What is the difference between a GCSE and an IGCSE?

The GCSE and the IGCSE are very similar and are accepted as ‘equivalent’ qualifications by the top universities, sixth-form colleges and other independent schools around the world. The difference between the IGCSE and GCSE is very minor.

If you are a homeschooling parent, you can decide what is more suitable for your child. Few things to consider before making the decision are as following:

1. The GCSE course content GCSE is typically designed for a British rather than an international audience. This is reflected in the course content. For example, Shakespeare is a compulsory part of GCSE English Literature, whereas it is optional for IGCSE English. There are also some differences in terms of which topics must be covered in the syllabuses for other Humanities for subjects such as History and Geography between the IGCSE and GCSE.

2. GCSE exams are sat annually in May – June with resits available in November. IGCSE exams are available in November and January (for certain subjects) and also in May-June each year.

3. Availability by country GCSE exams are only available in the UK and certain schools in Canada, Australia and India whereas IGCSE are available worldwide in around 150 countries. If you are planning to move countries, IGCSE is a great choice for you as you can take one subject in one country and then continue taking exams in another country abroad.

4. In the past, there has been a perception that IGCSE examinations are harder than GCSE, however the changes made to GCSE curriculum in 2017: switching course format to end of year exams has made the difference no longer relevant.