Guidance for learners applying through UCAS with Cambridge International Qualifications (PDF, 243KB)
Cambridge IGCSE and O Level
Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs/O Levels to meet their entry requirements.
UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge IGCSE and found it to be comparable to the standard of UK GCSE.
This means students can be confident that their Cambridge IGCSE qualifications are accepted as equivalent to UK GCSEs by leading universities both in the UK and around the world.
Cambridge O Level is equivalent to the IGCSE.
Due to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, the UK NARIC national recognition agency function was re-titled as UK ENIC on 1 March 2021, operated and managed by Ecctis Limited. From 1 March 2021, international benchmarking findings are published under the Ecctis name.
Cambridge International AS & A Level
Cambridge International AS & A Levels are equivalent to the AS & A Levels taken by students in the UK, and are accepted for entrance to UK universities in the same way as the UK A Levels.
University admissions tests
Some universities have admissions tests for applicants, specifically tailored to each subject as part of the application process. This is in addition to the Cambridge International A level qualifications. More information can be found on the universities’ websites and on the UCAS website.
Information for students requiring visas
A significant number of UK universities continue to accept Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500/0990) and Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510/0511/0991/0993) even though these qualifications do not appear on the Home Office’s approved list of English language tests for immigration purposes. However, there are some UK universities which will only accept English language tests from the Home Office’s list.
UK universities have the right to set their own English language entry requirements with regard to student visas. This means they can choose their own method of assessing a student’s English language competence as long as the student is applying to follow a full-time course at undergraduate degree level or above. Further information can be found on the Government's Policy Guidance document.
The details of English language requirements can be found on each university’s website. It is essential that you check your chosen university’s requirements before making your UCAS application.
Certifying statement for CEFR
Most of the time, UK universities will accept the overall IGCSE English grade as stated on your certificate as proof of a student’s English proficiency. Sometimes, however, the university will require a breakdown of how the applicant performed in each component. In these cases, Cambridge International offers the following support to students:
- You can apply to us for a Certifying Statement for CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This statement provides evidence of your proficiency in all four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. It gives a breakdown of your Cambridge IGCSE English Language results into component grades and corresponding levels according to the CEFR.
- You can download the documents below which give the CEFR levels by grade and skill for each of our Cambridge IGCSE English language qualifications. You can use the relevant document, alongside your results certificate, and a copy of your component grades (available from your school), to support your student visa application.
Please read carefully and then complete the application form to apply for a Certifying Statement for CEFR
Visit the Home Office website for guidance on how to apply for a student visa.
Visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs to find out more about applying for a student visa.
Recognition search
Find out which universities in the UK recognise Cambridge qualifications by searching our recognitions database. Please always check directly with your target institution and/or study destination for up-to-date admissions requirements and policies for local and international students.