IGCSE (Cambridge / Pearson Edexcel) is the default at most international schools in Cairo, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Its biggest feature — and biggest source of parental anxiety — is that you choose the subjects.
The compulsory core (almost everywhere)
- English — First Language or Second Language. First is harder; take it if the child has native-level fluency.
- Mathematics — Core or Extended. Extended if the child is considering any STEM A-Level.
- Arabic — First Language (for native speakers); most MENA schools require this.
- At least one science — Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Most schools push all three.
The choices that matter
After the core, you pick 3-5 more subjects. The traps:
- "All three sciences because we don't know yet" — fine if the child is strong, brutal if not.
- Dropping Arabic literature — easier A, but locks out some Egyptian university pathways.
- Overloading to impress — 10 IGCSEs with B's is weaker than 8 with A*s.
A safe default for MENA families
English, Maths Extended, Arabic First Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History or Geography, Computer Science or Economics, ICT. That's 9. Rock-solid foundation, keeps every university pathway open, doesn't burn the kid out.