IGCSE vs O Levels: What’s the Difference?

Not sure whether to take IGCSEs or O Levels? This guide is here to help you answer questions like: “Are O Levels harder than IGCSEs?”, “Which is better for university?”, and “Do they cover the same topics?”.

This guide breaks down the practical differences for students taking IGCSEs or O Levels, including how they’re assessed, what subjects are available, and which will suit your future goals best.

Key Takeaways

• IGCSEs offer broader subjects and flexible assessments: IGCSEs are available for over 70 subjects. They use a mix of exams, coursework, and practicals, which makes them appealing for students who like varied forms of assessment. They have global recognition, including in the UK, US, and Europe.

• O Levels also offer many subjects and emphasise written exams: With a stronger emphasis on written exams, O Levels better suit students who do well under exam pressure and don’t enjoy coursework or practicals. Over 40 subjects are available and O Levels are mainly recognised in Asia, the Middle East, and some Commonwealth countries.

• Both are valid pathways to A Levels, IB, and university: Which one is better for you will depend on your learning style, preferred subjects, and long-term goals.

IGCSE and O Levels: A Quick Overview

IGCSE and O Level qualifications are respected by schools, colleges and universities in the UK and abroad. But they’re not exactly the same.

IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and O Levels (Ordinary Levels) are both secondary school qualifications offered internationally. They are broadly equivalent in terms of academic level, typically taken around age 14–16, and can lead to  A Levels, IB, or other post-16 options.

However, the structure, assessment style, and subject offerings can vary depending on which one you choose.

Key Differences at a Glance

Subject Availability and Curriculum Focus

IGCSE offers a broader subject choice with over 70+ subjects available. They’re designed to be flexible for students in international settings.

O Levels offer 40+ subjects, and course material is sometimes tailored to fit local educational standards or national syllabuses.

Assessment Methods

The assessment methods used by IGCSE and O Levels vary quite significantly.

IGCSE Assessment

IGCSEs mostly use a combination of written exams, practical assessments, and coursework, but this will also depend on the subject you are taking. Some IGCSE exam boards offer Core/Foundational and Higher/Extended tier exam papers for students of different abilities. Find out more about IGCSE exam boards and tiered exam papers.

O Level Assessment 

O Levels are mostly assessed through final written exams. They often have fewer coursework options and less practical assessments for sciences than IGCSE, so are better suited for students who prefer written exam-based assessment. 

They don’t have tiered exam papers, so all students sit the same paper regardless of ability. O Level exam papers include some easier and some more difficult questions to suit students of different abilities.

Grading and Difficulty

IGCSEs are graded using the 9–1 scale (Cambridge also uses the A*–G scale). O Levels are graded using an A*-E scale.

Some students find IGCSEs easier because of their more varied assessment formats which include greater amounts of coursework and practical assessment. Students who excel in written exams and don’t enjoy practical assessment or coursework may find O Level assessments easier as these are not emphasised to the same extent as in IGCSE.

Global Recognition and University Applications

Both IGCSE and O Level qualifications are accepted by universities in the UK and abroad. However, IGCSEs are more widely recognised in Europe, the US, and international schools.

Both qualifications can lead to A Levels, IB, or other post-16 options. The best choice depends on your academic strengths, learning style, and future plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IGCSE harder than O Level?

It depends on your learning style and exam performance. IGCSEs may feel easier for some students because of the more varied assessment styles. But students who perform well under exam pressure may find O Levels a better choice. 

Can I switch between IGCSE and O Levels?

This is possible, but ask your school and/or teacher first. Not all schools offer both, and you may need to learn new content or adapt to new exam formats if you switch.

Are both qualifications accepted in the UK and abroad?

Yes. Both are recognised by UK and international universities. IGCSE has wider recognition in the UK, Europe and the US, while O Levels are better known in parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Which is better for studying A Levels or IB?

Both IGCSEs and O Levels offer good foundations for A Level, IB and other post-16 qualifications. When deciding between them, think about which subjects and assessment style suits you better. If you like coursework and more modern subjects, IGCSE would be a good fit, but if you do well under exam pressure and want to study more traditional subjects, O Levels may be the best choice. 

Final Thoughts 

Both IGCSE and O Levels are respected qualifications internationally, but suit different learning styles. When deciding between them, think carefully about which subjects you want to study, your preferred assessment style and where you want to study post-16.

 Source

Cambridge IGCSE - 14-16 Year Olds International Qualification (opens in a new tab) 

OxfordAQA (opens in a new tab) 

International GCSEs | Pearson qualifications (opens in a new tab) 

Cambridge O Level - 14-16 Year Olds International Qualification (opens in a new tab)