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International GCSE courses online
An International GCSE (often called an IGCSE) is the Level 1/2 qualification awarded by Pearson Edexcel and sat in international schools worldwide, graded 9 to 1 like a GCSE. Every subject here is examined only, with no coursework, no required practicals and no spoken language endorsement, and you sit the papers at a Tutors & Exams centre in England.
Seven International GCSE subjects
Choose a subject to see papers, topics and the two ways to pay. Each subject is its own subscription, so you can take one or several and sit them in different series.
International GCSE Mathematics
- Two papers, 2 hours each
- Foundation or Higher tier
- Calculator allowed on both
International GCSE English Language
- One 3-hour paper
- No spoken language assessment
- Every grade 9 to 1 available
International GCSE English Literature
- Two papers, 60% and 40%
- Paper 2 is open book
- No coursework on this route
International GCSE Biology
- Two papers, single tier
- Practical skills examined on paper
- No laboratory assessment
International GCSE Chemistry
- Two papers, single tier
- Practical skills examined on paper
- No laboratory assessment
International GCSE Physics
- Two papers, single tier
- Practical skills examined on paper
- No laboratory assessment
International GCSE Science (Double Award)
- Three papers, one per science
- Two grades, 9-9 to 1-1
- Counts as two GCSEs
Prefer the GCSE version?
Twelve AQA GCSEs, on the Ofqual register, sat in May and June. Same tutor support, same two ways to pay.
From enrolment to results in four steps
Enrol online in a few minutes. Nothing is charged until day 8 and you can cancel from your account. Learners from 14 enrol with a parent or guardian.
Work through the course at your pace. Practice papers are marked by the same tutor throughout, with written feedback in 5 to 7 working days.
On +Exams, Lift College submits your Pearson Edexcel entry and books your place at the Tutors & Exams centre you choose, before the deadline.
Papers are the same Pearson Edexcel International GCSE papers sat in schools, in January, June or November. Results come from Pearson; certificates follow.
International GCSE or GCSE: what is actually different
Both are Level 1/2 qualifications graded 9 to 1 and both are accepted by UK colleges, sixth forms and universities. The differences are in how they are assessed and when you can sit them.
| What differs | International GCSE (Pearson Edexcel) | GCSE (AQA, at Lift College) |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework and non-exam parts | None. Every subject is 100% written exam. | English Language has a spoken language endorsement; sciences have required practicals signed off by a centre. |
| Exam series | January, June and November. | May and June. November resits for Maths and English Language only. |
| Tiers | Maths: Foundation or Higher. Sciences and English: one tier, every grade available. | Maths and sciences: Foundation or Higher. English: one tier. |
| Calculator in Maths | Allowed on both papers. | Not allowed on Paper 1. |
| Who awards it | Pearson Edexcel. | AQA. |
| Ofqual register | Not on the register. Accepted by UK universities, colleges and employers, and counts for the 16 to 19 funding condition in English and maths. | On the register. |
| Where you sit it | Tutors & Exams centre in England, booked for you on +Exams. | Tutors & Exams centre in England, booked for you on +Exams. |
| Monthly price at Lift College | Study from £39.99. +Exams from £69.99. | Study from £39.99. +Exams from £69.99. |
Deciding between the two? Read the guide International GCSE vs GCSE: which should you choose? or see our GCSE courses.
Who chooses International GCSEs
- No coursework and no practicals to have signed off
- Three series a year, so subjects can be spread out
- One named tutor who can supply a reference
- English or maths at grade 4 for a job, apprenticeship or degree offer
- Start any month and sit in the next series
- Calculator allowed on both Maths papers
- The same papers sat in international schools worldwide
- Study from anywhere, sit the exam in England
- Grades understood by every UK sixth form and college
Nine centres across England. One partner. Your seat booked for you.
The hardest part of studying outside school has always been the exam. Lift College and Tutors & Exams remove it: you study online with us and sit the same Pearson Edexcel papers as any school candidate at a professional centre.
A named UK tutor from enrolment to exam day
The same qualified UK subject expert supports you from enrolment through to your exam series.
Exam style tasks with individual written feedback within 5 to 7 working days.
Unit scores and topic strengths on your dashboard, which your tutor uses to tailor feedback.
A timed mock paper and a written summary of what to focus on before you are entered.
Choose how you want to study
Every subject is its own monthly subscription. Pay annually and save 15%. The 7-day free trial and 14-day money back apply to both.
Study
Full course, named tutor and marked practice.
- Complete International GCSE course
- Named UK tutor from day one
- Practice papers marked in 5 to 7 working days
- Learner dashboard and study planner
+Exams
Everything in Study plus your exam entry and centre fees, booked and paid for by us.
- Everything in Study
- Pearson Edexcel entry fee included
- Tutors & Exams centre fee included
- Seat booked and confirmed by email
Prices are read from the live course records. Exact +Exams prices are on each course page.
Reviews from Lift College learners
“I was nervous about going back to study after 15 years, but the platform is so easy to use and the feedback I got on assignments was genuinely useful.”
James P. · BirminghamA Level Biology“Good value and well structured. I appreciated that I could resubmit work without extra cost, really helped me improve.”
David R. · LeedsCMI Level 5“Customer service was excellent. Any time I had a question it was answered within hours. Highly recommend.”
Emma L. · GlasgowGCSE EnglishInternational GCSE questions, answered
Can I do International GCSEs online?
Yes. Every Lift College International GCSE is studied 100% online with a named UK tutor. The written exams are sat in person at a Tutors & Exams centre in England; they cannot be taken at home.
Is an IGCSE harder than a GCSE?
No. Both are Level 1/2 qualifications graded 9 to 1 and set to the same standard. The difference is in assessment: International GCSEs are examined only, so there is no coursework, no required practicals and no spoken language endorsement.
Do UK universities and colleges accept International GCSEs?
Yes. They are accepted alongside GCSEs by UK universities, sixth forms and colleges, and International GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above meet the government's 16 to 19 funding condition.
Are International GCSEs on the Ofqual register?
No. They are set, examined and awarded by Pearson Edexcel and sat in international schools worldwide. If a particular college or employer asks for a qualification on the Ofqual register, choose the GCSE version, which Lift College also offers.
How much does an International GCSE cost?
Study is from £39.99 a month per subject. +Exams, which includes your Pearson Edexcel entry and Tutors & Exams centre fee, is from £69.99 a month. Pay annually and save 15%. The first 7 days are free.
When are the exams?
Pearson Edexcel runs International GCSE exams in January, June and November. You choose the series when you enrol on +Exams and can change it before the entry deadline.
From what age can I enrol?
From 14. Under 18s enrol with a parent or guardian's permission and support, and the parent holds the account and sees the dashboard.
Can I take just one subject?
Yes. Each subject is its own monthly subscription. Take one for a resit or several across different series.
What if I fail or want a higher grade?
You can enter again in the next series. Your course access continues while you subscribe, and your tutor helps you plan the resit.
Where do I sit the exams?
At one of nine Tutors & Exams centres in England: Birmingham, Bolton, Coventry, High Wycombe, Mitcham, Newcastle, Romford, St Neots and Taunton. On +Exams we book the seat for you.
A UK adviser calls you back within 2 working hours, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. No sales script.
Last reviewed September 2026. Checked against the Pearson Edexcel specifications in force for the next series.
Guides for International GCSE learners and parents
Who awards it, how it is graded, and how it compares to a GCSE.
Planned guide →ComparisonInternational GCSE vs GCSE: which should you choose?The assessment, series and recognition differences in one place.
Planned guide →ExamsSitting International GCSEs as a private candidateEntry deadlines, centres, access arrangements and what to take on the day.
Planned guide →Home educationInternational GCSEs for home educated learnersWhy home educating families choose them and how to plan a series.
Planned guide →ResultsPearson Edexcel International GCSE grade boundaries explainedHow boundaries are set and where to find them after each series.
Planned guide →Subject guidesSpecification and past paper guides by subjectMaths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Double Award.
Planned guide →