Cambridge International AS & A Level Entries Grow 5% Amid Rising Higher Education Demand for Flexible, Skills-Based Qualifications

Around 368,000 Cambridge International AS & A Level students receive results today

Nearly 705,000 students in 148 countries sat Cambridge exams in the June series, with total entries up to 1.7 million

Trend towards international education continues across MENA region

CAMBRIDGE, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cambridge International Education (Cambridge) has begun releasing the results of its June 2026 exam series to students worldwide. Entries for Cambridge International AS & A Levels rose 5% on last year, with almost 368,000 students in 3492 schools worldwide receiving Cambridge International AS & A Level results today. This continued growth reflects the increasing global demand for qualifications that provide a trusted route to higher education.

Recognised by more than 2500 universities worldwide, Cambridge International AS & A Levels equip learners with the academic knowledge, independent thinking and problem-solving skills needed to succeed at university and beyond. Their acceptance now extends well beyond traditional destinations such as the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, with leading universities across an increasingly diverse range of countries welcoming Cambridge learners.

"Congratulations to all our students receiving results today and next week,” said Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education at Cambridge. “More students are turning to our A Levels because they combine deep subject knowledge with the skills universities and employers value most. This year's continued growth shows that more students than ever recognise the power of that combination in a world shaped by AI. I believe Cambridge International AS & A Levels will matter even more in the years ahead.”

Supporting student success in MENA

The June exam series also showed the resilience of the Cambridge community in adverse circumstances. In parts of the Middle East, school closures caused by regional conflict meant exams could not be sat safely, affecting almost 30,000 Cambridge students. Schools worked closely with Cambridge to deliver Portfolio of Evidence, an established contingency method that assesses students on a range of work marked by Cambridge examiners. Universities, in turn, recognise results awarded through this route, ensuring students' hard work was not lost to circumstances beyond their control.

Across the region, the trend towards international education continues with 5% growth in entries across all Cambridge qualifications. Results for Cambridge IGCSE and O Level will be released on 18 August.

"This exam series has shown what can be achieved when schools, teachers and Cambridge work together with a shared focus on learners,” said Waseem Al Hanbali, Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa, for International Education at Cambridge. “My sincere thanks to our school communities across the region for their dedication and efforts, particularly in challenging circumstances, helping learners continue their educational journey with confidence.”

World-leading assessment expertise

The June series marked another milestone for the Cambridge international community, with the first exams delivered on screen across a range of subjects. Developed together with schools to ensure real choice and flexibility, this on-screen exam programme is being rolled out as an additional option for those who prefer it to paper exams, reflecting Cambridge's breadth of choice as the largest provider of school-age international education. Schools in Egypt and Saudi Arabia are among the first schools worldwide to adopt digital exams.

With more than 160 years of experience in international education, Cambridge now serves nearly two million students annually. Its assessments – including Cambridge Checkpoint for younger learners, as well as Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, International AS & A Level, AICE, and the International Project Qualification (IPQ) – are valued by schools and universities worldwide.

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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.

Visit www.cambridgeinternational.org