Guide · Curricula
IB, IGCSE or
International A-Level?
International schools in Singapore mostly teach the International Baccalaureate (IB), British courses such as IGCSE and International A-Level, or both. IGCSE is usually taken at about 14 to 16; the IB Diploma and International A-Level are the two-year courses after it that lead to university. This guide explains how they differ for a student in Singapore.
On this page
01 / Compared
Three courses, side by side.
| IGCSE | IB Diploma | International A-Level | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usual ages | About 14 to 16 | About 16 to 19 | About 16 to 19 |
| Set by | Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel | International Baccalaureate (IBO) | Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel |
| Structure | Separate subjects, chosen by the school and student | Six subjects across subject groups, some at Higher Level and some at Standard Level, plus the core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS | A small number of subjects studied in depth, with AS and A Level stages （to be confirmed） |
| Assessment | Mainly final exams, some coursework | Final exams and internal assessments in each subject | Mainly exams, in stages or at the end of the course |
| Leads to | IB Diploma, International A-Level or other courses | University | University |
Usual ages
- IGCSE
- About 14 to 16
- IB Diploma
- About 16 to 19
- International A-Level
- About 16 to 19
Set by
- IGCSE
- Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel
- IB Diploma
- International Baccalaureate (IBO)
- International A-Level
- Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel
Structure
- IGCSE
- Separate subjects, chosen by the school and student
- IB Diploma
- Six subjects across 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 small number of subjects studied in depth, with AS and A Level stages （to be confirmed）
Assessment
- IGCSE
- Mainly final exams, some coursework
- IB Diploma
- Final exams and internal assessments in each subject
- International A-Level
- Mainly exams, in stages or at the end of the course
Leads to
- IGCSE
- IB Diploma, International A-Level or other courses
- IB Diploma
- University
- International A-Level
- University
Schools choose which courses and exam boards they offer. International A-Level is not the same as the Singapore-Cambridge H2 A-Level taught in MOE junior colleges, which we do not teach.
02 / Before 16
MYP or IGCSE.
Some IB schools teach the Middle Years Programme (MYP) up to about age 16 instead of IGCSE; others teach IGCSE and then the IB Diploma. British-curriculum schools usually teach IGCSE and then International A-Level.
If your child moves between schools — for example from a local school, or from one curriculum to another — the change of course matters as much as the change of school. See international school entry.
03 / Choosing
Questions to ask.
- Breadth or depth: the IB Diploma keeps six subjects and the core; International A-Level focuses on fewer subjects
- University plans: check the entry requirements of the courses your child is considering, which are stated for both
- Assessment: how your child copes with coursework, internal assessments and final exams
- What the school offers: many schools offer only one route after IGCSE or 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. Check each course's page and UCAS (opens in a new tab).
Is one of them easier?
They are different rather than easier or harder. The right choice depends on your child's subjects, strengths and plans.
Do you 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
- 2026-10-30
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, current course and plans.