Discover the IGCSE System
Your complete roadmap to understanding the British Curriculum, exam sessions, grading metrics, and Egyptian university requirements.
British System Levels Explained
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is divided into key levels of academic progressive learning, recognized worldwide and across all Egyptian higher education councils.
OLO-Level (Ordinary Level)
Standard examinations typically taken by students aged 14–16. These cover the foundational curriculum. Under Egyptian rules, candidates must register and pass **at least 8 O-level subjects** with a minimum grade of **C (or 4)** to qualify for any university.
ASAS-Level (Advanced Subsidiary)
Represents the first half of a full Advanced Level course. Commonly studied in Year 11 or 12. Taking AS-Level subjects grants bonus marks and counts as a prerequisite for scientific, medical, and engineering faculties.
ALA-Level (Advanced Level)
Full, rigorous Advanced Level qualifications. A-Levels require deep study and are highly valued. A single A-Level grade counts as a massive booster (up to 10% bonus) and is a mandatory requirement for public Engineering and Medical tracks.
RulesTansik Eligibility Rules
To enroll in Egyptian Universities, exams must be completed within a maximum window of **4 consecutive academic years**. Private candidates and school students register under identical criteria.
Grading Scales & Tansik Conversion
British exam boards use either the traditional **Alphabetical (A*-G)** scale or the newer **Numerical (9-1)** scale. The Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education maps both scales onto percentage points for university calculation.
| Alphabetical Grade | Numerical Grade (9-1) | Tansik Percentage Points | Status for Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| A* | 9 or 8 | 100% | Excellent (Qualified) |
| A | 7 | 95% | Very Good (Qualified) |
| B | 6 or 5 | 85% | Good (Qualified) |
| C | 4 | 70% | Passing Threshold (Qualified) |
| D, E, F, G, U | 3, 2, 1, U | 0% | Unqualified / Rejected |
Important Note for Numerical (9-1) Grades
Both numerical grades **9 and 8** map to **100%** (equivalent to A*), while grade **7** maps to **95%** (equivalent to A). Grade **4** maps to **70%** (C) and is the absolute minimum requirement for OL subjects.
International Exam Boards in Egypt
Egyptian schools and candidate centers offer syllabuses from three accredited UK boards. You can mix and match subjects across boards.
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)
CAIEThe most popular board in Egypt. It offers key examination series in **May/June** (Summer) and **October/November** (Winter). Known for comprehensive science and language syllabuses.
Pearson Edexcel
EdexcelRenowned for its modular examinations. Offers three exam series: **January** (Winter), **May/June** (Summer), and **October** (Autumn). Edexcel mathematics syllabuses are highly preferred by Engineering aspirants.
Oxford AQA
Oxford AQAThe newest entry in Egypt, offering state-of-the-art assessments. Key series run in **January** and **May/June**. Features highly structured layouts tailored for non-native English speakers.
Egyptian University Faculty Paths
Egyptian coordination offices dictate specific qualifying subjects depending on the target university faculty. If you miss one qualifying subject, you cannot enroll in that sector, regardless of your overall percentage score.
Medical Track
Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Physiotherapy- 8 O-Levels: Must include English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics + 3 elective subjects.
- Advanced Requirement: Full A-Level Biology (min grade E/D) OR two AS-Levels (one must be Biology, and the other can be Chemistry, Physics, or Math).
Engineering Track
Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Arts- 8 O-Levels: Must include English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics + 4 elective subjects.
- Advanced Requirement: Full A-Level Mathematics (min grade E/D) OR two AS-Levels (one must be Math, and the other can be Physics, Chemistry, or Computer Science).
Science & Agriculture
Science faculties, Biotechnology- 8 O-Levels: English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics + 3 electives.
- Advanced Requirement: Chemistry or Physics or Biology at AS or A-level.
Humanities & Business
Business, Arts, Mass Comm, Law, Languages- 8 O-Levels: Must include English Language. Remaining 7 can be any academic subjects (e.g. Commerce, Business, Languages, Humanities).
- Advanced Requirement: Not strictly required for admission, but any AL/AS subjects grant bonus admission score.