Cambridge qualifications
Admissions staff can find key information below about our qualifications to help make decisions about the application process.
*Age ranges are for guidance only
Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge IGCSE is the world's most popular international curriculum for students aged 14 to 16 years. It provides ideal preparation for any advanced education or study placement. Further information can be found in the guides below.
Cambridge IGCSE Guide for Universities - English (PDF, 2MB)
Cambridge IGCSE Guide for Universities - Italian (PDF, 2MB)
Cambridge IGCSE Guide for Universities - Turkish (PDF, 2MB)
Cambridge IGCSE Guide for Universities - Spanish (PDF, 2MB)
Cambridge IGCSE Guide for Universities - Portuguese (PDF, 2MB)
Many universities accept Cambridge IGCSE English Language qualifications as evidence of English language proficiency. The documents below give the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) levels by grade and skill for each of our Cambridge IGCSE English language qualifications.
CEFR levels for Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510/0511) (PDF, 57KB) (PDF, 57KB)
CEFR levels for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500/0522) (PDF, 73KB) (PDF, 73KB)
Students can apply to Cambridge International for a Certifying Statement for CEFR which gives a breakdown of their Cambridge IGCSE English Language results into component grades and corresponding levels according to the CEFR. It provides evidence of their proficiency in all four language skills.
Cambridge O Level
Cambridge O Level is an internationally recognised qualification equivalent to Cambridge IGCSE and the UK GCSE. Many universities worldwide require a combination of Cambridge International A Levels and Cambridge O Levels to meet their entry requirements.
Cambridge International AS & A Level and Cambridge AICE Diploma
Cambridge International AS & A Level is an advanced level qualification for students typically aged 16 to 19 years. All UK universities accept Cambridge International AS & A Levels. In places such as the United States and Canada, good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge International A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit.
The Cambridge AICE Diploma demands mastery of a variety of subjects from three different groups at Cambridge International AS & A Level: Mathematics and Sciences, Languages, Arts & Humanities, plus a compulsory core subject, Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives & Research.
Cambridge International AS & A Levels are recognised as a passport to success in education, university and employment. They are taken by students in over 130 countries.
Cambridge International AS and A Level Guide - English (PDF, 1MB)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Guide - Arabic (PDF, 1MB)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Guide - Bahasa Indonesia (PDF, 1MB)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Guide - Chinese (PDF, 274KB)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Guide - French (PDF, 1MB)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Guide - Italian (PDF, 1MB)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Guide - Japanese (PDF, 1MB)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Guide - Portuguese (PDF, 1MB)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Guide - Spanish (PDF, 1MB)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Guide- Thai (PDF, 1MB)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Guide - Turkish (PDF, 1MB)
Cambridge Pre-U
Cambridge Pre-U is primarily taught in UK schools as an alternative to A Level. Please note that Cambridge Pre-U is being withdrawn. The last examinations for all subjects will be June 2023, with a resit available in June 2024.
Cambridge Pre-U Guide for Admissions Staff - English (PDF, 221KB)
Cambridge IPQ
The Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) is a project-based qualification, typically aimed at students aged 16 – 19 years old. Students research a topic of their choice, and present their findings in a 5000 word report. The Cambridge IPQ encourages students’ to develop skills which are valued by universities worldwide.
Read statements of support for Cambridge IPQ from universities and colleges, and complete the form to add your institution’s support.
Cambridge Global Perspectives
Cambridge Global Perspectives is a skills-based subject that places academic study in a practical, real-world context. It is available at every stage of the Cambridge Pathway including at Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and International AS & A Level.
We developed the programme in response to concerns from universities over the ‘college-readiness’ of students. As such, Cambridge Global Perspectives equips students with a firm grasp of core research, collaboration, presentation and higher-order thinking skills.
Read statements of support for Cambridge Global Perspectives & Research from universities and colleges, and complete the form to add your institution’s support.
Benchmarking studies: UK NARIC
UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out independent benchmarking studies of Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Level. The study found these qualifications to be comparable to the standard of UK GCSE and UK AS & A Level.
For more information about the findings read the UK NARIC benchmarking studies
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