Guide · Curricula
IB, IGCSE or
International A-Level?
International schools around the world often teach the International Baccalaureate (IB), British courses such as IGCSE and International A-Level, or a mix of the two. IGCSE is generally studied from about 14 to 16; the IB Diploma and International A-Level are the two-year courses that follow and lead to university. This guide explains how they differ.
On this page
01 / Compared
The three courses together.
| IGCSE | IB Diploma | International A-Level | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical ages | About 14 to 16 | About 16 to 19 | About 16 to 19 |
| Awarded by | Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel | International Baccalaureate (IBO) | Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel |
| Shape of the course | Individual subjects, chosen by the school and the student | Six subjects from different subject groups, some at Higher Level and some at Standard Level, plus the core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS | A few subjects studied in depth, with AS and A Level stages （to be confirmed） |
| How it is assessed | Mostly final exams, with some coursework | Final exams plus internal assessment in each subject | Mostly exams, taken in stages or at the end |
| What comes next | IB Diploma, International A-Level or other courses | University | University |
Typical ages
- IGCSE
- About 14 to 16
- IB Diploma
- About 16 to 19
- International A-Level
- About 16 to 19
Awarded by
- IGCSE
- Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel
- IB Diploma
- International Baccalaureate (IBO)
- International A-Level
- Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel
Shape of the course
- IGCSE
- Individual subjects, chosen by the school and the student
- IB Diploma
- Six subjects from different subject groups, some at Higher Level and some at Standard Level, plus the core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS
- International A-Level
- A few subjects studied in depth, with AS and A Level stages （to be confirmed）
How it is assessed
- IGCSE
- Mostly final exams, with some coursework
- IB Diploma
- Final exams plus internal assessment in each subject
- International A-Level
- Mostly exams, taken in stages or at the end
What comes next
- IGCSE
- IB Diploma, International A-Level or other courses
- IB Diploma
- University
- International A-Level
- University
Each school decides which courses and exam boards it offers.
02 / Before 16
MYP or IGCSE.
Some IB schools teach the Middle Years Programme (MYP) up to about 16 rather than IGCSE; others combine IGCSE with the IB Diploma afterwards. Schools following a British curriculum generally teach IGCSE followed by International A-Level.
When a child changes school — especially between countries or between curricula — the change of course can matter as much as the change of school. See school applications.
03 / Choosing
Points to weigh.
- Breadth or depth: the IB Diploma keeps six subjects and the core; International A-Level concentrates on fewer
- University plans: look up the entry requirements of the courses your child is interested in, which are listed for both
- Assessment style: how your child handles coursework, internal assessment and final exams
- What the school offers: some schools offer only one route after IGCSE or the MYP
04 / Questions
Families ask.
Do UK universities accept both the IB Diploma and International A-Level?
UK universities commonly publish entry requirements for both. Each course page and UCAS (opens in a new tab) give the details.
Is one easier than the other?
They are built differently rather than being easier or harder. The better fit depends on your child's subjects, strengths and plans.
Can ELT teach all three?
Yes, in the subjects we have tutors for. See IB, IGCSE and International A-Level.
About this article
- Written by
- （to be confirmed）
- Reviewed by
- （to be confirmed）
- Last updated
- 2026-10-31
Sources
- International Baccalaureate (IBO) — programmes (opens in a new tab)ibo.org
- Cambridge International — qualifications (opens in a new tab)cambridgeinternational.org
- Pearson Edexcel — International GCSE and International A Level (opens in a new tab)qualifications.pearson.com
- UCAS — international qualifications (opens in a new tab)ucas.com
Talk it through.
Tell us your child's school, the course they follow now and their plans.