IGCSE stands for "International General Certificate of Secondary Education." It is an internationally recognized secondary education qualification equivalent to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in the UK, typically taken by students aged 14 to 16. The IGCSE is offered worldwide, often at international or private schools, and serves as a gateway for further academic study such as A-levels or equivalent qualifications before university. It covers a wide range of subjects and is respected by schools, universities, and employers globally.