The International Baccalaureate
By the Editorial team ยท Checked October 2026
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit foundation based in Geneva. It authorises schools around the world to teach its programmes, which run from age 3 to 19.
The four programmes
- The Primary Years Programme (PYP), for ages 3 to 12.
- The Middle Years Programme (MYP), for ages 11 to 16.
- The Diploma Programme (DP), for ages 16 to 19.
- The Career-related Programme (CP), also for ages 16 to 19, which combines IB courses with a career-related qualification.
Schools can offer one programme or several. Many international schools teach the Diploma on top of a British or American curriculum lower down the school.
The Diploma Programme
Diploma students take six subjects, one from each of five groups (language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences and mathematics) plus an arts subject or a second choice from another group. Three or four subjects are taken at higher level and the rest at standard level.
The core has three parts: Theory of Knowledge, a course in how we know what we know; the Extended Essay, a 4,000-word independent research paper; and Creativity, Activity, Service, a programme of activities outside the classroom.
Scoring
Each subject is graded from 1 to 7, and Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay together earn up to three more points, giving a maximum of 45. The pass mark is 24 points, subject to conditions. Final exams are in May for most schools and November for some in the southern hemisphere.
How universities see it
Universities around the world accept the IB Diploma. UK universities usually make offers in total points and higher-level scores. American universities may give credit for higher-level subjects. Check each university's IB page.
Is it right for your child?
The Diploma suits students who are happy to keep studying a broad range of subjects, including a language and a science, until 18. Students who want to specialise early may prefer A levels. Ask a school how many of its Diploma students take the full diploma and how many take individual courses.