<p>ABRSM is international in that programs around the world use the ABRSM levels of grading (my S did it with music theory in one of the programs he was in). Knowing what I know of the ABRSM, the ‘high distinction’ is a grade level within the level, it is roughly equivalent to whether someone gets a 4 or 5 on an AP exam, it shows the level of achievement at that grade level. </p>
<p>From what I know of the common app I agree with stringkey, that they are looking for things like winning an international competition and the like (and I will add I am no expert on that, just my impressions). ABRSM is an international certification given that the program is used around the world and has merit as such, it shows you did something, and as such should def be on your common app, but I I don’t think it is what they mean by an international distinction. </p>
<p>Can I suggest something? E-mail the admissions department at one of the schools you are applying to and ask them what they see the international distinction as meaning, or ask them outright if they consider something like a certification with honors (which is what ABRSM level 8 with high distinction means) to be what you are asking ie an international distinction.</p>