Is IGCSE Harder Than GCSE?

If you’re moving schools, or swapping from a GCSE to an IGCSE, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. During such an important stage in your education journey, even small changes can be daunting, and you may be asking yourself if IGCSE is harder than GCSE.

I’ve taught both the IGCSE and the GCSE to students around the world for many years. What I’ve found is that both prepare you well for further study, or for employment, and that neither is harder than the other. How you experience and approach your studies will depend on your own learning style, personal preference of subject, and your future plans. 

We’ve put together this guide to reassure you that IGCSEs and GCSEs are both widely considered the same in terms of difficulty. 

For example, we’ll look at their:

• Subject content

• Exams and grading systems

• Course styles and content

Key Takeaways

• The subjects and topics you study for IGCSEs and GCSEs may vary across exam boards, but many also overlap

• IGCSEs cover international topics, while GCSEs often focus more on topics rooted in British contexts

• IGCSE and GCSE exams test the same skills, but grading systems may differ

• Both IGCSEs and GCSEs are equally recognised by colleges and universities 

• Both IGCSE and GCSE courses use exams and coursework for a final grade

What Is the IGCSE?

The IGCSE (or the International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is an internationally recognised qualification. It’s often taught in international or online schools to students aged between 14 and 16 years old. 

You’ll find that IGCSE exam boards deliver their courses differently, and that exam styles vary. But the qualification you’ll receive is exactly the same. 

In other words, any IGCSE qualification is accepted internationally and by UK sixth forms, universities and employers, just as it is with the GCSE.

Exam boards offering the IGCSE are:

• Cambridge IGCSE (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel Pearson IGCSE (opens in a new tab)

• OxfordAQA International (opens in a new tab)

What’s the Difference Between IGCSE and GCSE?

There are no major differences between the IGCSE and GCSE, because they’re equivalent qualifications. Mostly, IGCSEs and GCSEs differ in how the various exam boards cover and assess their subjects. Check out our more detailed guide on the key differences between the two qualifications. 

Exam Boards

One of the main differences is that IGCSEs are offered to students worldwide, while the GCSE is mostly offered in the UK and a handful of other countries. 

Generally, IGCSEs are run by: 

• Cambridge

• Edexcel Pearson International

• Oxford International AQA 

GCSEs are regulated by OFQUAL (opens in a new tab) and offered by AQA (opens in a new tab), Edexcel (opens in a new tab), OCR (opens in a new tab), or WJEC Eduqas (opens in a new tab).

Assessment

It’s generally down to individual schools or colleges how they deliver their IGCSEs, but, usually, you’ll do exams at the end of Year 11.

For both the IGCSE and the GCSE your final grade will be made up of marks achieved in examinations, as well as coursework you’ll have done over time. 

When I mark IGCSE and GCSE exams or coursework, I’ve found that I reward similar skills and assessment objectives. So, remember, exam papers and mark schemes might look different from exam board to exam board, but, regardless, the assessment objectives test similar skills. 

Exam Timing

Usually, you’ll take your final exams at the end of a two-year course of study. Exam dates for IGCSEs and GCSEs are different according to subject and exam board, but all exams run in the summer and the winter. The dates for IGCSE and GCSE exams usually cover May and June, and then October and November. 

International Relevance

One of the main differences between IGCSEs and GCSEs is that IGCSEs are usually taught and examined internationally, hence the name. Traditionally, GCSEs are taught in UK schools as they’re influenced by British government policy. Still, you can take an IGCSE in the UK. IGCSEs are offered by UK exam centres for independent students and, sometimes, taught in private schools. 

The important thing to remember is that both IGCSEs and GCSEs are considered strong foundations and equivalents for further study or employment, nationally and internationally. 

Which Is Harder: IGCSE or GCSE?

My students do IGCSE and GCSE courses alike, and the way I teach them the skills to pass their exams remains the same for both courses. After all, the IGCSE and GCSE are equivalent qualifications, and both are accepted equally by colleges and universities, so this stands to reason. 

How you experience your IGCSEs and GCSEs all depends on how you approach your studies. In any course, there will be some topics you engage with more, and some areas more challenging than others.  

Exam Style

Each exam board and subject will vary, but you could sum it up like this:

Subject Content

You’ll find that both IGCSE and GCSE courses view English Language and maths as core subjects (sometimes alongside science (opens in a new tab)). This means they are the subjects you’ll need to pass to continue with further study. 

But where the IGCSE and GCSE differ is in their optional subjects and the topics or focal areas they cover. 

Here’s a breakdown: 

Grading and Results

IGCSEs and GCSEs may have different grading systems, but the qualification you’ll receive is the same. 

• GCSE qualifications are usually assessed on a 9–1 scale, with 9 being the top grade.

• IGCSE qualifications differ across exam boards

  • Cambridge IGCSEs use A*–G grading, as well as 9-1

  • Edexcel Pearson IGCSE uses the 9–1 scale

Student Perspectives: What Do Learners Say?

The best people to ask about how hard IGCSEs are vs GCSEs are students! This is what some of my students have said:

• “IGCSEs could balance coursework and exams better to take the pressure off.”

• “GCSEs could broaden their text range so we can study a greater selection of topics.” 

• “There are lots of GCSE and IGCSE resources available to help.”

Which Qualification Is Right for You?

Now you know the ins and outs of IGCSEs and GCSEs, and that each qualification is a good stepping stone to future study or employment. It’s time to think about whether the IGCSE or GCSE would suit you personally. 

You should choose IGCSE if:

• You go to an international school or travel internationally

• You want to study topics that are more international in theme and nature 

• You are a private candidate in the UK and prefer the IGCSE style

You should choose GCSE if:

• You study in the UK and want to go to a British university

• You’d like to study topics that are particularly relevant to the UK 

• You want to specialise in British history and literature 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IGCSE accepted by UK universities?

Yes, IGCSEs and GCSEs are seen as equivalent qualifications by most UK universities. Still, you should always check the specific entry requirements for the university you’re interested in.

Do IGCSEs make A Levels easier?

IGCSEs and GCSEs assess similar skills, so the idea is that all students wiIl be prepared for A Level study. 

Are IGCSEs only for international students?

Not at all. Many students in the UK take IGCSEs. Private schools may teach this qualification, and some independent students take the IGCSE through exam centres.

The best thing to do is make sure you understand which exam boards do what, and where to find resources that may help, such as our Learning Hub. 

Whether you choose the IGCSE or the GCSE, both courses are excellent foundations for your next step.

Sources: 

Cambridge IGCSE (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel Pearson IGCSE (opens in a new tab)

Oxford International AQA (opens in a new tab)

OFQUAL (opens in a new tab)

 AQA (opens in a new tab)