Beginner Guide to the IB Diploma Programme

2 years

Assessed pre-university programme for ages 16 to 19.

6 subjects

A broad subject pattern across languages, humanities, sciences, math, and arts.

3 HL + 3 SL

The usual balance, with HL at 240 hours and SL at 150 hours.

45 points

Six subject grades out of 7, plus up to 3 core points from TOK and the EE.

What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, usually called the IB DP, is a two-year assessed pre-university programme for students aged 16 to 19. It is designed to be broad and academically demanding: students study six subjects while also completing the DP core.

The IB is not only an exam system. Its stated educational philosophy emphasizes international-mindedness, intercultural understanding, inquiry, reflection, and a learner profile that includes being knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, balanced, and caring.

The short version

A full IB Diploma normally means six subjects plus the core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. Students usually take three subjects at higher level and three at standard level.

How the six IB subject groups work

The DP subject system is built to force breadth before specialization. You must take at least one subject from studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, and mathematics. The sixth subject is usually an arts subject, but many students replace it with a second subject from another academic group.

Group 1

Studies in language and literature

Your strongest academic language, focused on literary analysis and, in some courses, non-literary texts.

Examples: Language A: literature, Language A: language and literature, literature and performance.

Group 2

Language acquisition

An additional language you are learning or developing, with placement based on your prior experience.

Examples: Language ab initio, Language B, classical languages.

Group 3

Individuals and societies

Humanities and social-science subjects that study people, institutions, societies, and systems.

Examples: Economics, history, geography, global politics, psychology, philosophy, business management.

Group 4

Sciences

Experimental or applied sciences with inquiry, practical work, and subject-specific investigation.

Examples: Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, design technology, sports exercise and health science.

Group 5

Mathematics

One of two DP math pathways, each available at SL and HL, with different emphasis and university uses.

Examples: Mathematics: analysis and approaches; mathematics: applications and interpretation.

Group 6

The arts

Creative and practical artistic study. Students may also replace this with another subject from Groups 1 to 4.

Examples: Visual arts, theatre, music, film, dance.

Full diploma vs course results

The full diploma route means six subjects plus the full core. Students can also take individual DP courses and receive course results, but this is not the same credential as the full diploma. The report found no separate official award called a "standard DP" beyond the ordinary full diploma and the SL/HL distinction.

HL, SL, and language pathways

Question	Standard level	Higher level
Recommended teaching time	150 hours	240 hours
Depth	Core syllabus and assessment demands.	Greater breadth, depth, and usually more demanding assessment.
Usual diploma pattern	Three subjects, sometimes fewer if four HLs are taken.	Three subjects for most students; four is allowed only when it fits the student.
Scoring	Grades run from 1 to 7.	Grades also run from 1 to 7; HL does not automatically add extra points.

Language A: literature

A first-language course centered on literary texts, close reading, interpretation, context, and literary argument.

Language A: language and literature

Also a first-language course, but it combines literary texts with spoken, visual, media, and other non-literary texts.

Language B

A language-acquisition course for students with previous experience. HL adds greater complexity and two literary works.

Language ab initio

For beginners or near-beginners. It is available only at SL, so it cannot be one of your HL subjects.

Language rule of thumb

If the language is already one of your strongest academic languages, think Language A. If it is a meaningful additional language, think Language B. If you are starting almost from scratch, think ab initio.

EE, TOK, and CAS

The DP core is compulsory. It is also where many students underestimate the IB: these requirements run alongside six subjects, so they need early planning rather than last-minute attention.

Extended Essay

4,000 words

A compulsory, externally assessed independent research essay written as formal academic work.

Usually connected to one of your diploma subjects, or to two subjects in an interdisciplinary route.
Includes three mandatory formal reflection sessions, ending with the viva voce supervisor interview.
Current criteria cover framework, knowledge, analysis, discussion/evaluation, and reflection.

TOK

Theory of Knowledge

Essay + exhibition

A course about how knowledge works: evidence, assumptions, disciplines, perspectives, and justification.

Current assessment uses a 1,600-word essay and an exhibition.
The essay is based on one of six prescribed titles issued for each examination session.
The current public model does not use the old TOK presentation assessment.

CAS

Creativity, Activity, Service

Required, not graded

A sustained portfolio of experiences across creativity, physical activity, and service.

CAS does not add points, but completion is required for the diploma.
Students reflect on evidence for seven CAS learning outcomes.
A CAS project should be purposeful, planned, reviewed, and normally sustained over at least a month.

IAs, exams, grading, and passing rules

IB assessment is a mix of final exams and coursework. External assessment includes written papers and some submitted coursework. Internal assessment, usually called IA, is completed in school and then moderated or externally checked by the IB depending on the subject.

Subject	Main assessment components	Typical IA or coursework	Main HL/SL difference
Language A: literature	Paper 1 guided literary analysis; Paper 2 comparative essay; individual oral.	Individual oral; HL also includes a 1,200 to 1,500 word essay.	HL adds deeper unseen analysis and the extra essay.
Language B	Paper 1 writing; Paper 2 listening and reading; individual oral.	Oral assessment.	HL expects more complex language and includes two literary works.
Economics	SL has Papers 1 and 2; HL has Papers 1, 2, and 3.	Portfolio of three economic commentaries based on published news extracts.	HL adds extension topics, Paper 3, and different weighting.
Biology	Paper 1 and Paper 2, plus the scientific programme.	Scientific investigation written report, up to 3,000 words.	HL has more syllabus content, more practical hours, and longer exam time.
Mathematics: analysis and approaches	Paper 1 without technology; Paper 2 with technology; Paper 3 for HL only.	Mathematical exploration.	HL has broader content, Paper 3, and higher cognitive demand.

The 45-point structure

Six subjects are each graded from 1 to 7, making 42 possible subject points. TOK and the EE can add up to 3 core points. CAS is required but does not add points.

24 points is not enough by itself

Students also need to satisfy the grade distribution and core conditions. Poor HL/SL distribution can block the diploma even if the total score reaches 24.

Diploma award conditions to know early

At least 24 total points are required, but 24 points alone is not enough.
CAS must be completed.
A grade is required in every subject plus TOK and the EE.
Every subject must be grade 2 or above.
There can be no more than two grade 2s and no more than three grades of 3 or below.
HL subjects must total at least 12 points.
SL subjects must total at least 9 points, or 5 points if only two SL subjects are registered.
A grade E in TOK or the EE is a failing core condition.

Bilingual diploma

The IB can award a bilingual diploma to students who meet the published language conditions, such as qualifying grades in two Group 1 languages or a Group 1 language plus a science or individuals and societies subject completed in another language.

Timeline and workload

The IB publishes exam schedules, but many real deadlines are school-specific. Schools set internal dates for EE, TOK, IAs, CAS evidence, orals, mock exams, and upload windows. That is why the IB often feels stressful before the final exams begin.

Before DP starts

Research university directions and draft subject choices.

Read subject briefs, check degree prerequisites, and confirm your language pathway before finalizing the timetable.

DP1 first term

Finalize subjects, HL/SL levels, and routines.

Start CAS immediately, build class-learning habits, and treat early IA skills as preparation for later deadlines.

DP1 middle to end

Start long-cycle work early.

Explore EE topics, match with a supervisor, learn TOK foundations, and begin collecting IA ideas or data where relevant.

Summer between years

Use the break for work that needs quiet time.

EE reading, data collection, drafting, and a sustained CAS project are much easier here than during peak DP2 deadlines.

DP2 first half

Complete most coursework.

EE reflections, TOK exhibition and essay drafting, IAs, orals, portfolios, and school upload deadlines start to overlap.

Final phase

Mocks, targeted revision, final exams, and results.

May-session results are released from 12:00 GMT on 6 July. November-session schools should shift this timeline.

A realistic workload model

The IB specifies teaching hours, not a universal homework quota. As a planning estimate, many full-diploma students should expect roughly 12 to 18 hours per week outside class during ordinary periods, rising significantly during IA, EE, TOK, CAS, mock, and final-exam periods.

How to choose subjects well

Good subject choice is not about picking the hardest-looking combination. It is about keeping university options open, choosing HLs that match real strengths, and building a workload you can sustain for two years.

University requirements

Start with target degree requirements, especially for mathematics, sciences, medicine, engineering, languages, and country-specific admissions.

Academic strengths

HL subjects show depth, but choosing an HL only because it looks impressive can damage the total score and the diploma distribution rules.

Genuine interest

The EE, TOK, IAs, and revision cycles all reward sustained engagement. A disliked subject costs more than students expect.

Workload balance

Compare assessment types, not just titles: essays, orals, labs, portfolios, and timed problem-solving create different kinds of pressure.

Recognition

The same subject plan may work well for one country or university but fail a specific prerequisite elsewhere.

Check prerequisites before prestige

A strong IB plan is usually built backward from possible university courses. This matters most for mathematics route acceptance, medicine prerequisites, engineering, sciences, languages, and country-specific admissions rules.

Example subject combinations and scenarios

These combinations are illustrative planning models, not official prescriptions. They show the reasoning pattern students should use when choosing subjects.

Pathway	Example combination	Why it works	Main caution
STEM and engineering	Language A SL, Language B SL, a humanity SL/HL, Physics HL, Mathematics AA HL, flexible sixth subject.	Keeps strong math and physics depth while preserving breadth.	Check whether chemistry is also needed.
Humanities and social sciences	Language A HL, Language B SL, History HL, Global Politics or Geography HL, Science SL, Mathematics AI or AA SL.	Supports reading, argument, essay writing, and interpretation-heavy degrees.	Do not ignore language or math requirements.
Arts and creative practice	Language A or Literature and Performance, Language B, one society subject, one science or design subject, math, Theatre/Film/Visual Arts HL.	Keeps the full diploma while giving room for artistic depth.	Some arts routes still expect stronger math or science.
Business and economics	Language A, Language B, Economics HL, business-related or humanities subject, one science, and carefully chosen math.	Keeps quantitative and analytical options open.	Math acceptance varies by university and programme.
Medicine	Language A, Language B, one humanity, Chemistry HL, Biology HL, Mathematics, and possibly Physics depending on country.	Matches many medicine pathways and official IB-style examples.	Some systems want three sciences or tighter prerequisite combinations.

Physics and math student considering engineering

Put Mathematics AA HL and Physics HL at the center, then decide whether Chemistry, Economics, or another strength should become the third HL after checking first-choice universities.

Reader and debater considering law or politics

Language A HL, History HL, and Global Politics HL create a coherent signal, while a science at SL and math at SL preserve diploma balance.

Medicine applicant comparing countries

Check country-specific rules before finalizing the sixth subject, because some systems may require or prefer three sciences or a non-regular diploma pattern.

Languages and media student

Language A: language and literature plus Language B HL can work well, but check whether universities require Language A, Language B, or additional language testing.

Creative student tempted to avoid science

The full diploma still requires science. Choose a manageable SL science, protect needed math options, and use the arts subject, EE, portfolio, and CAS for creative depth.

University recognition and equivalency

The broad picture is strong: thousands of universities around the world receive IB transcripts and publish recognition or admissions policies. The practical detail is more complicated. Recognition, credit, placement, and subject prerequisites vary by country, institution, and degree programme.

United States

Recognition for admission is broad, but credit and placement vary sharply. Some institutions award credit only for HL exams, while others give little or no degree credit.

MIT and Michigan publish HL-focused credit policies; UC Davis gives HL credit and additional units for strong diploma completion; Harvard may use IB for placement but not degree credit.

United Kingdom

The IB is highly legible, but offers are usually expressed as total points plus required HL grades and subjects.

Cambridge commonly lists 41 to 42 with strong HL scores; Oxford often asks for 38 to 40; Imperial and UCL publish course-specific IB requirements.

European Union

Recognition exists but depends heavily on national rules and programme-specific requirements.

Germany uses subject-combination conditions; the Netherlands may compare the diploma to VWO while still requiring specific subjects or scores.

Canada

The full diploma is widely understood, but faculty thresholds and advanced-standing rules differ.

UBC lists 24 points as a minimum but competitive programmes require more; Toronto routes often distinguish the full diploma from course-only results.

Australia

Selection usually depends on converting the completed diploma score into local ranking frameworks.

UAC converts eligible IB results into an ATAR-like Combined Rank; universities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Monash use ATAR-equivalent interpretations.

Credential evaluation

Some institutions, employers, or immigration processes may ask for an external equivalency report.

WES-style evaluations can state U.S. or Canadian equivalency when an IB transcript alone is not enough for the receiving organization.

Use current university pages

No guide can replace the official course page for the university and degree you may actually apply to. Always verify current requirements directly before finalizing your IB subjects.

Practical strategy and common pitfalls

IB progress is not only finishing homework. It is also narrowing an EE question, collecting IA data, drafting an economics commentary, recording a math exploration idea, and updating CAS reflection while the experience is fresh.

What helps

Check target degree requirements before locking subjects.
Choose HLs that match strengths and likely prerequisites.
Start EE, TOK, CAS, and IA planning before deadlines feel urgent.
Use weekly blocks for long-cycle work, not only daily homework.
Build revision resources during DP1: error logs, formula banks, quote banks, and past-paper folders.

What hurts

Choosing subjects for prestige instead of prerequisites and fit.
Assuming four HLs automatically looks better.
Treating IAs, EE, TOK, and CAS as later problems.
Confusing progress with only finishing assigned homework.
Waiting for final coursework completion before beginning exam revision.

Day	Focus	Example time
Monday	Review class notes and complete short homework.	1.5 to 2 hours
Tuesday	HL subject deep work such as math problem sets or literature reading.	2 hours
Wednesday	IA or EE progress block.	2 hours
Thursday	Language practice plus one lighter subject.	1.5 to 2 hours
Friday	Catch-up, file organization, CAS reflection update.	1 to 1.5 hours
Saturday	Long focused block for IA, EE, or exam revision.	3 to 4 hours
Sunday	Planning, light review, and one subject rotation block.	2 to 3 hours