International Baccalaureate 2025

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation, established in 1968, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It offers four high-quality, challenging educational programmes for a worldwide community of schools, aiming to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

What are the different IB Programmes and Curriculum?

The IB offers four programmes for students aged 3 to 19:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP): For students aged 3-12, focusing on transdisciplinary inquiry.
• Middle Years Programme (MYP): For students aged 11-16, providing a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers.
• Diploma Programme (DP): For students aged 16-19, a challenging pre-university curriculum that leads to a qualification recognized by leading universities worldwide.
• Career-related Programme (CP): For students aged 16-19, a framework of international education that incorporates the vision and educational principles of the IB into a unique programme.

What is the IB Diploma Programme (DP)?

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous two-year educational programme primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. It provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education. Students choose six subjects from different academic areas, three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), and complete the "DP Core" components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

How do you earn an IB Diploma?

To earn the IB Diploma, a student must:

• Complete and pass all six chosen subjects (minimum of 1 point per subject).
• Achieve a minimum total score of 24 points out of 45.
• Successfully complete the three DP Core components: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
• Not incur any "failing conditions" (e.g., scoring a grade E in EE or TOK, or having specific combinations of low scores).

Why choose the International Baccalaureate? What are its benefits?

The IB is highly regarded for several benefits:

• Holistic Development: Fosters intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth.
• Critical Thinking: Encourages independent learning and critical analysis rather than rote memorization.
• Global Perspective: Develops intercultural understanding and responsible citizenship.
• University Recognition: Highly valued by universities worldwide, often providing a competitive edge in admissions.
• Well-Rounded Learners: The broad curriculum ensures students maintain a wide range of academic interests.
• Life Skills: Develops research, time management, and communication skills essential for university and beyond.

Is the International Baccalaureate difficult/hard?

Yes, the IB Diploma Programme is widely considered academically rigorous and challenging. It requires strong commitment, excellent time management, and a willingness to engage in in-depth study across a range of subjects, coupled with the demands of the core components (EE, TOK, CAS).

How does the IB compare to A-Levels? Is IB better than A-Levels?

Both the IB Diploma and A-Levels are rigorous pre-university qualifications highly respected by universities. The main differences lie in their structure and approach:

• IB Diploma: Offers breadth, requiring students to study six subjects from different groups (including languages, sciences, humanities, maths, and arts), plus the interdisciplinary Core. It promotes a holistic and interconnected understanding of knowledge.
• A-Levels: Offer depth, typically requiring students to study 3-4 subjects in greater detail. This allows for earlier specialization in specific academic areas.

Neither is definitively "better"; the choice depends on the individual student's learning style, future academic goals, and preferred breadth vs. depth of study. Many find the IB to be more balanced and better preparation for university-level research and critical thinking.

Is the International Baccalaureate worth it?

For many students, the IB is indeed worth it. Its comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and holistic development are highly valued by universities globally. Graduates often report feeling well-prepared for the demands of higher education due to the programme's academic rigor and emphasis on independent learning. The "worth" ultimately depends on the student's individual goals, learning preferences, and future aspirations.

What are IB World Schools?

IB World Schools are schools that have been authorized by the International Baccalaureate organization to implement and deliver one or more of its programmes. To become an IB World School, institutions undergo a rigorous authorization process, ensuring they meet the IB's standards and practices. There are over 5,900 IB World Schools in more than 160 countries worldwide, recognized for their commitment to high-quality international education.

Can you do the International Baccalaureate online?

Yes, some authorized IB World Schools and online providers offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses and, in some cases, the full DP online. These online options must adhere to the same rigorous standards and authorization processes as traditional brick-and-mortar IB schools.

Does the International Baccalaureate help with university admissions or college credits?

Yes, the IB Diploma is highly regarded by universities around the world. Many universities, especially in North America and Europe, offer advanced standing, college credits, or scholarships to students who achieve strong scores in their IB Diploma. Specific policies regarding credit and admission vary significantly between universities and often depend on the individual subject scores and overall Diploma points.

How do you pronounce "International Baccalaureate"?

The pronunciation is: /ˌɪntərˈnæʃənəl ˌbækəˈlɔːriət/. The key part is "Baccalaureate" which sounds like "back-uh-LAURE-ee-uht".

How does the International Baccalaureate (DP) work?

The IB Diploma Programme typically works as follows:

• Subject Selection: Students select six subjects, usually three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), from six subject groups (Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts/Elective).
• DP Core: In addition to subjects, students complete the three core components: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
• Assessment: Subjects are assessed both internally (e.g., essays, lab work, presentations) and externally (written examinations). The core components are also assessed.
• Grading: Each subject is graded on a scale of 1-7. Up to 3 additional points are awarded for performance in EE and TOK. The maximum total score is 45 points.

How much does the International Baccalaureate cost?

The cost of the IB Diploma Programme varies significantly. It depends on several factors:

• School Tuition Fees: The most significant cost is typically the tuition fee charged by the individual IB World School, which can vary widely from public to private institutions.
• IB Fees: The IB organization charges fees to schools for programme authorization, student registration, and examination administration. These fees are typically passed on to students (or included in tuition).
• Additional Costs: These might include textbooks, study materials, tutoring, or costs associated with CAS activities.

It's best to contact specific IB World Schools for detailed cost information.

How to apply for the International Baccalaureate?

To apply for an International Baccalaureate programme (most commonly the DP), you should directly contact an authorized IB World School that offers the programme you are interested in. Each school has its own admission criteria, application process, and deadlines. You can find a directory of IB World Schools on the official IB website (ibo.org).

How to become an International Baccalaureate teacher?

To become an IB teacher, you typically need to:

• Hold a recognized teaching qualification.
• Have subject-specific expertise in the area you wish to teach.
• Complete specific IB professional development workshops relevant to the programme (PYP, MYP, DP, CP) and your subject. These workshops are often provided by IB-recognized training organizations or directly by schools.
• Gain experience teaching in an IB World School.

Is an International Baccalaureate a bachelor's degree?

No, an International Baccalaureate Diploma is not a bachelor's degree. It is a pre-university qualification, equivalent to a high school diploma or secondary school leaving certificate (like A-Levels, Abitur, or high school graduation diplomas in other countries). It prepares students for university, but it is not a university degree itself.

Is an International Baccalaureate a diploma?

Yes, the flagship qualification for students completing the two-year pre-university programme is specifically called the "IB Diploma."

When do International Baccalaureate results come out?

IB Diploma Programme examination results are typically released twice a year:

• May session (Northern Hemisphere schools): Usually in early July.
• November session (Southern Hemisphere schools): Usually in early January.

Where and when was the International Baccalaureate founded? Who created it?

The International Baccalaureate was founded in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland. It was created by a group of international educators, including Alec Peterson, who sought to establish a common curriculum and university entrance qualification for students of different national backgrounds, reflecting the growing international mobility of families.

How long is the International Baccalaureate (DP)?

The core International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year curriculum designed for students in their final two years of high school.

Who is eligible to become an IB Diploma candidate?

Typically, students aged 16 to 19 who are enrolled in an authorized IB World School offering the Diploma Programme are eligible to become IB Diploma candidates. Specific academic prerequisites or entrance exams may be required by individual schools.

Do International Baccalaureate students receive high school diplomas?

In many IB World Schools, particularly those that are part of a national education system, students graduate with both their national high school diploma (e.g., US High School Diploma, UK GCSE/A-Levels equivalent) AND the International Baccalaureate Diploma, assuming they successfully complete both sets of requirements. This is often referred to as a "Dual-Diploma Pathway."

Is WAEC an international baccalaureate?

No, WAEC (West African Examinations Council) is not an International Baccalaureate. WAEC is an examination board that conducts examinations for students in West African countries, while the IB is an international educational foundation offering its own distinct curriculum and qualifications worldwide. They are different educational systems and qualifications.

Are IGCSE prep courses equivalent to International Baccalaureate?

No, IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) courses are typically designed for students aged 14-16 (equivalent to secondary school examinations like UK GCSEs or US Grade 10). The IB Diploma Programme, on the other hand, is a pre-university qualification for students aged 16-19. They represent different stages of high school education.

Are there ways to privately donate to the International Baccalaureate?

Yes, as a non-profit foundation, the International Baccalaureate (IB) accepts donations. Information on how to support their mission and initiatives, including details on private donations, can typically be found on their official website, ibo.org.