Hey everyone, I’m from Pakistan and currently taking 5 IGCSE subjects: Computer Science, English as a Second Language, Math, Chemistry, and Physics, which my school offers. However, I’ve been told by some seniors that I need at least 8 IGCSE subjects to meet the basic requirements for good universities.
Can anyone recommend 3 more subjects from the options in the attached image? Ideally, I’m looking for the easiest ones because I’m focusing on going into a computer-related field. Thank you so much for your attention and participation.
If you want to get into a top university, focus more on getting good A-level grades. But since you mentioned Computer Science and Math, I’d suggest taking Additional Math—it’ll help you a lot with A-level math. If you want to diversify a bit, you could consider something like commerce, especially if you’re interested in fields like business analytics or economics.
I heard that getting the ICE certificate is also important. You’ll need another language and a subject from Group II to qualify for it. Here’s the ICE cert requirements ICE cert requirements.
ICT and Islamiat would be your best bets. Economics is good too but it requires a bit more effort. If you want an easy A*, go for Urdu Second Language. I didn’t know much Urdu but practiced for 2 months and got an A*. Just don’t take Pakistan Studies—it’s long and difficult, feels like two subjects combined into one.
You should do French as your second language since it’s easy and helps with the ICE certificate. Then, I’d suggest Biology and ICT. Both are relatively easy, but keep in mind that Biology has a high threshold. A lot of people score well in it.
ICT (0417) and Computer Science are different subjects, so you could add ICT too, maybe as a private candidate if your school doesn’t offer it. I’d also recommend Additional Math since it’s not too hard once you get the hang of it, and doing past papers will really help.
Don’t take English if you can avoid it—the grade curves are too high. If it’s available, Environmental Management is probably the easiest IGCSE subject out there.
You should definitely take ICT since it goes well with Computer Science and will give you a broader set of skills. I’d also recommend Geography—it’s considered one of the easier IGCSE subjects. Lastly, maybe go for Biology since you’re already doing Chemistry and Physics. It’s not too hard if you stay on top of the content.
Business is pretty easy. I studied it for 3 months and got an A. You could also go for English Language, but only if you’re confident in your English skills. Since you’re already doing Computer Science, ICT is another great option.
I’m also taking the same 5 subjects. For the other 3, I chose Urdu as a Second Language (super easy A*), Islamiat (easy if you know the material), and Pakistan Studies (hard but manageable with enough practice). If you’re not aiming for straight As, you should be fine with these 3. If you’re good at Urdu, I’m sure you can get an A in it.
Honestly, A-levels are what really matter for getting into university. Only a few top universities care about your IGCSE grades, like some medical schools that require 8 IGCSE subjects with grades above a B. So, I’d recommend picking subjects that you plan to continue at A-level and a couple of easier ones to boost your overall grade.
