IGCSE in Hong Kong: The Complete Guide for Parents & Students
- Aileen Ting
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
If you attend an international school in Hong Kong, you will likely hear the term "IGCSE" very early on.
Designed specifically for 14 to 16-year-olds, the Cambridge IGCSE is one of the most common academic pathways used by international schools worldwide.
This guide explains IGCSE in Hong Kong in simple language, covering grading systems, registration through the HKEAA, and how this curriculum connects to specific subjects like IGCSE Chinese.
Note for Mandarin Students: If your main goal is improving your exam results in Chinese specifically, you can jump straight to our IGCSE Chinese tutor in Hong Kong page.
IGCSE in Hong Kong: A Quick Start Guide
Before diving into the details, here is a checklist to help you navigate the system immediately.
If you are a parent, check these 3 things first:
Ask for the syllabus code: Request the specific syllabus code from the school for every subject (e.g., Chinese 0547 vs. 0523). This avoids confusion later.
Confirm the grading scale: The standard is A–G*, but some syllabuses offer the newer 9–1 scale. You need to know which one your child is being measured against.
Confirm the registration route: Does the school enter students automatically, or must you register as a private candidate?
If you are a student, do these 3 things:
Get the syllabus: Download the official syllabus and list the specific exam papers you will take.
Do a timed trial: Attempt one timed past paper early in the year so you know what the questions really look like.
Build a routine: Create a weekly study routine that focuses on corrections, not just memorising content.
What is Cambridge IGCSE?
Cambridge IGCSE is an international qualification where students take individual subjects and receive separate grades for each one. According to Cambridge International, the standard of the IGCSE is aligned with the GCSE qualification taken in England.
How Assessment Works
Most Cambridge IGCSE subjects are assessed at the very end of the two-year course. Depending on the subject, your grade may be based on:
Written exams
Oral exams (essential for languages like Mandarin or French)
Practical components (common in Sciences)
Coursework
Private Candidates: If you are not in a school, Cambridge requires you to register through an approved provider—you cannot register directly with Cambridge. In Hong Kong, private candidates commonly register through the HKEAA or an approved exam centre, depending on the exam series.
IGCSE Grading in Hong Kong (A*–G and 9–1)
Grading can be confusing because two systems currently exist side-by-side.
A to G:* This is the standard international scale. A* is the highest grade.
9 to 1: Some syllabuses offer this newer scale. On this scale, 9 is the top grade on the 9–1 scale.
Common Question: "Is a 7 an A?"
A grade like "7" usually belongs to the 9–1 grading scale. If you see mixed numbers and letters, the safest move is to check the exact syllabus entry option used by your school to see how that specific subject is being graded.
IGCSE vs. GCSE: Is it British or American?
IGCSE is not an American curriculum. It is a British-aligned international curriculum.
A simple way to remember the difference:
GCSE is the qualification taken by students physically in England.
Cambridge IGCSE is designed for international schools worldwide, with standards aligned to the GCSE in England.
When choosing subjects, don't worry about the label. Focus on:
The exact syllabus content.
The assessment style and mark scheme.
What the student will take next (IB Diploma, A Levels, or another pathway).
How to Register for IGCSE in Hong Kong
Registration depends entirely on your student status.
Scenario A: Entering through a school
Most international schools manage the entire exam entry process for their enrolled students. The school will confirm:
Subjects and specific syllabus codes.
The exam series (dates) and timetable.
Deadlines and exam-day regulations.
Scenario B: Entering as a Private Candidate
In Hong Kong, the HKEAA (Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority) administers Cambridge International exams for private candidates.
Requirement: You must submit registrations through the HKEAA online system during the specific registration window.
Tip: HKEAA webpages are updated by exam series. Always check the official HKEAA site for the latest dates and instructions for your specific session.
Is IGCSE Accepted Internationally?
Cambridge IGCSE is widely recognised, but requirements vary by institution, so check the Cambridge recognition database and confirm with the school or university directly.
What Makes IGCSE Feel Difficult?
When students ask "Is IGCSE difficult?", they are usually struggling with the format, not just the knowledge. The difficulty often comes from:
Strict Mark Schemes: You must answer in the specific way the examiner wants.
Tight Timing: You need to work fast.
Accuracy: In languages, writing accuracy matters more than in lower years.
Volume: Students balance many subjects simultaneously.
Results improve fastest when students stop just reading textbooks and start practising real task types with structured corrections.
IGCSE Chinese in Hong Kong (Mandarin Focus)
Chinese is one of the most frequently queried subjects in Hong Kong because student backgrounds vary so widely.
Two critical syllabus distinctions:
Cambridge IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language (0523): The syllabus states the speaking test is conducted in Mandarin Chinese.
Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese (0547): This is the "Foreign Language" route. The syllabus includes a speaking paper with a role play and topic conversations.
A Note on Cantonese:
While many Hong Kong families use Cantonese at home, please note that for these specific Cambridge IGCSE routes (0523 and 0547), the assessed speaking performance must be in Mandarin.
For exam-focused support, you can view our IGCSE Chinese tutor in Hong Kong page.
IGCSE Chinese Tutoring Prices
Current pricing for Hong Kong and online students.
1-to-1 Tutoring
Trial (1 hour): HK$400
Single Lesson (1 hour): HK$600
Package (10 hours): HK$5,000
Package (20 hours): HK$9,000
Package (30 hours): HK$12,000
Group Classes
10 hours: HK$2,500
20 hours: HK$5,000
Enquire about IGCSE Chinese Tutoring
We help students master the mark scheme and improve their confidence in Mandarin.
If you are a parent, please tell us:
School year
Chinese background (home language and school level)
Route (0523 or 0547 if known)
Target grade and exam series
If you are a student, let us know:
Which paper feels hardest (speaking, listening, reading, or writing)
What you want to improve first
Next Reading
IGCSE Chinese 0547: Exam format and difficulty
IGCSE Chinese 0523: Exam format and difficulty
0523 vs 0547: How to choose the right route
This article is written by Aileen Ting, founder of Mandarin & Cantonese Tutor HK.