One subject, one certificate
There is no single “IGCSE diploma”. Maths, English, and Chemistry are separate awards. Universities later look at the set.
Ages 14–16 · International
A two-year qualification, subject by subject.
IGCSE is the International General Certificate of Secondary Education — the global cousin of the UK GCSE. Students study a chosen set of subjects across Years 10 and 11, then sit external exams. Each subject is graded and certificated on its own.
Three things to understand first
Built for international schools
Syllabuses avoid UK-only cultural assumptions where they can, and run exam series around the world.
The on-ramp to A Level and IB
A reliable record of attainment at 16, recognised by universities and employers, then followed by a 16–18 programme.
Who sets the exams
People say “IGCSE” for the whole family. Strictly, Cambridge owns the IGCSE name; Pearson and Oxford AQA run International GCSEs at the same level.
Cambridge IGCSE
The original and most widely taken version — 70+ subjects, Core/Extended in many papers, sessions in May/June and Oct/Nov (plus Feb/Mar in India).
Pearson Edexcel
Branded International GCSE. Comparable academic standard; linear exams with some coursework options depending on the subject.
Oxford AQA
A smaller international GCSE suite from Oxford International AQA Examinations, used in some international schools.
Is IGCSE the right exam?
Three questions. Not a counselling session — a filter so you do not confuse IGCSE with HKDSE.