Cambridge International in Pakistan
Pakistan is home to a range of top-quality private and public institutions offering cutting-edge programmes that cater to diverse academic interests. Overseen by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), these institutions welcome both local and international students, with English as the primary medium of instruction.
Applying with Cambridge qualifications
Universities in Pakistan recognise and welcome Cambridge qualifications. The Government of Pakistan recognises Cambridge qualifications and provides equivalence with the local education system in order to ensure a smooth transition for students who choose to continue their education in Pakistan.
Equivalence is issued by the regulatory body, the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC), entrusted by the Government of Pakistan, based on the following criteria:
- Cambridge O Level and Cambridge IGCSE qualifications are equated to the local Secondary School Certificate (SSC).
- Students need to pass eight subjects: English, Urdu, Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies, Mathematics and three electives.
- Cambridge International A Levels are equated to the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC), subject to completing SSC-level qualifications and meeting the specified requirements for a particular study group.
Grade conversion of Cambridge O Level / IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level
| Grade |
IBCC Mark |
| A* |
Above 90 (from 2021 exam series onwards) |
| A |
85 |
| B |
75 |
| C |
65 |
| D |
55 |
| E |
45 |
| F |
NA for IBCC |
| G |
NA for IBCC |
View further information on the subject groups and IBCC grade conversions.
Student guides
Find out more about applying to study at universities in Pakistan in our Destination Pakistan brochure, a helpful guide to recognition of Cambridge qualifications in Pakistan.
We advise students to check with institutions directly for the most up-to-date information regarding admissions requirements and policies for local and international students.
Recognition search
Find out which universities in Pakistan recognise Cambridge qualifications by searching our recognition database.
Webinar series: Cambridge in Pakistan – Conversations to support a Cambridge learner’s journey
This webinar series offers insights into how Cambridge qualifications support university admissions in Pakistan and around the world, and equip students for success.
Each session features expert panellists who share the latest updates on eligibility criteria, entry requirements and global recognition of Cambridge qualifications. The experts also give insights into how Cambridge learners perform at university and how they can prepare to meet future challenges.
The webinar series is aimed at students, parents, teachers, student counsellors and anyone who is interested in exploring university pathways and learner development.
Watch the most recent webinar from May 2026:
VIDEO: Reengineering Your Future in the Age of AI, with NED University of Engineering and Technology
You can access recordings of all previous webinars from the link below:
View all Cambridge in Pakistan webinars
Watch the video below to hear vice chancellors and senior leaders from leading universities in Pakistan talk about the benefits of Cambridge qualifications, and the attributes of Cambridge International A Level students.
VIDEO: Perceptions of Cambridge students – Vice Chancellors & senior leaders from Pakistan universities