Common IGCSE subjects and codes
| Subject | Cambridge code |
|---|---|
| English as a First Language | 0500 |
| English as a Second Language | 0510 / 0511 |
| Mathematics | 0580 |
| Additional Mathematics | 0606 |
| Physics | 0625 |
| Chemistry | 0620 |
| Biology | 0610 |
| Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) | 0654 |
| Computer Science | 0478 |
| Information and Communication Technology | 0417 |
| Business Studies | 0450 |
| Accounting | 0452 |
| Economics | 0455 |
| Arabic: First Language / Foreign Language | 0508 / 0544 |
| Islamiyat | 0493 |
| Global Perspectives | 0457 |
Codes from Cambridge's IGCSE subjects list, checked November 2026. Your school may not offer every subject; ask which ones it runs.
How many subjects?
Cambridge doesn't set a number: students can take any combination. Many schools have students take around seven to nine, which leaves time to do well in each.
Students who pass at least seven IGCSE subjects from five different curriculum areas, including two different languages, can receive the Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education) group award (Cambridge guide, PDF). Ask your school whether it enters students for it.
Choosing by future path
| If you might study… | Good IGCSE subjects |
|---|---|
| Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
| Engineering | Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Computer science | Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics |
| Business, accounting, economics | Mathematics, Business Studies, Accounting, Economics |
| Not sure yet | English, Mathematics and two sciences keep the most options open |
For A Level choices by degree, see which A Level subjects to choose.
Core or Extended?
In Mathematics and the sciences, take the Extended papers in any subject you may continue to A Level. Core papers cover less content, and the highest grade available on them is C.
What to keep in mind in Saudi Arabia
- Saudi universities set their own rules for British certificates. For example, KFUPM asks for 8 IGCSE subjects at grade B, or fewer IGCSEs with AS or A Levels. See IGCSE certificate equivalency in Saudi Arabia.
- The Ministry of Education's regulation for foreign schools requires them to teach the principles of Arabic, Islamic civilisation and Saudi history and geography for at least one hour a week (regulation, Arabic PDF). Schools often offer Arabic and Islamic studies more fully; ask yours what applies.
- Arabic is available at IGCSE as a First Language (0508) or Foreign Language (0544).