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Difference between CIE and GCE A levels, and IGCSE and O levels?

Hello, I have traveled Europe extensively (especially Switzerland), have a Swiss Uncle, so due to my love of the continent and to avoid the 100k+ tuition in countries such as Australia and the United States, have decided to aim for the University of Zurich. I am fluent in German alongside English, French and my native tongue, Bengali.

I recently gave my Cambridge International AS Examinations at Economics, English and Mathematics, so next year I'll give my A2 Examinations. CIE A Levels are the exact equivalent of GCE A Levels, except for the fact that GCE is

Previously, I gave my O levels (Equivalent of IGCSEs)

My concern stems from the Website Swiss Universities mentioning GCE A levels and IGCSEs as recognized certificates, but not mentioning the International AS & A levels and O levels, although they're pretty much the exact equivalent.

Another matter that concerns me is not having any Natural Science subjects, neither during my O Levels or A levels, but I can easily study for and give O level Physics next year. Could that be a problem? I know this is not the right place to ask the question but would be great if anyone has a clue.

I would be very happy if someone could clear my confusion.

For some background info, I am Bangladeshi.

Reply 1

PS Reviewer

Why don’t you contact the University of Zurich directly and ask them if your qualifications are accepted?

Reply 2

maryvisha24

Original post by Anonymous

Hello, I have traveled Europe extensively (especially Switzerland), have a Swiss Uncle, so due to my love of the continent and to avoid the 100k+ tuition in countries such as Australia and the United States, have decided to aim for the University of Zurich. I am fluent in German alongside English, French and my native tongue, Bengali.
I recently gave my Cambridge International AS Examinations at Economics, English and Mathematics, so next year I'll give my A2 Examinations. CIE A Levels are the exact equivalent of GCE A Levels, except for the fact that GCE is
Previously, I gave my O levels (Equivalent of IGCSEs)
My concern stems from the Website Swiss Universities mentioning GCE A levels and IGCSEs as recognized certificates, but not mentioning the International AS & A levels and O levels, although they're pretty much the exact equivalent.
Another matter that concerns me is not having any Natural Science subjects, neither during my O Levels or A levels, but I can easily study for and give O level Physics next year. Could that be a problem? I know this is not the right place to ask the question but would be great if anyone has a clue.
I would be very happy if someone could clear my confusion.
For some background info, I am Bangladeshi.

Hi, so IAL is accepted by universities in switzerland however they have grade requirement and for some degrees they have subject requirements, since they are looking for similar stuff like the matura in switzerland. It would defently beeficial if you contact them beforehand, call them dont email them it will take ages.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

Original post by maryvisha24

Yes, I noticed they mentioned IAL's are accepted, but don't IAL's just refer to Pearson International A levels and not the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)? Also, could you resolve my confusion with the difference between O levels and IGCSEs?

I plan to apply for a major in Economics for the fall of 2026, so I have lots of time beforehand, and thus emailed them. If I don't receive a reply in a few months, I'll call them. Do you study in Switzerland or are Swiss by chance?

Thank you very much.

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

Original post by PQ

Why don’t you contact the University of Zurich directly and ask them if your qualifications are accepted?

Hello, I have just contacted them as of writing. The reason I wanted to ask in some other forums was for a possible quicker response considering my question was rather mundane and simple.