What's the difference between IGCSE and GCSE?

IGCSE vs GCSE

GCSEs, known as General Certificate of Secondary Education, are mandatory exams taken in the UK when a student finishes high school. Outside of the UK, IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) provide the exact same level of qualification as GCSEs but are available worldwide. 

Though the key difference is in the word ‘international’, that’s not all that separates the two. Let’s take a look at the definitions of each qualification to get a better understanding.

What is a GCSE?

GCSE is a standardised qualification in the UK introduced in 1988 to replace O-levels and CSEs. Typically, they’re taken by students aged 14 to 16 when they complete high school education, although there are no age restrictions on the exams. 

They aim to assess a student’s knowledge and skills in various academic areas and prepare them for further study, such as A Levels, before going to university. GCSEs are very important for your higher education and career prospects. 

What is an IGCSE?

IGCSEs were developed by the University of Cambridge International Examinations to provide a more globally recognised qualification for students who live or study abroad. 

Normal GCSEs are only offered in the UK and a handful of other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and India, whereas IGCSEs cover a much wider range of countries. They are also highly regarded by colleges and universities. 

What are the differences between IGCSE and GCSE?

IGCSEs and GCSEs have many more differences than just the countries they’re available in. Here, we’ll delve into the top 5 differences to help you decide which one is right for you.

1. Course content and subjects

One of the biggest differences between IGCSEs and GCSEs is the choice of subjects. Both cover the mandatory core subjects of English, Maths, and Combined Science, but their optional exams are quite varied. 

GCSEs tend to be slightly more limited, covering subjects such as History and Geography, whereas IGCSEs go beyond a UK-based curriculum to provide courses such as Economics and Computer Science. However, this is all dependent on the school and the options they provide. 

Even when both qualifications cover the same subject, the course content can also be very different. That’s because GCSEs will have topics more relevant to UK-based students, such as Shakespeare and British history, whereas IGCSEs may be more generic. 

2. Exam dates

The date you sit your exam can also vary between the two. GCSEs have a set date, with everyone in the UK taking it at the same time between May and June. These are typically held in school halls, with the exception of private or homeschooled students who may go to an examination centre.

IGCSEs are largely the same except some exams can be taken in November or January for certain subjects.

3. Availability by country

As we’ve discussed, IGCSEs and GCSEs are very different in where they are available.

GCSEs are primarily offered in the UK as well as some British overseas territories whereas IGCSEs are designed for an international audience and so are available in more countries. This makes IGCSEs a popular choice for students who live or study outside of the UK or for UK residents who want to study abroad. 

UK-based students can take IGCSEs but they are usually only offered in private schools. 

4. System of grading

In recent years, GCSEs changed their grading systems from letter to numerical. This is marked from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest. On the other hand, many IGCSEs still have the letter system from A* to G, with A* being the highest. However, some schools and exam boards in England have now started using the 9 to 1 grading system for IGCSEs. 

For comparison, a pass level at GCSE is a 4, whereas in IGCSE it’s a C. A grade 7, 8, or 9 in GCSE is equivalent to an A or A* in IGCSE.

Both grading systems are recognised by universities and many require a minimum grade for admission.

5. Coursework 

Typically, GCSEs used to be more coursework focused than IGCSEs, which have no coursework requirements. 
However, this has started to shift and there now isn’t much difference between the two qualifications. Coursework requirements tend to be more dependent on the subject you take rather than the qualification.

Is IGCSE harder or easier than GCSE?

In the past, IGCSEs were considered more challenging than GCSEs but now, it’s widely considered that both qualifications are the same difficulty wise. 

Do universities prefer IGCSE or GCSE?

Because both IGCSEs and GCSEs are highly regarded by universities and employers worldwide, one is not preferred over the other. 

Most higher education institutes recognise that students often don’t have a choice in the qualification they are taking and so it is unlikely to be a deciding factor for admissions. 

What really matters for university admissions is the grade achieved by the student. 

Which is better, GCSE or IGCSE?

Though there are differences in the two qualifications, one is no better than the other. Both are globally recognised and highly regarded by colleges, universities, and employers. 

Choosing between a GCSE or IGCSE should come down to your future plans and whether the qualification will help you take the next steps in your educational and career journey. 

IGCSEs offer more flexibility and a wider range of subjects that might be more in line with your career aspirations. What’s more, because they are globally recognised, they would suit students who want to pursue further education or work abroad. However, IGCSEs can be more expensive than GCSEs and are not always offered at state schools. 

In summary, both GCSEs and IGCSEs offer the qualifications to help you reach your learning goals. It all comes down to the subjects you want to take and where you want to take them. 

Once you’ve made your choice, Save My Exams can help you ace your exams. Our expert team has carefully researched each syllabus and exam board to create course-specific resources for you. Armed with these focused revision materials, you’ll be confident, prepared, and ready to succeed in your GCSEs or IGCSEs.