collageYour IB results have the power to make a huge impact. IB or the academic score is one of the most important factor for any university’s admission requirements and carries the highest weight versus other factors. With more emphasis on critical thinking, analysis and writing in today’s higher education marketplace, IB exam scores are gaining in importance in the college admissions process. The distinction between passing and not passing an IB exam can be significant when one compares the acceptance rate for students with scores of 4 or above to students with scores of 3 or below 1.
It also indicates the required points for the IB diploma in order to gain a conditional offer from the university, as well as any point requirements for specific subjects.
Right here on Collegelearners, you can rest assured to obtain all the relevant information you need on UCLA IB requirements, what is a good IB score for Ivy Leagues, average IB score, amongst others. Be sure to visit our catalog for more information on related topics.
Find more about IB score requirements for UK universities, universities that love IB students, IB score requirements for Canadian universities, IB requirements for engineering and University of Toronto IB requirements on Collegelearners.
Guide for IB students applying to US institutions
This guide provides a brief introduction to the US higher education system and its application process, as well as
information specifically relevant to IB students applying to US institutions from outside of the US.
The US context
More than 4,500 accredited institutions make up higher
education in the US. Unlike in many countries, US higher
education institutions are not centrally organized or managed, but are autonomous and accredited by independent regional bodies.
IB Score Requirements For Universities
The bachelor’s degree is the main undergraduate degree type at US universities and colleges. It is usually completed in four years of full-time study and is awarded after completing a specified number of credits in a major field. Students typically earn credits for courses they take, and these credits count towards the completion of a programme. Every course earns a certain number of credits, and each institution has its own requirement for the number of credits needed to graduate.
State colleges and universities, also called public institutions, were founded and subsidized by US state governments to provide a low-cost education to residents of that state. Public universities generally offer access to research opportunities and classes in a wide variety of fields of study.
Because of the high number of faculty research grants, public institutions tend to have large departments
offering a variety of degrees. These institutions tend to be very large and, because of government subsidies, are
typically less expensive to attend than private institutions. Private institutions receive the majority or entirety of
their funding from alumni donations, faculty research grants and tuition fees. This typically makes them more
expensive to attend, but allows for more resources available to students. Liberal arts institutions offer courses in the arts, humanities, languages, mathematics and social and physical sciences. The majority of liberal arts institutions are
private.
Associate Degrees
Community and technical colleges are another option that provides two-year associate degree programmes
to prepare students to continue studies for an undergraduate degree or help them gain occupational skills
for immediate employment. These institutions generally accept most students who apply, regardless of previous
academic performance. Most community colleges have articulation agreements with the public universities in the same state; students can complete their general studies at a community college and, if they meet minimum performance standards, transfer to a four-year institution to complete the remaining two years of their bachelor’s degree. Community colleges are an excellent choice for students who did not earn the IB diploma but wish to study in the US.
Groups and Leagues
Many universities are included within popular groups of other institutions. Often these groupings form out of
similarities in academic reputation, selectivity or athletic conference. Ivy League institutions, for example, are eight institutions in the northeast region of the US that compete in the same athletic conference; academically, they typically all
rank in the top 15 universities in the US. The Ivy League has connotations of academic excellence, selectivity in
admissions and social elitism. The University of California (UC) is an example of a public
state system.
Comprised of 10 university campuses throughout the state, UC refers to California’s public research universities that offer doctoral degrees. Although each campus is considered selective, the relative selectivity varies between them. The UC has some system-wide admissions requirements and recognition benefits for IB students, but individual campuses may have additional policies.
University Rankings
No official ranking system exists for colleges and universities in the US, although there are independent bodies that conduct subjective rankings annually. US universities are commonly ranked among the highest globally, and in most international university rankings the US is the country with the largest number of highly ranked institutions.
Applying to US universities
Who to contact
US institutions are autonomous, and students must apply to each institution directly. In addition, application procedures and requirements may vary considerably from one institution to another. The Common Application is a not-for-profit member
organization that allows students to apply to more than 600 institutions through a single application process,
although some institutions might still have additional requirements beyond the Common Application. Popularity is growing, but there are still many universities and colleges that do not use the Common Application.
Choosing An Area of Study
At liberal arts institutions, unless a student chooses a very specific area of study (such as pre-medicine or engineering) a major is typically not required until partway through the undergraduate degree. Thus, students usually do not need to indicate their preferred area of study when applying. The first one to two years of the degree will have general education requirements, allowing students to gain broader exposure to a range of faculties before choosing a major to focus the remainder of their courses on.
The Application
Admissions offices at US institutions tend to look at student performance holistically, taking a variety of factors into consideration in addition to academic performance. Each institution has its own admissions standards and
evaluation process. There is no national university entrance exam, but many institutions will require SAT or ACT exam scores. Many applications can be completed online, and most applications will require biographical information and education
background (including school transcripts and IB predicted grades). It is also common for institutions to request letters of recommendation, personal essays, test scores or proof of English proficiency. Students should find out
what an application requires well in advance of the application deadline.
Timeline
It is important to check the application deadline for each institution, as deadlines may vary, but many are in
December or January. Because the US admissions cycle happens prior to the May IB exam session, US institutions
base their admissions decisions on anticipated IB scores reported by the student’s school in conjunction with
the other factors listed above. Generally, after an offer is made, students are required to verify that the predicted
results used for admissions decisions were accurate by requesting the IB send their exam results to the institution. Many institutions will accept the IB transcript as a school-leaving credential, but some may require a separate high school diploma as well.
Information for IB students
Nearly all higher education institutions in the US will consider performance in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for the purpose of admissions or other factors including granting course credit, advanced standing, scholarships or financial aid.
IB Score Requirements For Universities
Something else to consider before you start your IB journey is the score required to secure your place at uni, whether that’s in the US or the UK.
US Universities
In the US, universities don’t release specified IB Diploma Program cut-off scores.
At least for the Ivy League and more selective colleges, you’re going to need a healthy mix of sixes and sevens (no less than six) in your subjects for a shot at admission.
A score in the 40s is going to make you a more competitive candidate academically (note: a lot of non-academic factors are at play), but a 38 is considered a good grade.
If you’re aiming for the Ivies, you certainly don’t want to be dipping below the 36 mark. Even then, the rest of your application had better be pretty exceptional to compensate for a score on the lower end.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), expects students to achieve a score of at least five in each HL subject. However, given the competitiveness of admissions (UCLA receives the most applications of any university in the US), most admitted students typically score 38+ points.
For help getting a great IB Score Crimson offers Online Tutoring programs with the world’s best teachers and tutors. We offer support in all IB subjects including English, mathematics, the sciences, economics, history and more. More Crimson IB students score 44+ than any other tutoring company.IB Online Tutoring
UK Universities
Most universities will not only consider your overall IB DP score but also your grades in specific HL subjects.
For example, to apply for English Language and Literature at Christchurch College, University of Oxford, an applicant needs a total DP grade of 38 points, and at least a six in three HL subjects.
Here’s a look at some UK universities’ IB score requirements for their most competitive courses:
- Course: Natural Sciences
- IB cut-off: 40 points + 7/7/6 at higher level
- Course: History
- IB cut-off: 39 points + 19 at higher level
- Course: English
- IB cut-off: 38 points + 6/6/6 at higher level
Bristol University:
- Course: Maths
- IB cut-off: 38 points + 6/6 at higher level
Durham University:
- Course: Law
- IB cut-off: 36 points + 6/6/6 at higher level
It’s quite common for UK universities to change their IB score requirements depending on the degree, but usually these stay within a pretty small range.
For example, IB score requirements at University of Oxford will vary between 38 and 40 (always with a minimum of six in each HL subject).
Other unis have standard cut-off IB scores across the board, which makes it a thousand times easier for everyone.
These include:
University of Bath: 36 total points
King’s College London: 35 total points
University of Leeds: 35 total points
University of Kent: 34 total points
Birmingham University: 32 total points
Royal Holloway College London: 32 total points
For help getting a great IB Score Crimson offers Online Tutoring programs with the world’s best teachers and tutors. We offer support in all IB subjects including English, mathematics, the sciences, economics, history and more. More Crimson IB students score 44+ than any other tutoring company.
London Business School IB Admissions Requirements
Most institutions do not set minimum required scores for IB students. They prefer to take into account a combination of course selection and performance, extended essay and creativity, activity, service activities, interviews or personal statements, letters of recommendation, and often performance on other standardized exams. Additionally,
many US institutions look at performance in individual IB courses rather than the collective point total.
It is important to keep in mind that selectivity varies greatly between institutions. While most will consider the
IB as a pathway, some institutions will expect exemplary performance in their applicants. Other institutions will
admit IB applicants with a wide range of scores. Admissions requirements are often not spelled out clearly
in IB terms on university websites and vary from institution to institution. It is recommended to speak directly
with a university representative to gain a clearer understanding of what level of performance will be likely to
gain entry.
Benefits
Many US higher education institutions offer benefits to IB students. Benefits are is determined by each institution
individually, but might include credit for certain IB scores, scholarships or tuition assistance. Some universities
allow IB students to enter their institution as second-year students, meaning the undergraduate education will be
three years instead of four.
DP Course students
Students taking DP courses but not the full diploma might be able to receive credit from institutions for individual courses, but policy is also determined by each institution, and sometimes each individual programme or faculty within the institution. Some institutions indicate their IB recognition policy on their website.
Anticipated grades
It is important to note that the admissions cycle in the US takes place before IB students even sit exams. Thus, admissions decisions are often based in part on the student’s anticipated grades submitted by the school. If a student’s final IB scores are significantly below the anticipated grades submitted by the school, it is possible for the university to withdraw its offer. As such, it is vital that teachers and schools report students’ anticipated grades as accurately as possible. This is not only important for students’ futures, but if a school consistently inflates anticipated grades, it may tarnish that school’s reputation
with the university.
Who sends IB transcripts to the US?
In 2014, 759 U.S. institutions received 9,0161 transcripts from 8,163 overseas students (although around a quarter of these students hold American passports). This averages 1.1 transcripts per student, suggesting that most students send transcripts to only one institution. It can be assumed that students who sent transcripts to US institutions were admitted to those institutions, as by the time IB results are released, students generally know which university they plan to attend.
Transcripts were sent from a variety of countries. Even the most common countries of origin, China and India, only account for 12% and 11%, respectively, of the total number of transcripts sent to US institutions from abroad. Six of the 10 most common origin countries are from the Asia-Pacific region, with places such as Thailand and Indonesia sending numbers comparable with those of the UK.
Where do IB students send transcripts?
Students send transcripts to a very wide variety of institutions. Even the 50 most popular institutions received just over half (4,939) of transcripts sent to the US. Of these 50, 19 are public institutions, with University of California campuses accounting for 6. From these 50 institutions:
- eight are in California
- seven are in Massachusetts
- five are in New York
- nine are in the mid-west: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin
- seven are in the northeast: Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island
- six are in the southeast: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina
- five are in the mid-east: Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia
- three are in the west: Colorado, Texas, Washington.
The 10 institutions that received the largest number of transcripts account for 25% of all transcripts sent to the US. Half are public and half are private. Seven of the 10 are ranked as top 100 universities by the QS World University Rankings.
- In total there were 10245 transcripts sent, but for this analysis, MYP, CP and Anticipated transcripts were removed.
- These figures do not include transcripts that were sent to particular colleges within NYU or other campuses at Purdue or PSU. http://www.topuniversities.com/qs-world-university-rankings
- Most common source of transcripts coming into the US Information on the 10 US institutions that receive the most transcripts from international IB students.
Boston University
General admissions information When reviewing your high school/secondary school transcript, Boston University looks at a variety of factors, including overall level of achievement; enrollment in honours, AP or IB-level courses; and your individual academic strengths. Total undergraduate enrollment6 17k.
- Overall acceptance rate7 46%
- Global ranking8 91
- Average DP score9 34
- Credit and advanced standing
- Higher level (HL) courses passed with a grade of 5 or higher may receive 8 credits. Credit for additional DP exams
- subject to approval.
New York University
General admissions information
To be eligible for admission, applicants are expected to submit
results from one of the following testing options:
- The SAT Reasoning Test
- The ACT with Writing Test
- Three SAT Subject Test scores
- Three AP exam scores
- The IB diploma
- Three IB HL exam scores (if you are not an IB diploma candidate
- Total undergraduate enrollment 24k
- Overall acceptance rate 26%
- Global ranking 53
- Average DP score 36
Credit and advanced standing
HL examinations passed with grades of 6 or 7 may be considered for credit and/or placement depending on the
area of study and/or programme requirements. Typically, eight semester hours of credit (equivalent to two terms or
one academic year of a specific subject) will be awarded for each HL examination meeting the requirements of New
York University.
Additional considerations.
- SAT/ACT exams are optional.
- These institutions are listed in alphabetical order, and inclusion here does not necessarily indicate that these institutions have the most generous or appropriate offerings for IB students.
- Whenever possible, language is taken directly from the university website. http://www.topuniversities.com/universities
- Whenever possible, taken directly from the university website. This rate is for the institution overall and is not specific to IB students. http://www.topuniversities.com/qs-world-university-rankings.
- Based on all overseas full diploma transcripts sent directly to the institution by the IB in 2014. Not all students who send transcripts necessarily go on to enroll at the institution. Does not include retakes.
Northeastern University
General admissions information
- For students applying from schools outside of the US, the SAT and
- ACT are not required. However, for applicants interested in presenting the most competitive application, Northeastern strongly encourages applicants to submit one of the following: AP exam results, a full IB diploma, three HL IB exam scores, or the results from nationally or regionally accredited exams that signify completion of secondary education.
- Total undergraduate enrollment 14k
- Overall acceptance rate 32%
- Global ranking 365
- Average DP score 32
- Credit and advanced standing
- Northeastern accepts scores of 5, 6, or 7 on most HL exams for credit.
Pennsylvania State University – University Park*
General admissions information
- In reviewing an application, we look for students who have successfully completed courses or examinations in the core subjects of mathematics, physical science, social science and language in all years of high school. Penn State requires first-year international students to submit an official score from the SAT or ACT examination.
- Total undergraduate enrollment 39k
- Overall acceptance rate 54%
- Global ranking 101
- Average DP score 32
- Credit and advanced standing
- Penn State will award transfer credit for exams taken at HL in which students have received a 5 or above.
- Additional considerations
- International students whose native language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency. A score of 5 or higher on the English A: Language and literature (SL/HL) exam fulfills this requirement.
Purdue University – West Lafayette*
General admissions information
- Those who pursue the strongest-possible college preparatory programme and take advantage of any available HL International Baccalaureate (IB) or honours courses generally are more competitive candidates for admission and more qualified to succeed in college.
- Total undergraduate enrollment 29k
- Overall acceptance rate 60%
- Global ranking 89
- Average DP score 34
- Credit and advanced standing
- Credit will normally be awarded for scores of 5–7 in HL subjects only, but there are a few exceptions. Students with
- lower grades might be able to test out of those subjects.
- Additional considerations
- Students interested in applying for technical programmes (engineering, science, health-related majors, technology
- and agriculture, etc.) should take as much advanced coursework as possible in math and science (IB calculus [sic], IB
- biology, IB chemistry and IB physics).
University of California – Berkeley
General admissions information
- Admission to UC Berkeley is a two-step process: satisfying college and major requirements and selection. All achievement—both academic and non-academic/personal—is considered in the context of your educational circumstances, with an emphasis on the opportunities or challenges presented to you and your response to them. No single attribute or characteristic guarantees the admission of any applicant to Berkeley. Total undergraduate enrollment 27k
- Overall acceptance rate 18%
- Global ranking 26
- Average DP score 38
- Credit and advanced standing
- Students who complete the IB diploma with a score of 30 or above will receive 30 quarter (20 semester) units toward their UC
- degree. Students who receive IB certificates with scores of 5, 6 or 7 on HL exams will receive 8 quarter (5.3 semester) units.
- Additional considerations
- Designated examinations are awarded elective units that may be applied to UC graduation requirements for specific
- subjects and/or for general education/breadth requirements, as determined by each campus.
University of California–Los Angeles
General admissions information
- UCLA receives the most applications of any university in the US. All applications are read twice. All academic and non-academic/personal achievement is considered in the context of your educational circumstances, with an emphasis on the opportunities or challenges presented to you and your response to them. No single attribute or characteristic guarantees the admission of any applicant.
- Students enrolled in IB World Schools are expected to earn scores of 5 or higher on HL exams, and most admitted students typically score 38+ points on the IB diploma.
- Total undergraduate enrollment 28k
- Overall acceptance rate 22%
- Global ranking 27
- Average DP score 38
- Credit and advanced standing
- UCLA awards college credit for most HL exams with scores of 5 or higher. (We do not award college credit for standard level exams.) The specific credit you receive depends on the college/school your major belongs to.
University of California-San Diego
General admissions information
- International students must have completed secondary school with a superior average in academic subjects and have earned a certificate of completion that enables the student to be admitted to a university in the home country. If you are completing your IB diploma or taking some IB courses, make sure to report your IB status in your application.
- Total undergraduate enrollment 23k
- Overall acceptance rate 38%
- Global ranking 44
- Average DP score 35
- Credit and advanced standing
- UCSD grants exemptions or credit for scores of 5–7 in many HL courses. Only HL exams are accepted for credit.
- Scores of 6 or 7 on standard level English exam meets UC Entry Level Writing requirement but no unit credit is granted. IB students can earn a maximum of 30 credits for their scores.
- Additional considerations
- Please request that internal marks and intermediate results/certificates from your school or appropriate authority are
- sent to UC San Diego by July 1. Please have your school authority provide predicted results if possible along with an
- explanation of when your final marks and certificate will be available.
University of Pennsylvania
General admissions information
- Applicants are asked to choose one of the four undergraduate schools to serve as a home base throughout their academic journey.
- All students gain a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences and have the ability to take classes in all four schools. Therefore, we encourage applicants to consistently take classes in the core academic disciplines (English, social studies, mathematics, science and foreign language). We review the school report along with any provided school profile to best understand your high school context, types of courses available, the school’s grading scale, and extracurricular or post-secondary opportunities. Students are only expected to challenge themselves academically within the offerings available to them.
- Total undergraduate enrollment 10k
- Overall acceptance rate 12%
- Global ranking 18
- Average DP score 38
- Credit and advanced standing
- The University of Pennsylvania may award credit or advanced course standing to students who have taken IB examinations. Scores warranting credit vary by department. Scores of 6 or 7 in many HL courses will earn credits.
University of Southern California
General admissions information
- The most fundamental expectation entering students at USC is that they will have completed a rigorous high school curriculum in English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language and the arts. USC expects that prospective students will take advantage of the highest level of classes offered to them in their secondary school. USC believes that students who undertake an IB curriculum are well-prepared for the rigours of university academic life. IB courses are factored into the admission evaluation process because USC recognizes the extreme rigour of such a curriculum.
- Total undergraduate enrollment 18k
- Overall acceptance rate 20%
- Global ranking 130
- Average DP score 35
- Credit and advanced standing
- Six (6) elective units apiece are earned for scores of five (5) or above on HL exams; or twenty (20) elective units if
- students earn the IB diploma with a score of 30 or higher. General education credit is available for some history and
- science exams
International Baccalaureate (IB) students
Applying to university
The International Baccalaureate has grown in popularity in the last decade. But how will taking the IB affect your university application – and can it give you an advantage over A-level students?Note, the International Baccalaureate (IB) offer several programmes to students of different ages; the below information refers strictly 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
We have further advice below on picking your IB Diploma subjects.
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
The number of students applying to higher education with the IB has doubled in the last decade; in 2008 there were 1,035 acceptances, while in 2017 there were 2,190 acceptances – a figure that has remained pretty stable for the last few years.
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 parallel between higher level standards / A-level, and standard level / AS-level, it’s safe to assume that if a university asks for a particular subject at A2 level in its entry requirements, they’re likely to require it at higher level as part of the IB.
IB Scores Required for Ivy League Universities
Ivy League Universities comprise of eight universities in the North-Eastern region of US and rank among top fifteen universities in the US.
These universities are known for their academic excellence and social elitism. All these universities consider the performance of students in IB Diploma Program at the time of admissions.
Why IB?
There is no national university entrance exam conducted by universities, but they rather consider the IB scores of students. IB Diploma is considered as a big deal in the states and is unofficially accepted as a standard curriculum by the college.
In fact, these universities give preference to IB students over non-IB students. As per the IBO survey, the acceptance rate of IB students by ivy universities is up to 18% higher.
Ivy universities consider IB students for a lot many reasons such as IB requires a lot of study and discipline.
You will have to perform well not only in core subjects but in everything. It also requires you to perform activities beyond the class such as community services which helps in your personal growth.
There are various IB Coaching Online programs available for Physics HL / SL, Chemistry HL/SL, Mathematics HL/SL, Biology HL/SL. It helps to score 45 in your IB
All these factors lead a student to become a strong person with a strong academic career and successful person.
Get IB Trial Session Download IVY League Colleges Cutoff Sheet
Admission Requirement in Ivy League Universities
As such, there is no minimum score requirement for taking admissions in Ivy league universities as the scores depend upon the subjects you have chosen.
These universities take into account the overall performance of the students in subject wise performance, ToK (Theory of Knowledge), extended essays, CAS and LOR (Letter of Recommendation).
It should also be kept in mind that every university has different selection criteria. While some of the universities will look for performance in individual courses whereas some will consider the overall score.
Admission requirements are not mentioned clearly on the university websites and thus vary for different institutions. To get a clear understanding of the admission requirement, you can personally get in touch with the university.
It should also be noted that the admission in Ivy league universities starts way before students sit in the IB exam and hence they consider anticipated scores provided by the schools. Also, if the final IB scores are less than the anticipated score then the university can withdraw the admission offer.
So, it is always important to provide anticipated scores as accurately as possible. Also, if a school continuously provides inflated anticipated grades then it may affect the school’s reputation.
Join IB Group
IB Score Criteria For Ivy league University
There is no minimum score required by the universities as scores are dependent on the course subjects that have been chosen. But to be on the safer side it’s always advisable to score more than 38 or at least 6s or 7s in every subject.
Most of these universities would require you to score at least 6s in HL subjects. For example, if you are planning to do engineering then you probably need to score at least a 6 in Mathematics HL.
Successful candidates usually have a predicted score of 38 and above to get admission in ivy universities. But remember, Ivy universities are less particular about the scores rather they consider the holistic performance of the student in IB Diploma program.
They also consider your personal background, your abilities and your leadership qualities. Students should find out the requirement of the university they want to take admission to.
IB Program And University Admissions
IN THE UK:
- The British Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) tariff system now gives greater currency to IB scores over A-levels.
- An IB score of 38 points out of a maximum of 45 is equivalent to five “A” grades at A-level.
- A score of 30 IB points reflects three and a half “A’s” at A-level, which is enough to gain admission to most good universities in the UK.
IN THE US:
- TheIB Diploma Programme as a well-known and accepted “college-standard” curriculum.
- The acceptance rate of IB students into Ivy League Universities is up to 18% higher than the total population acceptance rate. IB Student Acceptance Rates and Credit Policies at the Top 25 US Universities.
- Most of the top US colleges will give you credits for your Diploma Program subjects if you get over a certain score.
IN SPAIN:
- Students who have the IB Diploma do not need to sit University Entrance Exams (Selectividad or EvAU), as they are able to validate their IB Diploma points to gain access to the Spanish system (from 24=5 to 42-45=10).
- For the extra 4 points, IB students have the advantage of two options: they can convert the grades of their subject courses, and/or pass the exams of the “fase específica” at the UNED. IB students can even do both and apply to a university with the highest score, while the students of the national system can only apply through the “fase específica”.
- Students should check with the university of their choice as some, in recognition of its high value, have established a direct IB Route.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Entry Requirements
Queen’s welcomes applications from International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma students.
Offers will normally be conditional upon successful completion of the IB, to include three subjects at Higher Level (with scores between 6,6,6,- 5,5,5), in addition to an overall score (normally between 29 and 36 points). Points obtained for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge can count towards the total.
The table below shows the IB requirements compared to the University’s UK A-level entry requirements. We may also require specific grades in relevant Higher Level subjects. Details of the A-level grades and any specific subject requirements for each programme may be found in our Course Finder.
Please note that these grades should be treated as a guide as variations may occur in certain circumstances.
| A-level grades | International Baccalaureate Diploma |
|---|---|
| AAA | 36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level |
| AAB | 34 points overall including 6,6,5 at Higher Level |
| ABB | 33 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level |
| BBB | 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level |
| BBC | 30 points overall including 5,5,5 at Higher Level |
| BCC | 29 points overall including 5,5,5 at Higher Level |
English Language Requirements
Applicants should also hold an acceptable English language qualification at the appropriate level. English (Syllabus A) with a score of 4 at Standard Level or 4 at Higher Level will normally meet the English language entry requirement for the majority of our programmes. English (Syllabus B) with a score of 5 at Standard Level or 4 at Higher Level is also acceptable. However, please note that English language requirements may vary depending on your chosen programme. Please refer to our Course Finder for English language requirements by programme.
Applicants who are not studying English as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma should refer to the full list of other acceptable English language requirements.
Mathematics Requirements
We will accept both Mathematics Standard Level and Mathematical Studies Standard Level in lieu of GCSE Mathematics. The corresponding grade requirements are:
| GCSE | IBD Standard Level |
| A | 6 |
| B | 5 |
| C | 4 |
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