Expert Cambridge tutoring
across South Africa.
IGCSE, O Level, AS Level & A Level support — online or in person, in every province. Specialist tutors who understand the Cambridge curriculum and the USAf matric exemption pathway.
Cambridge candidates
Online or in person
One-on-one tutoring
Three steps to your first Cambridge session.
1. Book a Tutor
Click the Book a Tutor button and answer a few quick questions about your learner, Cambridge stage (IGCSE / O Level / AS / A Level) and subjects.
2. Talk to Us
Our team matches you with a specialist Cambridge tutor based on subject, exam board format, and your USAf exemption goals.
3. Start Learning
Begin one-on-one Cambridge sessions — online via the MyApex App or in person — with the same tutor each week.
A globally recognised curriculum, taught in over 160 countries.
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is one of the world's largest providers of international qualifications for 14–19 year-olds. South African learners can study Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, AS Level and A Level — qualifications recognised by South African public universities through the Universities South Africa (USAf) Matriculation Board, under Paragraph 13 of the USAf regulations.
Read more — what's actually in the Cambridge curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE is described by Cambridge International as "the world's most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds." It is offered in 70 subjects including 30 languages. At Apex, most learners take 5–9 subjects in combinations chosen for their academic plan and USAf Group I–V coverage. Each subject is graded A*–G (or 9–1 in some subjects). Cambridge offers Core and Extended tiers in many subjects — Extended covers a wider range of content and assessment than Core, suiting students of different abilities.
Cambridge O Level is similar to IGCSE in content but is examined in a slightly different format, and is recognised by USAf for matric exemption purposes. Many South African Cambridge schools offer a mix of IGCSE and O Level subjects.
Cambridge AS & A Level are advanced-level qualifications, taken over one (AS) or two (A Level) years. At Apex, most A Level learners specialise in 3–4 subjects. Cambridge A Levels are globally recognised qualifications accepted by leading universities worldwide — and are the primary route into a USAf Certificate of Complete Exemption (Paragraph 13).
Cambridge is studied through a written-exam pathway (not coursework-heavy), which suits learners who do well under timed conditions. In addition, Cambridge International publishes two examination series per year (June and November), giving families flexibility around the academic calendar.
Sources: Cambridge IGCSE · USAf Paragraph 13
Choose the stage that fits your learner.
Tap a qualification below for full details on syllabus, exam structure, recommended subjects, and how Apex tutors support each stage.
Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge International describes IGCSE as the world's most popular international qualification for 14–16 year-olds. In total, there are 70 subjects available, graded A*–G, and many of these offer both Core and Extended tiers. As a result, IGCSE forms the foundation for AS & A Level study.
Explore IGCSE Ages 14–16Cambridge O Level
O Level is similar in content to IGCSE, but uses a different exam format. Importantly, it is recognised by USAf for South African matric exemption, and it is often offered alongside IGCSE subjects.
Explore O Level Age 16–17Cambridge AS Level
AS Level is the first half of A Level study. It works either as a standalone qualification or as the route into full A Level. At Apex, most learners specialise in 3–4 subjects, and the qualification is recognised by USAf with the right subject mix.
Explore AS Level Ages 16–18Cambridge A Level
The advanced two-year qualification. Cambridge A Levels are globally recognised qualifications accepted by leading universities worldwide — and are the primary route into a USAf Certificate of Complete Exemption under Paragraph 13.
Explore A LevelThree ways our Cambridge tutoring works in South Africa.
Online, in person, or a mix of both — with the end-goal of a strong Cambridge result and a clean USAf matric exemption.
Live, one-on-one via the MyApex App
One-on-one Cambridge tutoring delivered online, with session recording for revision. Same tutor each week. Works for families anywhere with a stable internet connection.
Face-to-face across South Africa
In-person Cambridge tutoring at home or at a study venue, in all nine provinces. Particularly suited to junior IGCSE learners and exam-prep intensives before each sitting.
From Cambridge result to SA university
We guide families through Cambridge subject selection, exam-sitting planning, and the USAf Matriculation Board exemption process — so the Cambridge results convert into matric exemption for SA university entry.
Yes — Cambridge is fully recognised by South African universities.
All 26 South African public universities accept Cambridge IGCSE, AS Level and A Level qualifications for entry, via the Universities South Africa (USAf) Matriculation Board. You apply to USAf for a Certificate of Exemption that converts your Cambridge results into the South African National Senior Certificate equivalent.
Important: The Two-Sitting Rule
For USAf matric exemption, your Cambridge subjects must be completed in no more than two examination sittings — meaning two separate exam series (e.g. May/June and October/November). Plan your sitting calendar carefully with your tutor and school. Apex helps families map this out before Year 11.
Read more — the 4 USAf exemption pathways for Cambridge students
USAf recognises four main pathways through which Cambridge learners can obtain a Certificate of Full Exemption (needed for bachelor's degree study at SA public universities):
1. Cambridge A Level pathway (the standard route). Pass at least five recognised subjects at the required level, including English Language at AS or A Level, across IGCSE/O Level plus AS/A Level. Most Cambridge learners use this pathway. Apex tutors plan the IGCSE → AS → A Level subject map with you from Year 10.
2. Cambridge AS Level pathway. Alternatively, exemption is possible with a stronger IGCSE/O Level base plus three AS Level passes at the required grade. Used by learners who don't sit full A Level, or who finish a year earlier.
3. Conditional Exemption. Finally, this is granted to learners who don't quite meet the standard requirements but show strong individual subject results. Universities consider conditional exemptions on a case-by-case basis. Apex helps families read the USAf decision and respond appropriately.
4. Mature Age Exemption. For learners over 23 who completed Cambridge studies some time ago and want to enter university now. Different criteria apply.
For each pathway: subject selection at IGCSE / O Level matters years before the exemption is awarded. The wrong subject combination at age 14 can close pathways at age 18. This is why Apex starts exemption planning from the very first IGCSE consultation.
The questions Cambridge parents usually ask first.
Is Cambridge International accepted by South African universities?
Yes. All 26 South African public universities accept Cambridge IGCSE, AS Level and A Level qualifications for entry, via the Universities South Africa (USAf) Matriculation Board exemption process. A Cambridge A Level pathway typically requires five recognised subjects across IGCSE/O Level and AS/A Level, including English Language at AS or A Level. Apex tutors plan the full subject map with you from the IGCSE year onward.
What's the difference between Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level?
Both are 14–16 year-old qualifications and both are accepted by USAf. However, IGCSE is the more globally common option and is examined in a more international format (Extended and Core tiers available in many subjects). O Level retains some traditional examination conventions and is offered in slightly fewer subjects. Many South African Cambridge learners take a mix — for example, IGCSE in their main subjects and O Level in one or two others — without any issue for USAf exemption.
Does Apex tutor online or in person?
Both. We deliver online one-on-one Cambridge tutoring via the MyApex App (sessions are recorded for revision), and in-person tutoring across all nine South African provinces. Many families mix the two — regular online sessions during term, plus in-person intensives before exam series. Same tutor each week in both formats.
How early should we start with Cambridge tutoring?
The earlier the better, especially because USAf exemption planning depends on subject choices made at the start of IGCSE (around age 14). We typically recommend a consultation in Grade 9 equivalent if Cambridge is the chosen route, so that the IGCSE → AS → A Level subject map is built deliberately. For learners already in Cambridge AS or A Level, we focus on exam technique, past-paper drilling and topic gaps.
How are Cambridge exam grades converted for USAf?
USAf maps Cambridge IGCSE/O Level grades (A* through G) and AS/A Level grades (A* through E) to South African NSC equivalents using a published conversion table. The Two-Sitting Rule applies: all qualifying subjects must be completed across no more than two exam series. Apex tutors track your exam-sitting calendar with you to ensure compliance — this single planning step prevents the most common USAf exemption rejection.
Book your first Cambridge tutoring session.
One-on-one with an Apex Cambridge tutor — online or in person, anywhere in South Africa.