Cambridge International Education Sees Record Growth in Asia-Pacific Region

Southeast Asia Embraces Cambridge Pathway Amid Shifting Learning Priorities

Cambridge International Education, a division of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, was reported to have begun releasing the results of its June 2025 examination series to over 680,000 learners worldwide, an increase of 9% compared to the previous year. This development was viewed as part of a broader shift towards global education, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, where families are increasingly opting for international schooling to better prepare students for the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

In Southeast Asia alone, entries for Cambridge qualifications exceeded 165,000 this June, reflecting a near 4% rise from 2024. Country-specific data indicated that Malaysia recorded over 70,500 entries (up 2%), Indonesia surpassed 33,000 (up 6%), Vietnam registered more than 15,500 (up 4%), and Thailand saw over 18,500 entries (up 7%). Globally, total exam entries reached nearly 1.7 million, marking a 7% annual increase. Analysts suggested that this upward trend not only underscored Cambridge’s academic reputation but also responded to growing demand for education that fosters international mobility, adaptability, and critical engagement with contemporary issues.

Across the region, Cambridge International AS & A Level results were released, enabling students to pursue higher education at leading universities both locally and abroad. A survey conducted in 2024 revealed that 89% of students completing these qualifications progressed directly to university, with 47% choosing institutions in their home country and 42% enrolling overseas. Cambridge further confirmed that O Level and IGCSE results for over 30,000 students in the region would be issued on 19 August. Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education at Cambridge University, was cited as having acknowledged the importance of international education in an era shaped by technological advancement and global challenges. He reportedly congratulated students on their achievements and emphasised Cambridge’s commitment to supporting a global learning community that prepares young people not only for academic and career success but also for life in an increasingly interconnected world.

The rising popularity of Cambridge Global Perspectives was highlighted as indicative of changing educational priorities. Entries for the subject at AS & A Level increased by 17% this year, reflecting growing interest among schools across Asia and within the broader Cambridge Pathway. The course was described as promoting critical thinking, independent research, and evidence-based analysis of global issues. In her remarks, Kanjna Paranthaman, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, noted that as artificial intelligence continues to reshape employment and climate change demands collective action, schools are increasingly seeking subjects that cultivate curiosity, intellectual rigour, and intercultural understanding.

On a global scale, Cambridge reported that the number of schools submitting exam entries in June had grown by 38% over the past five years, with total entries rising by 74% during the same period. With a network of over 5,500 partner schools across 149 countries, the institution now serves nearly two million learners annually through a comprehensive suite of qualifications, ranging from Cambridge Checkpoint for younger students to IGCSE, O Level, AS & A Level, and the International Project Qualification.

Officials reiterated that Cambridge, drawing on more than 160 years of expertise in assessment, continues to play a pivotal role in connecting international students to opportunities at top universities across Asia, the Pacific, and globally, including the prestigious institutions in Cambridge itself. The press release concluded by affirming that Cambridge’s educational framework for learners aged 3 to 19 is grounded in research and international collaboration. This approach, it was noted, equips students with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a globally connected environment. Education leaders remarked that the strong results achieved this year not only reflect academic excellence but also reinforce Cambridge’s position at the forefront of global education innovation. This milestone reflects Cambridge’s continued commitment to shaping globally relevant education that prepares learners for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Editor’s Note

This year’s release of Cambridge International Education’s June 2025 examination results marks a pivotal moment in the global education landscape. With over 680,000 learners receiving their results, a 9% increase from the previous year, the data reflects academic achievement and a growing international commitment to future-focused learning. The rise in entries across Southeast Asia, including notable increases in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, signals a regional shift towards globally benchmarked qualifications. These figures underscore the value placed on education that equips students with the skills needed for international mobility, critical thinking, and adaptability in an increasingly complex world.

Cambridge qualifications such as AS & A Levels, IGCSE, and O Levels continue to serve as gateways to higher education, with 89% of students progressing directly to university. The balance between local and overseas enrolments highlights the flexibility and global recognition of these credentials. The growing popularity of subjects like Cambridge Global Perspectives, which saw a 17% rise in entries, reflects a shift in educational priorities. Schools are increasingly embracing curricula that foster independent research, intercultural understanding, and evidence-based analysis, skills that are essential in addressing global challenges such as climate change and technological disruption. With exam entries rising 74% over the past five years and Cambridge now serving nearly two million learners annually, the institution’s reach and relevance continue to expand. Its framework, grounded in research and international collaboration, ensures that students from diverse backgrounds are prepared not only for university but for life in a globally connected society.

Skoobuzz asserts that this year’s results reaffirm Cambridge’s role as a leader in international education, one that continues to shape the aspirations of learners and the direction of schools worldwide.