International GCSE specifications have been redeveloped. Find out more about the new International GCSEs for first teaching from September 2009 here. 

What are International GCSEs?

• The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is an international qualification for school students (usually aged 14 to 16). 
    
• International GCSEs, like UK General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs), prepare students for further study, including progression to GCE AS or A levels, BTEC or employment.
    
• International GCSEs were created by Edexcel for those international schools which are unable to offer GCSEs. They embrace the best practice of GCE O levels and GCSE. 
    
• Many International GCSEs have a distinct international element. Our specialists have developed subject content to allow teachers to base their work on their own region, where possible, to make it more relevant to their students. 
    
• International GCSE exams are normally taken after two years' study, with the coursework (where taken) submitted in the second year.

What choices are available?

• There are currently 39 International GCSE subject qualifications available in the new International GCSE from 2009 suite - an increase from 22 International GCSE subjects in the legacy suite.
   
• Double awards are available for science.

What are International GCSEs worth?

• International GCSEs are recognised by academic institutions and employers around the world.
    
• UCAS recognises International GCSEs as equivalent to the UK GCSE.

How are International GCSEs assessed?

• International GCSEs are 100% externally assessed. This allows schools to offer an International GCSE qualification, even if teachers are not coursework specialists. Some International GCSEs contain a coursework option so that centres that do have the experience and expertise can offer coursework.
   
• International GCSEs are graded in the same way as GCSEs (A* to G). For tiered subjects, Foundation tier papers are targeted at grades C to G, and Higher tier papers are targeted at grades A* to D. This allows students of all abilities the opportunity to gain good results.

Visit the International GCSE from 2009 pages for more information about the new International GCSE qualification suite.

Visit the legacy International GCSE area of the website for more information about our legacy International GCSE qualifications.

Information for UK centres: find out how to get approval to offer International GCSEs.