Cambridge International Education Sees Surge in Global Perspectives Entries

Over 680,000 Students Receive Cambridge Results Amid Rising Demand

Cambridge International Education, part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, offers globally recognised qualifications for students aged 5 to 19. These include Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE, O Level, and International AS & A Levels. The programmes are used in over 10,000 schools across 160 countries and are widely accepted by universities and employers. Cambridge’s curriculum promotes critical thinking and independent learning, supported by flexible structures and assessments that reflect real-world contexts. The organisation also provides teacher training, school support, and educational resources.

On 12 August 2025, Cambridge announced in Cambridge, England, that as the world faces rapid technological change, climate challenges, and shifting geopolitical landscapes, more students and families in Southeast Asia and the Pacific (SEAP) are turning to international education to prepare for future demands. The organisation confirmed it had begun releasing results from its June 2025 exam series to over 680,000 students worldwide—a 9% increase from the previous year—highlighting the growing importance of global readiness in education.

In the SEAP region, Cambridge recorded more than 165,000 entries in June 2025, marking a 4% rise compared with June 2024. Key markets showed steady growth: Malaysia registered over 70,500 entries (up 2%), Indonesia over 33,000 (up 6%), Vietnam over 15,500 (up 4%), and Thailand over 18,500 (up 7%). Globally, the number of exam entries rose to nearly 1.7 million in June 2025, a 7% increase from the previous year. Cambridge stated that this growth reflected the academic strength of its programmes and a broader shift in priorities among families and educators, who increasingly value education that builds global skills, adaptability, and critical engagement with real-world issues.

Across the SEAP region, results for Cambridge International AS & A Levels have been released, enabling students to access top universities and career pathways. Findings from the 2024 Cambridge Student Destinations survey showed that 89% of the AS & A Level cohort progressed directly to university, with 47% studying in their home country and 42% overseas. Cambridge also noted that it is the largest provider of international education for students aged 14 to 16. It will issue Cambridge IGCSE and O Level results to over 30,000 students in the SEAP region on 19 August.

Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education at Cambridge, stated that in times of uncertainty and transformation, the perspective offered by international education is not just beneficial but essential. He congratulated all students receiving their results and expressed pride in supporting a global community of learners preparing for university, careers, and life in a rapidly changing world. While English, mathematics, and science remain the most popular subjects at both Cambridge International AS & A Level and IGCSE, one of the clearest signs of shifting educational priorities is the rise in entries for Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives, which increased by 17% this year. The subject encourages students to explore global challenges, conduct independent research, and present evidence-based arguments. Its popularity is growing across all stages of the Cambridge Pathway.

Kanjna Paranthaman, Regional Director for SEAP, commented that with AI reshaping the job market and global challenges requiring collaborative solutions, it is unsurprising that more schools are adopting subjects that help students think beyond borders. She described Cambridge Global Perspectives as a subject that fosters curiosity, rigour, and the ability to understand issues from multiple viewpoints. Cambridge further reported that global demand for international education continues to rise. Over the past five years, the number of schools making entries in the June series has grown by 38%, with a 74% increase in total entries. In June 2025, 5,507 Cambridge International Schools across 149 countries submitted exam entries.

With over 160 years of experience in international assessment, Cambridge now serves nearly two million students annually. Its qualifications—including Cambridge Checkpoint, IGCSE, O Level, International AS & A Level, and the International Project Qualification—are valued by schools and universities worldwide. Cambridge is the awarding body of the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge. It works globally with schools to shape knowledge, understanding, and skills, helping learners build confidence and make a positive impact in a changing world. The organisation offers a trusted and flexible framework for education from ages 3 to 19, known as the Cambridge Pathway. This framework is informed by research, experience, and educator feedback. With recognised qualifications, high-quality resources, and practical insights, Cambridge supports schools in preparing every student for future opportunities and challenges. In a world of rapid change, Cambridge International Education continues to equip learners with the skills, confidence, and global perspective needed to thrive.

Editor’s Note:

Cambridge International Education has shared new updates that show how international qualifications are changing to meet today’s challenges, such as fast-growing technology, climate change, and global political shifts. On 12 August 2025, the organisation announced results for its June exam series, with more than 680,000 students receiving their results, a 9% increase from last year. This rise shows that more families and teachers are choosing education that prepares students to adapt, think critically, and succeed in a global environment. The Southeast Asia and Pacific (SEAP) region had more than 165,000 exam entries in June 2025, with strong growth in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. These numbers reflect the region’s growing interest in internationally recognised qualifications and its focus on preparing students for the future. One of the most noticeable changes is the rise in popularity of Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives, which had 17% more entries this year. This subject focuses on critical thinking, research skills, and understanding global issues. Cambridge pointed out that in a world shaped by AI and urgent climate problems, these skills are not just useful but necessary. Cambridge offers flexible programmes, real-world assessments, and strong support for schools, making it one of the leading providers of international education. The organisation works with nearly two million students in 149 countries each year. Its main goal is not just to prepare students for university or jobs but to equip them for life in a fast-changing world.

Rod Smith and Kanjna Paranthaman from Cambridge stressed that international education helps students develop curiosity, discipline, and a global mindset. Their comments matched the results of the 2024 Cambridge Student Destinations survey, which showed that 89% of AS & A Level graduates went directly to university, about half in their own countries and half abroad. For teachers, education leaders, and policymakers, Cambridge’s report makes a strong case for including global skills in everyday learning. The rise in exam entries, the wider choice of subjects, and the increasing demand for international education all show that the sector is growing and changing, with students at the heart of it.

Skoobuzz asserts that Cambridge’s latest figures point to a change in how parents and students think about education. It says the update goes beyond statistics, highlighting a shift in priorities and reaffirming the vital role international qualifications play in developing confident, skilled, and globally minded learners.