexcel offer an exam series in June and November for most of their subjects. Cambridge will also offer a March exam series for most subjects to learners based in India.
Some specifications may involve practical elements which would need to be arranged with the exam centre. There are not many subjects offered by ourselves that do have practicals involved, however just ask us before enrolling or look at the IGCSE subject page and see what assessment is involved.
With Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs one is not better than the other. Both examination boards have to meet certain criteria in order to be able to offer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education qualification and they are both accepted by Universities and institutions worldwide. Sometimes the decision of which awarding body to go for comes down to which one has the nearest exam centre. Learners can find exam centres in their area via the following links:
If there is already a GCSE, why would I take the IGCSE?
The International General Certificate of Education was created over 30 years ago. Therefore it has been around for a long time. During that time, it has become the world’s most popular international qualification for 14-16 years olds. It is also the worlds most flexible qualification which is probably why it is so popular.
All different types of learners from different backgrounds study the IGCSE including home schoolers. This qualification has allowed many learners to achieve academic evidence for universities, colleges and institutions.
With the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, most exams are 100% exam based rather than coursework unlike the GCSE. This makes it available to more learners including students who are home educated.
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education also has two exam series at least for most subjects. These are in June and November. If learners were taking the UK GCSE, they would only have the opportunity to sit exams once a year which is in June.
Learners can also split their IGCSE exams over a period in order to relieve pressure. Some will take 3-4 subjects in the June series followed by their remaining subjects in the November series.
Overall the International General Certificate of Secondary Education is much more flexible than the General Certificate of Secondary Education and is available to more learners.
IGCSE – Globally Recognised Qualifications
This guide summarises some of the higher education institutions that recognise Cambridge and Edexcel qualifications. There are many more countries who do but some examples are listed below.
IGCSE – United Kingdom
Cambridge qualifications are recognised by UK universities. Recognising Institutions in the United Kingdom include:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- The University of Manchester
IGCSE – Malaysia
Public and private universities within Malaysia recognise Cambridge qualifications. Students apply to private universities and are accepted, but places are limited in state universities. Recognising Institutions in Malaysia include:
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
- Taylor’s University
- University of Malaya
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
For more information on the education system within Malaysia including SPM vs IGCSE, please click here.
IGCSE – India
Within India, the IGCSE or Full Form IGCSE has been granted equivalence by the Association of Indian Universities. Recognising Institutions in India include:
- University of Mumbai
- University of Bangalore
- University of Delhi
- University of Calcutta
- University of Hyderabad
For more information on the education system within India including CBSE vs CISCE vs GCE A Levels, please click here.
IGCSE – Hong Kong
Universities within Hong Kong recognise Cambridge qualifications. Cambridge IGCSE English Language or English Literature provides proof of linguistic ability at a number of universities. Recognising Institutions in Hong Kong include:
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- University of Hong Kong
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University
IGCSE – UAE
The UAE Ministry of Education recognises Cambridge qualifications. Students must have a Grade E or above in at least five IGCSEs or O Levels, plus two AS Levels or one A level at Grade D or above. Recognising Institutions in the United Arab Emirates include:
- American University of Sharjah
- Khalifa University
- American University in Dubai
- University of Sharjah
- Zayed University.
IGCSE – South Africa
Cambridge qualifications are widely accepted by universities in South Africa. Recognising Institutions in South Africa include:
- University of Cape Town
- University of Pretoria
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Western Cape.
IGCSE – USA
Universities within the USA recognise Cambridge qualifications This includes Ivy League and Ivy Plus institutions. Recognising Institutions in the USA include:
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- Caltech
- University of Chicago
- Princeton University.
IGCSE – Spain
If learners would like to apply to study within Spain, they are normally asked for proof of five IGCSE/O Level subjects at Grade C or above. Information on applying with international qualifications can be found at www.unedasiss.uned.es/home
- ESCP Europe Business School – Madrid campus
- IE University – Madrid and Segovia campuses.
