International Baccalaureate (IB) students: applying to university
With its deep and varied approach to learning, could the IB give your uni application the edge?
By Nik Taylor (editor, The Uni Guide) | 11 September 2025 | 6 minutes read
Note, the International Baccalaureate (IB) offer several programmes to students of different ages; the below information refers specifically to the IB Diploma Programme, for students aged 16-19.
What is the IB diploma?
Like A-levels, the International Baccalaureate diploma is a subject-based qualification which students study over two years.
IB diploma students take a broad mix of six subjects to standard level, before continuing with three subjects to higher level, choosing one subject from each of these groups:
Studies in language and literature
Language acquisition
Individuals and societies
Sciences
Mathematics
The arts
As well as studying these six subjects, students complete the following as part of the 'DP core':
Study a philosophical 'theory of knowledge' course
Write a mini dissertation-style extended essay
Get involved in sports, volunteering and extra-curricular community activities
Students will take some subjects at higher level and some at standard level. Higher and standard level subjects differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level.Each student takes a minimum of three or a maximum of four subjects at higher level, and the remaining at standard level.International Baccalaureate (2024)
IB uni application basics
As an IB student, you apply to university courses through Ucas like anyone else – the only difference is the qualifications you list.
You'll usually be expected to have taken a higher level in a subject related to the course you're applying for.
Universities will often ask for specific results in your higher level subjects as well as giving you a total points target.
While there isn’t a direct connection between higher level standards and A-level, it’s safe to assume that if a university asks for a particular subject in its entry requirements, they’re likely to require it at higher level as part of the IB.
Under the current Ucas tariff, the IB diploma doesn't attract Ucas points. However, the individual components it's made up of (ie higher level subjects, standard level subjects, extended essay, theory of knowledge) do. That said, universities almost always make offers in terms of IB points rather than Ucas points, so this shouldn't pose such a problem.
As for what IB diploma students should aim to achieve in order to apply to university, we've taken a look at what a few universities broadly recommend on their website (though you should always check the specific entry requirements for a course):
Many universities making offers specify both an overall IB point score (or range) and specific points to be achieved in higher level subjects.A number of universities are now setting the same total points entry requirement for every subject with differing points to be achieved in the higher level subjects.Ucas | (2024)
Offers will normally be defined as an overall score but may include grades in specific subjects at higher level where these are required at A-level. There may also be a requirement in standard level English and mathematics.International Baccalaureate (2024)
Every applicant goes through the same Ucas process – and admissions tutors should judge IB applications fairly.
Course offers given to IB students may sometimes appear more challenging than offers made to A-level candidates, but that’s usually down to how the IB and A-levels are graded – the points scale allows competitive universities to more keenly differentiate between IB candidates.
There are many universities in the UK that will accept DP courses provided they are relevant for the programme the student applies to. Each university has its own system of accepting a candidate, so please check with the university first before requesting your IB transcript.International Baccalaureate (2024)
When are IB results released?
International Baccalureate diploma results are released to students on 5 July.
If you get the results you hoped for, you’ll receive confirmation of your university place well in advance of A-level students.
‘Near miss’ applicants can face a tense wait until A-level results come out for a final decision to be made about their place – but if you need to go through Clearing, you’ve got the extra time to plan in advance and be first on the phone.
So what are the main benefits of applying to university with IB qualifications?
1. The IB is good preparation for university-level study
The things you do – the extended essay, CAS [the Creativity, Action, Service programme], studying a wide range of subjects and so on – give you distinguishing features to push in your personal statement, as well as better prepare you for university study. Simply being an English student studying the IB may be enough to make you stand out from the pile of applications with A-levels.Daniel Penman | IB student now studying history at University of Cambridge
2. It gives you a broad study base
The structure of the IB means you study a broad range of subject options. This should leave you in a good position when it comes to making your university choices, especially if you’re not sure what course you want to take, as you’ll be keeping your options open (nearly always better than opting for a narrower combination of subjects).
The IB is also particularly well-suited to subjects like law because of its depth.
3. You've got lots of experience to shout about
When applying, stress the extra experience your IB course has given you and how different elements of the course have helped to shape your skills.
The subjects you choose will make a big difference to your application – and in particular your combination of higher level subjects – as these will usually determine what you go on to study at degree level. The IB website has some examples of diploma subject choices.
You’ll need to make sure you fulfil the requirements of the degree course you want, but also play to your strengths to ensure you get a good result.
Find where the gaps are and fill them in by taking extra modules (or offering to take extra modules) where necessary, and don't make life harder than you have to by taking the hardest optional sections.Emily Hale | IB student now studying civil engineering at University of Edinburgh
When it comes to degrees that require maths qualifications, for instance – such as maths, some economics and many engineering courses – you're likely to need higher level maths as opposed to standard level or maths studies.
If you've got an idea of what you want to study at university, check the entry requirements of specific courses to find out what's expected – search for a degree course or university.
Is it easier to study abroad with the IB?
As the name suggests, the IB is recognised internationally, and you should be able to use the diploma to apply to universities outside the UK.
However, other qualifications, including A-levels, are also recognised by universities around the world, so the IB may not be an advantage in itself. More important for studying abroad are good results, and possibly being able to speak the language.
