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International GCSEs

What is IGCSE equivalent to?

In short

An IGCSE is equivalent to a GCSE at the same level. Pearson says UK universities accept its International GCSEs as GCSE equivalents grade for grade, and the Department for Education counts International GCSE English or maths at grade 9 to 4 as prior attainment for 16 to 19 study. Ofqual does not regulate IGCSEs.

What the official sources say

An IGCSE is a Level 1/2 qualification, the same level as a GCSE. These are the statements from the bodies that award, fund and regulate qualifications in England.

  • Pearson: its International GCSEs are accepted as GCSE equivalents on a grade for grade basis by all UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
  • Pearson: International GCSEs are regulated by Pearson and confirmed by UK NARIC as comparable to the UK GCSE standard.
  • Cambridge International: in the UK, Cambridge IGCSE is accepted as equivalent to the GCSE.
  • Department for Education: an International GCSE in English or maths at grade 9 to 4 counts as prior attainment for 16 to 19 funding, so the student does not have to keep studying that subject.
  • Ofqual: International GCSEs no longer count in school performance tables.

What equivalence does not cover

Equivalent for entry does not mean identical. International GCSEs are not on the Ofqual register. If a specific college, employer or professional body asks for a regulated qualification, take the GCSE version. Always check the exact wording of the requirement you need to meet.

Next steps: A Levels and International A Levels

Lift College's International A Levels have no formal entry qualifications, but each recommends a grade 6 or above in the subject. For example, International A Level Mathematics recommends grade 6 in GCSE or International GCSE Mathematics. Study International A Level Mathematics online.

You can continue with the same board at Level 3: see International A Levels or A Levels.

T Levels and apprenticeships

For a laboratory technician, the National Careers Service lists 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, or equivalent, including English and maths, for a T Level, and 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.

Jobs that start with GCSE level qualifications

Salaries are the National Careers Service averages.

RoleGCSE level entry route (NCS)Average salary (NCS)
Laboratory technician5 GCSEs at 9 to 4, or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship£24,000 starter to £31,000 experienced
Dental nurse5 GCSEs at 9 to 4, or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship£25,000 starter to £39,000 experienced
Teaching assistant5 GCSEs at 9 to 4, or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship£19,000 starter to £26,000 experienced
Nurse (degree route)4 or 5 GCSEs at 9 to 4, or equivalent, including English, maths and science, plus 2 or 3 A levels including a science, or a level 3 diploma£32,000 starter to £48,000 experienced

Check the requirement before you apply

Employers, colleges and universities set their own rules. Where a requirement says GCSEs "or equivalent", ask whether International GCSEs are accepted. Our guides do you need GCSEs for an apprenticeship? and what GCSEs open up cover the UK GCSE side.

Start with the subjects that open most doors

If you are not sure where you are heading, start with Maths and English Language. Both are studied online with a named UK tutor, and exams run in the May/June and November series at ten Tutors & Exams centres in England.

Questions

Is IGCSE the same as GCSE?
It is at the same level, and Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs use the same 9 to 1 grades. Pearson says UK universities accept them as GCSE equivalents grade for grade. The difference is that International GCSEs are not regulated by Ofqual.
What level is IGCSE?
Level 1/2, the same level as a GCSE. English and maths at grade 4 or above are the grades most often asked for, and the Department for Education counts International GCSE English or maths at grade 9 to 4 as prior attainment for 16 to 19 study.
Is there a GCSE for international students?
Yes, the International GCSE. Pearson Edexcel's version is studied in over 80 countries, and Lift College teaches seven subjects online to learners aged 14 or over. You can study from anywhere, but you travel to a Tutors & Exams centre in England for the exams.
Are international GCSE equivalent qualifications accepted for A Levels?
Usually, yes. Most sixth forms and colleges look at your GCSE or International GCSE grades when you apply for A Levels. Lift College's International A Levels have no formal entry qualifications but recommend grade 6 or above in the subject at GCSE or International GCSE.

Related pages

Sources

International GCSEs: all courses and guides