What is the IB Programme?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation established in 1968, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The IB aims to develop internationally minded, critically thinking, lifelong learners.
The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year curriculum for students aged 16-19, recognized by 5,000+ universities across 140+ countries, including all Ivy League schools and Oxbridge.
💡 Key Fact: Over 170,000 students sit IBDP exams globally each year. IB students typically have higher acceptance rates at top universities compared to non-IB students.
The Six Subject Groups
| Group | Subjects | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Language & Literature | Literature, Language & Literature | Required |
| 2: Language Acquisition | English B, French B, Spanish B, Chinese B, etc. | Required |
| 3: Individuals & Societies | Economics, History, Geography, Psychology, Business, Global Politics | Required |
| 4: Sciences | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, ESS | Required |
| 5: Mathematics | Math AA (Analysis), Math AI (Applications) | Required |
| 6: Arts | Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, or substitute from Group 3/4 | Optional |
Three Core Components
TOK (Theory of Knowledge): Develops critical thinking. 1,600-word essay + exhibition (950-word commentary).
EE (Extended Essay): 4,000-word independent research paper on a topic of your choice.
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): 18 months of extracurricular engagement across three strands.
IB Scoring System
Each subject: 1-7 points. Six subjects = max 42. TOK + EE matrix = up to 3 bonus points. IBDP maximum: 45 points.
Diploma requires ≥24 points plus completion of TOK/EE/CAS. Top universities typically expect 38-42 points.
🔑 Subject Selection Tip
Choose 3 HL (240 hours) and 3 SL (150 hours). HL subjects go deeper and are weighted more by universities. For STEM applicants, Math HL and at least one Science HL are strongly recommended.
👉 See our IB vs AP vs A-Level comparison for curriculum guidance.
IBDP Timeline
| Period | Key Tasks |
|---|---|
| DP1 Sep-Dec | Adapt to IB, confirm HL/SL, start CAS |
| DP1 Jan-Jun | IA topic exploration, TOK exhibition prep, EE topic selection |
| DP1 Summer | EE first draft, IA experiments/data collection |
| DP2 Sep-Dec | Polish IA & EE, university applications, TOK essay |
| DP2 Jan-Mar | Submit all internal assessments, begin exam revision |
| DP2 Apr-May | IB Global Examinations |