International education can mean many different things but here we have generalized it to the system that is not a product of Pakistan. Let us explain by taking a segment of the higher education system in Pakistan i.e. students of age 16-19 years.

There are three education systems available in Pakistan for these students. First, we have our own matriculation system that is run in common wealth countries. Some say matriculation system is also international because other common wealth countries are also having it but let’s consider it Pakistani system for the time being.

Now, we have two systems of international education in Karachi for students i.e. International Baccalaureate (IB) and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The earlier is a Switzerland-based educational system that was introduced around 50 years ago in 1968. This system is not mature yet in Pakistan but is widely used in Scandinavian countries. The best thing about this system is that it uses practical ways of learning and education.

Schools having International Baccalaureate:

Some schools having International Baccalaureate (IB) system in Pakistan include Roots academy, Ilmester Academy and a few others.

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)

Second, we have General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination with two levels i.e. O-level also known as the Ordinary Level and A-level also known as the advanced level.

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is an older system and British Council is responsible for holding examinations around the world.

Schools having General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in Pakistan:

The majority of the private schools in Pakistan are offering General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) education to their students. However, it is the choice of student whether he wants to opt for GCSE or carry on with his matriculation examination.

If students are trying to get into a local university then having international education at the pre-university level is an advantage to them.

These were two types of international education in Karachi being provided by local schools.