1. Structure: 6 + 3

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is usually a two-year course (often Grades 11–12 or DP1–DP2), with a maximum total of 45 points. Students take one subject from each of six groups (three at Higher Level, HL, and three at Standard Level, SL) and complete three core components: TOK, the EE, and CAS.

Six subject groups

1. Studies in language and literature
   Usually the student’s strongest language, with emphasis on literary analysis and expression.

2. Language acquisition
   A second language, such as English B or Spanish.

3. Individuals and societies
   Subjects such as economics, history, psychology, or geography.

4. Sciences
   Subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, or computer science, including theory and practical/inquiry work. Physics follows the syllabus first assessed in 2025 (see the IB Physics article in this section).

5. Mathematics

   • AA (Analysis and Approaches): emphasis on theory and proof.
   • AI (Applications and Interpretation): emphasis on applications and modelling.

6. The arts, or an additional subject from groups 3 or 4
   Visual arts, music, theatre, etc.; or a further humanities or science subject instead of arts.

Three core components

Core	Full name	Summary
TOK	Theory of Knowledge	How knowledge is formed, tested, and limited; assessed through components such as the Exhibition and Essay
EE	Extended Essay	Independent research essay, maximum 4,000 words
CAS	Creativity, Activity, Service	Must be completed; carries no points

TOK and EE grades are combined into 0–3 core points via the official matrix. CAS does not count toward the 45 points but is required for the diploma. Failure to meet core requirements (including grade E in TOK or the EE under current regulations) can trigger a failing condition; see the IB General regulations for the examination session.

2. Scoring

Total = subject points (up to 42) + core points (up to 3) = 45

• Per subject: maximum 7 points; grade 4 is generally the pass threshold (exact boundaries are set each session).
• Core points: converted from TOK and EE grades using the published matrix (0, 1, 2, or 3).
• CAS: no points, but completion is mandatory.

Universities set their own IB requirements. Applicants should check each institution’s published conditions rather than treating any score band as a fixed guarantee of admission.

3. International recognition

The IB diploma is accepted by universities in many countries, but policies differ:

• United Kingdom and similar systems: conditional offers often specify total points and required HL grades.
• United States: admissions are typically holistic; some institutions award credit for HL results, depending on policy.
• Hong Kong, Singapore, and elsewhere: competitive programmes often publish minimum totals and subject grades on official sites.

Students taking IB Physics must also meet that subject’s practical work, CSP, scientific investigation (IA), and external examination requirements, as described in the IB Physics course structure article.