IGCSE vs Saudi Curriculum: Which is Better for University Admissions?

Choosing between IGCSE and the Saudi national curriculum is one of the biggest decisions a Saudi family makes. The right choice depends on where you plan to study and what you want to study.

If you plan to stay in Saudi Arabia The Saudi national curriculum, paired with strong Qudrat and Tahsili scores, is still the most direct path to KFUPM, KAU, KSU and other top KSA universities. Many programs explicitly favor national-curriculum graduates.

If you plan to study abroad IGCSE and A-Levels are recognized by virtually every university worldwide. UK and Commonwealth universities expect them; US universities accept them happily alongside SAT scores.

The hybrid path A growing number of Saudi families now do both — Saudi school for cultural and religious continuity, with IGCSE/A-Level subjects taken privately on the side. Najmy supports this path with parallel tutoring tracks.