Demand for international education soars

Cambridge International Education releases June 2025 exam results to over 680,000 students globally – up 9%
Five-year upward trend continues, with students and families seeking future-focused learning

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As the world navigates rapid advances in technology, manages the growing impact of climate change, and faces geopolitical shifts, more students and families are turning to an international education. Cambridge International Education (Cambridge), has begun releasing the results of its June 2025 exam series to over 680,000 students worldwide — a 9% increase on last year — reflecting this accelerating education trend toward global readiness.Linked to the increased number of students, the number of exam entries has risen again this June to nearly 1.7 million. The growth is not only a testament to the academic quality of Cambridge programmes but also to a broader shift in what families and educators value: education that builds skills to work and study globally, fosters adaptability, and encourages critical engagement with real-world issues.Cambridge International AS & A Level results have been released today to more than 354,000 students in 3,367 schools worldwide, opening doors to top universities and future-focused careers. Cambridge is the largest provider of international education for 3-19 year-olds and will issue Cambridge IGCSE and O Level results to over 305,000 students in 4,779 schools on 19 August.“In a time of uncertainty and transformation, the awareness and perspective that an international education provides is not just an advantage — it’s a necessity,” said Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education at Cambridge. “Congratulations to all those receiving Cambridge results this August. We are proud to support a global community of learners who are preparing not only for university and careers, but for life in a rapidly changing world.”

Future-ready skills in high demand

English, mathematics and science remain the most popular subjects at both Cambridge International AS & A Level and Cambridge IGCSE. However, there is a growth in entries for subjects such as Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives — up 17% this year — which encourages students to think critically about global challenges, conduct independent research, and articulate evidence-based arguments. The skills developed through Global Perspectives are recognised as being good preparation for higher education. “As AI transforms the job market, and as climate and global issues demand collaborative solutions, it’s no surprise that more schools are seeking subjects that equip their students to think beyond borders,” said Rod Smith. “Cambridge Global Perspectives exemplifies the skills students need today — curiosity, rigour and the ability to understand issues from others’ perspectives.”

Demand rising across all regions and different education systems

The demand for Cambridge qualifications is increasing globally among a diverse range of schools, with Cambridge seeing particularly strong growth in state schools in the US (exam entries up 15%), and international and bilingual schools in China (entries up 11%). In total, 5507 Cambridge International Schools in 149 countries made exam entries for the June 2025 series.The number of schools making entries in the June series has grown by 38% over the past five years, with an associated 74% growth in entries. Cambridge, with more than 160 years of experience in international assessment, now serves nearly two million students annually. Its programmes — including Cambridge Checkpoint for younger learners as well as Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, International AS & A Level, AICE, and the International Project Qualification — are valued by schools and universities worldwide.

Highlights for Cambridge International AS & A Level:

  • More than 700,000 entries – up 11% on June 2024
  • Taken by over 354,000 students in 3,367 schools in 129 countries
  • Most popular subjects: 1. English General Paper; 2. Mathematics; 3. Physics; 4. Chemistry; 5. English Language.  

About Cambridge

Cambridge International Education is the awarding body of the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge. Our International Education group works with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world.We offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19 (the Cambridge Pathway), informed by research, experience, and listening to educators. With recognised qualifications (such as Cambridge IGCSE and International AS & A Level), high-quality resources, comprehensive support and valuable insights, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.Learn more! Visit www.cambridgeinternational.org

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