Benefits

DO YOU WANT QUALIFICATIONS THAT CAN OPEN DOORS AROUND THE WORLD?

IGCSEs are the world’s most popular international qualifications. They are your gateway to higher education or professional studies in your home country or overseas. They can help you:

  • get a place at college or university at home or abroad
  • find better career opportunities
  • pass the language tests for emigrating or studying in another country*
  • develop skills that help you lead a more exciting and successful life 

The British Council helps more than two million people take international exams every year. We can offer you support and guidance – from choosing subjects to exam registration. 

*For example, achieving a Grade C in IGCSE English is often enough to satisfy the language requirements for some universities in English-speaking nations.

What to expect

The British Council makes the whole exam process more straightforward. After all, we help two million people take international exams every year. Here are some things you should know about IGCSEs.

THE COURSE

IGCSEs/International GCSEs usually take two years to complete. Assessment ranges from written to oral tests, as well as practical exams and coursework.

Please note that the British Council in Australia can ONLY offer written examination papers.

CHOOSING SUBJECTS

You can choose from more than 70 different subjects – from maths to English. Available subjects vary depending on your school, country and chosen exam board.

EXAM BOARDS

Exams are offered through two main exam boards, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel. Your school may already use a particular board.

Please note: if you take an exam with CIE, you will be studying for an IGCSE. 

If you take an exam with Pearson Edexcel, you will be studying for an International GCSE.

Find out which board is right for you.

ABILITY RANGE

The IGCSE/International GCSE core curriculum is suitable for students who expect to achieve grades C to G. An extended curriculum offers more challenging content for students aiming for grades A* to C.

GRADES AND MARKING

Your results are assessed using internationally-recognised A* to G grades. The exam papers are all marked centrally in the UK.

WHEN WILL YOU GET YOUR RESULTS?

Results will be posted to you once received by the British Council in Australia.

Find out more about getting your results.

WHAT NEXT?

An IGCSE/International GCSE can be your first step toward further education, such A- and AS-levels or even university placements.

Find out more about A-levels.

Subjects

IGCSEs/International GCSEs give you the freedom to choose a course of study that is right for you. Your chosen subjects should fit with your career goals or plans for further education. To find out which subjects are available for registration, download the application form below.

You can find out about the syllabuses from the Cambridge International Examinations and Pearson Edexcel website.