Short answer

IGCSE is broadly equivalent to Singapore O-Level (GCE O-Level). Both are typically taken at age 15–16 and prepare students for A-Level, polytechnic, or other pre-university courses.

What both qualifications cover

• Age: Usually taken at 15–16
• Level: Secondary education exit qualification
• Next step: A-Level, IB, polytechnic, or other pre-university courses
• Universities: Both are accepted by Singapore and international universities as part of a full application

Differences

• IGCSE: Offered by Cambridge and Pearson; international syllabus; often taught in private/international schools
• Singapore O-Level: Set by Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB); local syllabus; offered in government and many private schools

Practical implications

If you have IGCSE, you can progress to Singapore A-Level, polytechnic, or other pre-university routes. Universities in Singapore and abroad treat IGCSE as equivalent to O-Level for entry, subject to each institution’s specific requirements.

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