Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can any student enroll in an IB programme?
Only students enrolled in an IB World School may participate in an IB programme. Any student at an IB World School may enroll in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). The Diploma Programme is designed for motivated students who hope to attend university; enrollment in the programme is at the discretion of the school.
I am an IB student. Who do I turn to with questions about the programmes?
The IB coordinators at your school are your best resource for information about the IB programmes. Also, take a look at the pages for students on this website.
Can I use the curriculum from an IB programme to home school my child?
No. The IB permits only students enrolled in and attending IB World Schools to participate in an IB programme. Visit the pages for parents for more information about the IB and its programmes.
How can my child enroll in an IB programme?
Each school establishes its own enrollment policies. We encourage you to contact the school’s IB coordinator to learn how to enroll your child. Use the Find an IB World School facility on the left-hand side of this page to make contact with a school.
Does the IB Diploma Programme satisfy my national requirements for receiving a secondary or high school degree?
In the majority of countries, the IB diploma can entirely replace the national qualification for entry to university. However, it is important to check national regulations to see if the IB diploma gives, in addition, the same legal rights as a national diploma (for example, the right to be employed in the state service).
Can I transfer from one IB World School to another?
The IB regional offices work closely with schools to ensure that students of all ages can transfer without problems. However, each IB World School makes its own decision.
Is the Diploma Programme curriculum the same all over the world?
The core requirements are the same but there is room for flexibility. The courses offered by one school may differ somewhat from those of another school.
How successful are IB students in applying to university?
Recipients of the IB diploma enjoy a high rate of acceptance at leading universities. In addition, some universities offer scholarships to IB graduates.
Can I take individual Diploma Programme courses?
Yes, but you will receive the IB diploma only if you fulfill all the requirements of the Diploma Programme. Students who enroll in individual courses will receive an IB certificate noting the courses they took and the marks they earned.
How many examinations do Diploma Programme students take, and when do they take them?
Diploma Programme students generally take six examinations, including one literature course taught in the student’s native language, one foreign language, one social science, one experimental science, one mathematics and one arts course. The arts course can be replaced by a second social science, a second experimental science, or a third language. Students take their examinations at the end of the two-year Diploma Programme; sometimes they take up to two of their examinations at the end of the first year of the Diploma Programme.
Where can I find a list of universities that accept the IB Diploma?
We list the universities that publish an IB recognition policy on the country pages of this website. Many other universities also accept the IB diploma but do not publish a recognition policy—you should contact them directly.
Where can I find a schedule of Diploma Programme examinations?
The latest examination schedules are posted on the Information for students web page.
When are examination results made available?
Examination results are sent out in July for the May session and in January for the November session. Students may also obtain their results online at results.ibo.org. To access the website, students must obtain a personal identification number (PIN) from their Diploma Programme coordinator.
As an IB graduate, how do I arrange to send a transcript of my grades to a university or graduate school?
For universities outside USA and Canada
Please visit the following IB transcripts page.
For US and Canadian universities
Please visit our IB Americas transcripts page.
Can I use the IB logo on my website?
No. The IB logo may be used only by the IB. Schools that are fully authorized to offer one or more IB programmes may use the IB World School logo on their website.
How can I obtain the IB World School logo?
IB coordinators and heads of IB World Schools may download the IB World School logo in a variety of formats from the secure pages on this website.
You may also email requests for the IB World School logo to: logos@ibo.org. This facility is only available to schools that are fully authorized to offer one or more IB programmes.
How can I obtain a syllabus or past examination paper for a Diploma Programme course?
These documents may be purchased from the IB store but are available free of charge to universities and governments, along with other IB academic material, on a secure website. Universities and governments are invited to register to obtain a password for access to the area and will be expected to provide identification. For more information please visit our page for universities. IB World Schools may download syllabi free of charge from the online curriculum centre (OCC).
How and where can I enroll in an IB teacher training workshop?
Please see the workshops and conferences calendar.
How do I change the information about our school provided on this website?
Programme coordinators can use IBIS to change their school’s information in the IB school directory.
How do we introduce an IB programme into our school and become an IB World School?
Please contact your regional office. Regional offices offer introductory workshops on the IB programmes, teacher training workshops, and guidance during the authorization process—see the workshops and conferences calendar.
How do I become an IB examiner?
Please visit the pages for examiners to obtain information on this process.
Another question?
If you cannot find the answer to your question on this frequently asked questions (FAQ) page or by using the site search facility, please contact us.
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