What is IGCSE?

14 August 2022

Harvest Academy Malaysia in Kangar, Perlis is an International GCSE Prep School offering International General Certificate of Secondary Education to students aged 11 - 16. The majority of international schools in Malaysia offer the same programme for students secondary's education stage. Harvest Academy Malaysia offers education for both lower secondary and upper secondary stages. So, what is IGCSE?

IGCSE is the abbreviation for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is the world’s most popular international certification for the end of secondary school (equivalent to SPM, O-Level, UK GCSE, fifth form or year 11 in respective countries and schools), before one proceeds to Advanced Level (A-Level or sixth form or year 12&13) or pre-university studies.

IGCSE has several examination boards such as Cambridge Assessment International Education, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA. IGCSE was developed by Cambridge International Examinations (previously known as University of Cambridge International Examinations), in short CIE, in 1988. University of Cambridge has been the UK local examination board since 1858. The term “IGCSE” is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge. Generally, when one mentions IGCSE, it is understood as the secondary certificate and students may choose to register with any of the three examination boards.

The IGCSE curricula are often considered more similar to O-Level rather than the UK national curriculums GCSE. Thus, the basis of the examination is also considered more challenging and rigorous.

Many universities worldwide require a combination of Cambridge International A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs to meet their entry requirements. For example, leading US and Canadian universities require Cambridge International AS & A Levels, but some US and Canadian colleges and universities will accept learners with five Cambridge IGCSEs at grade C or above.

In the UK, Cambridge IGCSE is accepted as equivalent to the GCSE. Many UK universities look at Cambridge IGCSE grades, as well as predicted grades for Cambridge International A Level, when making admissions decisions.

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