If you are comparing international schools in the New Administrative Capital, you have almost certainly come across the letters IGCSE. For many Egyptian parents it is the single most confusing part of choosing a school. This guide explains what the IGCSE actually is, how it works in Egypt, and what it means for your child’s future.
What does IGCSE stand for?
IGCSE stands for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is a British-based curriculum taken by students typically between the ages of 14 and 16, and it is recognised by universities and employers around the world. Think of it as the international version of the British GCSE, designed specifically for students studying outside the United Kingdom.
The qualification is awarded by British examination boards, most commonly Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel. Because the exams are set and marked in the UK, an IGCSE earned in Cairo carries the same weight as one earned in London.
How the IGCSE works in practice
Rather than sitting one large final examination, students take a separate IGCSE in each subject. A typical student will study between six and ten subjects, usually including English, Mathematics and Sciences alongside a set of chosen options.
Grades are awarded on an A*-G scale, or a 9-1 scale depending on the board. Most universities look for a minimum of five subjects at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics, before a student progresses to the next stage.
What comes after the IGCSE?
The IGCSE is not the end of the road. It is the foundation for the next two years of study:
- AS Level – usually taken in Year 12, covering a narrower set of three or four subjects in greater depth.
- A Level – taken in Year 13, and the qualification most universities use to make offers.
Egyptian universities accept British certificates through a recognised equivalency process, and students who complete AS and A Levels can apply to universities in the UK, Europe, Canada and beyond.
IGCSE or American Diploma? A note for Egyptian families
This is the question we are asked most often at open days. Neither system is better than the other; they simply suit different learners.
The British route rewards depth. Students specialise earlier, study fewer subjects in more detail, and are assessed largely through final examinations. It suits a student who already has a sense of direction, particularly towards medicine, engineering or law.
The American route rewards breadth. Students continue a wider range of subjects for longer, and their grade point average is built from coursework and continuous assessment rather than one set of finals. It suits a student who wants to keep options open.
You can read a fuller comparison in our guide to choosing between the American and British curriculum in Egypt.
Questions worth asking any school
Before enrolling your child on an IGCSE pathway, ask the school directly:
- Which examination board do you follow, Cambridge or Edexcel?
- How many subjects do students typically take, and can they choose their options?
- Is the school an accredited examination centre, or do students sit exams elsewhere?
- What support exists for students who need to retake a subject?
- What were last year’s results, and where did graduates go on to study?
A confident school will answer all five without hesitation.
The British pathway at Silicon Valley International School
At SVIS in the New Administrative Capital, we offer the British curriculum from the early years through to secondary, alongside an American track for families who prefer it. Students are taught in small classes by subject specialists, with laboratories, technology suites and an AI lab supporting practical learning.
You can explore the full British curriculum programme, compare it with our American curriculum, or see how younger children begin their journey in our Early Years Foundation Stage.
Visit us
Choosing a curriculum is easier once you have seen the classrooms and met the teachers. We welcome families from the New Capital, Madinaty, El Shorouk, New Cairo and Mostakbal City.
Contact us to arrange a campus tour and we will walk you through the pathway that fits your child best.