IGCSE English as a Second Language: Listening, Writing, and Speaking
Preparing for your IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam can feel daunting. You are not just learning grammar
Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and AS & A Level June 2025 past papers are now available.
Announcement:
Cambridge International Education no longer be an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation from December 20, 2024.
Thousands of learners use Cambridge International AS & A Level every year to gain places at leading universities worldwide. Students develop a deep understanding of subjects, as well as independent learning and constructive thinking skills － abilities which universities value highly.
Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year.
Learners have the freedom to take Cambridge International AS Levels as qualifications in their own right, or as part of a progression to Cambridge International A Level. Learners can study for AS Level alongside A Level subjects to increase breadth in the curriculum and to build further knowledge and understanding.
The curricula are flexible. Learners can take almost any combination of 55 subjects. Learners can specialise or study a range of subjects, ensuring breadth.
Below are the Subject Groups for 55 subjects:
Learners use Cambridge International AS & A Levels to gain places at leading universities worldwide including in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.
Cambridge International AS & A Levels are viewed as equivalent to the AS and A Levels taken by learners in the UK, and are accepted for entrance to all UK universities.
In places such as the United States and Canada, good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge International A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit.
Over 500 US universities accept Cambridge International AS & A Levels, including all Ivy League and Ivy Plus universities. These universities include Brown, Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Yale.
Research carried out* looked at whether Cambridge International AS & A Levels prepared learners for continued studies in colleges and universities in the US, as well as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programmes. The findings suggest that Cambridge quali cations compare favourably with the other programmes.
<* Published in the Journal of College Admission (Number 213, Fall 2011)>
Learners receive a separate grade for each subject that he/she takes.
Cambridge International A Levels are graded from A* – E. Candidates who do not obtain enough marks for an E grade at A Level may be awarded a compensatory AS Level.
Cambridge International AS Levels are graded from a to e. Candidates who do not obtain enough marks for grade e at AS Level will be ungraded.
The Cambridge AICE Diploma is a group certificate which requires learners to study subjects drawn from three curriculum areas within AS and A Level: mathematics and science, languages, and arts and humanities.
Learners can choose from a range of assessment options:
Option one
Take the AS Level only. The AS Level syllabus content is half a Cambridge International A Level.
Option two**
Take a ‘staged assessment route’ – take the AS Level in one examination series and complete the final A Level in a subsequent series.
(** The staged assessment route is not possible in all subjects. The outcomes awarded for Cambridge International AS Level language syllabuses cannot be carried forward to Cambridge International A Level.)
Option three
Take all papers of the Cambridge International A Level course in the same examination series, usually at the end of the course.
Our valuable A* resources had produced thousands of A* scorers around the world. Check them out below.
Our internationally loved exam model answers had helped thousands of students in scoring A/A*. Schools and teachers worldwide have used these resources to aid in their teachings. Learn what an A* answer like, copy the style and score A* in your exam.
Our word-renowned IGCSE and AS/A Level courses had produced more than 1100 A/A* scorers worldwide. They are suitable for schooled or home-schooled candidates, and as full course or revision course.
We have the most complete past exam papers library on earth (no kidding!). Choose your exam board and download everything with one click.
Get the latest exam syllabus and plan your study accordingly.
Find out the exam registration and results released key dates for IGCSE and AS/A Level.
Check your administrative zone, the exam dates and time. For both IGCSE and AS/A Level.
Find and locate the nearest exam centre for your location.
Please kindly read the AS & A Level FAQs here.
Note: CIE (Cambridge International Examination board) has its name changed to CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) since October 2017.
In October 2023, CAIE updated its name, logo, look, and messaging. Cambridge International Education is the new name of the awarding body of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This name will be used on materials related to administering exams and awarding qualifications.
Note: All relevant info taken from CIE.
Join 62,169 (and counting) IGCSE & AS/A Level subscribers who've taken our insanely valuable FREE email courses. Learn exam tips & score A* in your exam!
Join 62,169 (and counting) IGCSE & AS/A Level subscribers who’ve taken our insanely valuable FREE email courses. Learn exam tips & score A* in your exam!
Amal Elsayed
Kuwait
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86 responses
Greetings team members,
I would like to know if it is possible to take an A level subject without taking its As level
Hi Mariyah,
To answer your question – AS levels can be taken as a stand-alone qualification, or as the first part of an A level course. On the other hand, A2 exams and coursework are added on to an AS level, bringing it up to A level standard. You can refer to Assessment section in the article above for assessment options.
Hope this clarifies 🙂
Hi,
i am IGCSE student, if i want to take A Level how many IGCSE subjects are usually required?
how many minumin subject i need to take in IGCSE in order to apply for it?
how about the Grade, minimum Grade that required? is it the courses i want to take in A level based on the subject that i take during my IGCSE?
Hello Sha,
Yes, the subjects you take in IGCSE is affecting what subjects you could take in A Level. We strongly suggest you visit the colleges/school?s website to find out what are the minimum grades and subjects that you need in order to get an admission into their A Level courses.
Which is better A Level or AS Level for middle east university ?
Hello Abdallah,
You need to check with your desired university which is better for you and that will help your target course.
My son has passed IGCSE o levels with six subjects including maths and science , How many subjects does he need to do for AS levels to get an equivalent of 12th Grade of Indian Boards.
Can he do them long distance without attending regular school if so what subjects can he opt for.
Thanks in advance for the valuable information.
Hello Mangala,
We do not know the requirement of Indian Boards. Please check with the exam boards for their requirements.
If your son is looking for studying AS/A Level privately, he is free to do so. You will then register him with your local British Council to sit for the exam.
I took english and accounts as my AS LEVEL and business,economics as A LEVEL and i did not do my 10th from cambridge… are 4 subjects are enough or do i have to take one more?
Hello Sanjana,
You have to look at what is the university’s entry requirement for the course that you wish to apply. It is not about the number of subjects that you took, it is about taking the right subject and obtain the required grades to get an admission into the university.
Hey, I gave 6 subjects which were English, Urdu, Business studies, Pakistan studies, Islamiyat, Economics. Can it be attested from the foreign ministry since I wanted to apply for America and the university is ready to take me for the foundation?
Hello Farah,
We strongly suggest you contact the university you want to attend and know their entry requirement.
What are the required grades in AS and A level to get into the top universities for Biomedical Science?
Hello James,
Each university has their own set of entry requirements. It is best to check with the university directly.
Thank you.