# IB, IGCSE or International A-Level?

Source: https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/guides/learning/ib-igcse-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.

## 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 |

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.

## 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](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/courses/international-school-entry).

## 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

## 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](https://www.ucas.com/).

**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](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/tutoring/ib), [IGCSE](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/tutoring/igcse) and [International A-Level](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/tutoring/a-level).

- [International Baccalaureate (IBO) — programmes](https://www.ibo.org/programmes/)
- [Cambridge International — qualifications](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/)
- [Pearson Edexcel — International GCSE and International A Level](https://qualifications.pearson.com/)
- [UCAS — international qualifications](https://www.ucas.com/)

## Related

- [Academic Tutoring](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/tutoring)
- [International school entry](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/courses/international-school-entry)
- [The UCAS timeline](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/guides/university/ucas-timeline)

## Talk it through.

Tell us your child's school, current course and plans.

- [Book a consultation](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/trial)

Updated: 2026-10-30

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International education, supported one to one — from school subjects to the next school and university, with one coordinator throughout.

ELT School — one-to-one online lessons with native English-speaking specialists. Founded in London in 1984.

ELT School is operated by ELT Education Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) and ELT School of English Ltd. (London, United Kingdom). All lessons are contracted with ELT Education Inc.