IB Diploma Programme: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Educational programme}}
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The '''International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)''' is an [[education]]al programme examined in one of three languages ([[English language|English]], [[French language|French]] or [[Spanish language|Spanish]]). The programme, administered by the [[International Baccalaureate Organization]], is a recognised pre-university educational programme<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/ IBO notes on university recognition]</ref>. It is taught in 1,956 [[List of International Baccalaureate schools|schools]], often in [[international school]]s, in 134 countries<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/school/search/index.cfm?programmes=DIPLOMA&country=&region=&find_schools=Find]</ref>. More than half of the schools offering the Diploma Programme are state funded schools.
{{International Baccalaureate}}
Students take six subjects, and must also complete 3 extra requirements: the [[Theory of Knowledge]] course (ToK), a 4000-word Extended Essay (EE), and at least 150 hours in CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) areas.<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/diploma/slidec.cfm/ Diploma Programme at a glance: What are the three core requirements?]</ref>
 
The '''International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme''' ('''IBDP''') is a two-year [[Curriculum|educational programme]] primarily aimed at 16-to-19-year-olds in 140 countries around the world. The programme provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognized by many universities worldwide. It was developed in the early-to-mid-1960s in [[Geneva]], Switzerland, by a group of international educators. After a six-year pilot programme that ended in 1975, a bilingual diploma was established.
Marks are awarded from 1 to 7 in each subject with 7 being the highest, and up to three additional points may be awarded depending on the results of the EE and ToK essays. The maximum possible point total in the Diploma Programme is 45.<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/newsletter_recognition/march_2006/articlefour/]</ref> In order to receive an International Baccalaureate Diploma, candidates must receive a minimum of 24 points. There are a number of failing conditions which will prevent a student from being awarded a Diploma regardless of the points they received (such as non-completion of CAS, plagiarism, no EE etc). The IBO also requires that the candidate do fairly well on each individual exam, although these requirements allow for failure of 3 standard level subjects or 1 higher level subject if the student has at least 28 total points.<ref>http://www.vis.ac.at/_img/pdf/passingtheib.pdf</ref>
 
Administered by the [[International Baccalaureate]] (IB), the IBDP is taught in schools in over 140 countries, in one of five languages: Chinese, English, French, German, or Spanish.<ref>[https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/diploma-programme-final-statistical-bulletin-may-2021-assessment-session..pdf Diploma Programme Final Statistical Bulletin May 2021]</ref> To offer the IB diploma, schools must be certified as an IB school. IBDP students complete assessments in six subjects, traditionally one from each of the 6 [[#Subject groups|subject groups]] (although students may choose to forgo a group 6 subject such as Art or music, instead choosing an additional subject from one of the other groups). In addition, they must fulfill the [[#Core requirements and subject groups|three core requirements]], namely CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), TOK (Theory of Knowledge) and the EE (Extended Essay). Students are evaluated using both internal and external assessments, and courses finish with an externally assessed series of examinations, usually consisting of two or three timed written tests. Internal assessment varies by subject: there may be oral presentations, practical work, or written work. In most cases, these are initially graded by the classroom teacher, whose grades are then verified or modified, as necessary, by an appointed external moderator.
Candidates who successfully pass examinations in two languages A1, or one language A1 and one language A2 courses and meet all the other criteria for successful completion of the Diploma Programme are eligible to receive a Bilingual Diploma. <ref>[http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/guide/slidef.cfm A guide to the IB Diploma Programme for universities and colleges: How to interpret IB grades and transcripts]</ref>
 
Generally, the IBDP has been well-received. It has been commended for introducing interdisciplinary thinking to students. In the United Kingdom, ''[[The Guardian]]'' newspaper claims that the IBDP is "more academically challenging and broader than three or four [[A-level (United Kingdom)|A-levels]]".<ref name="guardian-2009-02-10">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2009/feb/10/international-baccalaureate-moved-amsterdam |title=Leap from Cardiff to Amsterdam for Baccalaureate |work=[[The Guardian]] |first=Jessica |last=Shepard |date=10 February 2009 |___location=London}}</ref>
Students who complete individual IB courses and their final exams, but opt out of the full programme (or fail to complete it) do not receive the IB Diploma, but instead receive IB Certificates for each subject. IB Certificates are proof of having taken the exam and of the student's score on it.
{{IB}}
 
==History and background==
== Subject areas ==
In 1945, the "Conference of Internationally-minded Schools" asked the [[International School of Geneva]] (Ecolint) to create an international schools programme.<ref name="Peterson p. 17">Peterson p. 17</ref><ref>Fox p. 5</ref> When he became director of Ecolint's English division, [[Desmond Cole-Baker]] began to develop the idea, and in 1962, his colleague Robert Leach organized a conference in Geneva, at which the term "International Baccalaureate" was first mentioned.<ref name="Peterson p. 17"/><ref>Hill, 2007 p. 19</ref> An American social studies teacher, Leach organized the conference—with a $2500 grant from [[UNESCO]]—which was attended by observers from European schools and [[UNESCO]]. Writing about the genesis of the International Baccalaureate in ''Schools Across Frontiers'', [[Alec Peterson]] credits Leach as "the original promoter of the International Baccalaureate."<ref>Peterson p. 18</ref> At the end of the conference, [[UNESCO]] funded the International School Association with an additional $10,000, which was inadequate to do more than produce a few papers, or bring teachers together for meetings.<ref name="Peterson18-26">Peterson p. 18-26</ref>
Students who pursue the diploma take six subjects; one each from Groups 1 to 5 (below) with an additional subject from 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6.
[[File:Ecolintchateau.jpg|thumb|right|Château at [[Ecolint]] where [[International Baccalaureate|IB]] was developed.]]
 
By 1964, international educators such as [[Alec Peterson]] (director of the Department of Education at [[Oxford University]]), [[Harlan Hanson]] (director of the [[Advanced Placement|College Board Advanced Placement Program]]), Desmond Cole (director of [[United Nations International School]] in New York City) and Desmond Cole-Baker (head of the International School of Geneva) founded the International Schools Examination Syndicate (ISES).<ref name="Fox65-75">Fox, pp. 65–75</ref><ref name="Mathews, p. 22">Mathews, p. 22</ref> Cole and Hanson brought experience with college entrance examinations in the United States, and Hanson, in particular, brought his experience from a long relationship with the [[College Board]].<ref name="Mathews, p. 22"/> According to Peterson, "the breakthrough in the history of the IB" came in 1965 with a grant from the [[The Century Foundation|Twentieth Century Fund]], which commissioned [[Martin Mayer (writer)|Martin Mayer]], author of ''The Schools'', to produce a report on the feasibility of establishing a common curriculum and examination for [[international school]]s that would be acceptable for entry to universities worldwide.<ref name="Peterson18-26"/> This led to conferences involving Ecolint, the [[Atlantic College|United World College of the Atlantic]] (Atlantic College), and others in the spring and fall of 1965, at which details about the curriculum for the Diploma Programme were discussed and agreed upon.<ref name="Peterson18-26"/>
A minimum of three subjects must be taken at higher level (HL) and the rest at standard level (SL). There must be no more than 4 subjects taken at a Higher Level, unless approved by the IB co-ordinator at the school. Higher level subjects recommend approximately 240 hours of teaching time, and standard level subjects about 150.
 
The Ford Foundation grant, secured in 1966, funded Peterson's study at Oxford University, which focused on three issues: a comparative analysis of "secondary educational programmes in European countries...in cooperation with the Council of Europe"; university expectations for secondary students intending to enter university; and a "statistical comparison of IB pilot examination results with...national school leaving examinations such as [[A-level|British A Levels]] and [[Advanced Placement|US College Board (AP) Tests]]".<ref name="Peterson18-26"/><ref name="Fox65-75"/> As a result of the study and the curriculum model developed at Atlantic College, Peterson initiated the pattern of combining "general education with specialization", which melded with the curricula of the United States and Canada, and became the "curriculum framework" proposed at the UNESCO conference in Geneva in 1967.<ref name="Fox65-75"/> Late in 1967, ISES was restructured and renamed the IB Council of Foundation, and John Goormaghtigh became the first president in January 1968.<ref name="Peterson18-26"/> In 1967, the group, which by then also included [[Ralph W. Tyler|Ralph Tyler]], identified eight schools to be used for the experimentation of the curriculum.<ref>Peterson pp. 24–27</ref>
*'''[[IB Group 1 subjects|Group 1: Language A1]]''': Generally the student's strongest [[language]], with over 80 different languages available.
*'''[[IB Group 2 subjects|Group 2: Second Language]]''': An additional language, taken either at A1 (HL or SL), A2 (HL or SL), B (SL or HL) or ''ab initio'' (SL only).
*'''[[IB Group 3 subjects|Group 3: Individuals and Societies]]''': Humanities and social sciences: such as [[philosophy]], [[economics]], [[business]] and [[management]], [[psychology]], [[social anthropology]], human rights, peace and conflict studies, information technology in a global society ([[ITGS]]), [[geography]] and [[history]] (or History of the [[Islamic World]]).
*'''[[IB Group 4 subjects|Group 4: Experimental Sciences]]''': Subjects such as [[physics]], [[chemistry]], [[biology]], [[environmental systems]], Ecosystems & Societies, [[Design Technology]], and Sports Exercise and Health Science.
*'''[[IB Group 5 subjects|Group 5: Mathematics]]''': The subjects are, in order of increasing difficulty, Mathematical Studies SL, Mathematics SL, and Mathematics HL. Furthermore, Further Mathematics can be studied at SL in addition to a Mathematics HL course. This group also includes [[computer science]] but only as an elective (not a substitute for the other mathematics courses).
*'''[[IB Group 6 subjects|Group 6: Arts and Electives]]''': Subjects such as [[visual arts]], [[film]], [[music]], [[dance]], and [[theatre arts]]. Can be replaced with another subject from Group 2, 3, or 4, or [[Computer Science]] from Group 5.
 
In 1968, the IB headquarters were officially established in Geneva for the development and maintenance of the IBDP. Alec Peterson became IBO's first director general, and in 1968, twelve schools in twelve countries participated in the IBDP, including Atlantic College in Wales, Ecolint in Geneva, and UNIS of New York City.<ref name="Peterson18-26"/><ref name="Fox65-75"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uwc.org/who_we_are/history/international_baccalaureate_development.aspx |work=uwc.org |title=International Baccalaureate history |access-date=25 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531030333/http://www.uwc.org/who_we_are/history/international_baccalaureate_development.aspx |archive-date=31 May 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> <!-- Peterson secured an audience with the Shah of Iran in 1969 and secured $100,000 grant for IB.<ref>Hill p. 65 </ref> --><!-- date needed for Hill for a source check --> The aim was to "provide an internationally acceptable university admissions qualification suitable for the growing mobile population of young people whose parents were part of the world of diplomacy, international and multi-national organizations."<ref>Hayden p. 94</ref>
== Extended Essay ==
{{main|Extended Essay}}
Students must write an essay of up to 4,000 words in any chosen subject (not necessarily one taken for the final exam, although it is highly suggested that the student have some familiarity with the topic) but not across subjects. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
All subjects have specific guidelines that must be followed in order for the Extended Essay to be considered. The topic may be any that the student feels is researchable. This task involves teacher guided independent research and requires producing a written thesis. Each student is paired with a supervisor who provides insight and orients his or her work. The Extended Essay ''must'' be submitted in order to receive the IB Diploma.<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/essay/ Extended essay]</ref>
 
The first six years of the IB Diploma Programme, with a limited number of students, are referred to as the "experimental period".<ref>Peterson pp. 61–98</ref> Each school was to be inspected by ISES or IBO and had to be approved by their government.<ref>Peterson, p. 31</ref> The experimental period ended in 1975, and in that year, the International Baccalaureate North America (IBNA) was established as a separate entity, allowing the funding for implementation of the IBDP to remain in the country rather than being sent to Geneva.<ref>Peterson, p. 141</ref> The first official guide to the programme containing its syllabus and official assessment information was published in 1970 and included the theory of knowledge course. The extended essay was introduced in 1978, but [[Creativity, action, service|creativity, action, service (CAS)]], although mentioned in guides beforehand, was not specifically identified in the guide until 1989.<ref name="Peterson18-26"/><ref>Hill pp. 27 et. seq.</ref>
== CAS ==
{{main|Creativity, Action, Service}}
CAS is an acronym for ''Creativity, Action, Service''. This extracurricular aspect of the IB Diploma involves student engagement in social work or community service (Service), participation in sports (Action), and initiative in creative activity (Creativity). The purpose of CAS is to encourage students to go beyond academic pursuits and experience life outside school. Each Diploma candidate completes 150 hours of CAS related activities over the period of the IB course, where 50 hours each are contributed towards Creativity, Service and Action.<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/cas/ Creativity, action, service (CAS)]</ref>
Students may increase the number of hours in each category as there is no limit, as long as they complete at least 50 hours in each of Creativity, Action and Service to make the minimum 150 hours. The hours of work completed are documented by the school using official forms (CAS/AEF Forms) which are submitted to the IBO by January of the final year of the IB course. {{Fact|date=May 2009}} The IB Diploma is awarded only upon successful completion of CAS.
 
In 1980, responding to criticism that the "internationalism" was Eurocentric, the IB hosted a seminar in [[Singapore]] with the goal of incorporating Asian culture and education into the IB curriculum. In 1982, the Standing Conference of Heads of IB Schools took steps to modify the Eurocentrism in the curriculum. The same year, the Japanese government hosted a science conference for IBO "as a token of Japanese interest in the various dimensions of the IB".<ref name="Fox65-75"/>
== Theory of Knowledge ==
{{main|Theory of Knowledge (IB course)}}
Each student must complete the ''Theory of Knowledge'' (TOK) course of at least 100 hours, which aims to encourage students to be critical thinkers and to teach students basic [[epistemology]]. To complete requirements for TOK, diploma candidates must write a TOK essay of 1200&ndash;1600 words on a set title (from a choice of ten issued by the IBO), and present a TOK issue to their class on their choice of topic. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
From the start, all subjects of the IB Diploma Programme were available in English and French, and it was mandatory for all students to study both a first and a second language.<ref name="HIll p. 27 et. seq">HIll p. 27 et. seq.</ref> In 1974, bilingual diplomas were introduced that allowed students to take one or more of their humanities or science subjects in a language other than their first. The IB Diploma Programme subjects became available in Spanish in 1983.<ref name="HIll p. 27 et. seq"/>
The grades that the student receives from the TOK essay and presentation are compared with the grade for the Extended Essay by way of a matrix designed by the IBO, which may result in the awarding of 'extra' or 'bonus' points for the candidate's Diploma. The candidate may get up to three extra points if both works are of a sufficient standard. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
==Core requirements and subject groups==
I'm sorry, i don't know how to edit this but this isn't true. Now CAS is based on what you do and how you involve yourself into a variety of activities. Therefore it's not based on the hours you accumulate.
=== Core requirements ===
To be awarded an IB diploma, candidates must fulfill three core requirements, in addition to passing their subject examinations:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/ |title=Diploma Programme curriculum, core requirements |access-date=7 June 2010 |publisher=[[International Baccalaureate]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615185026/http://ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/ |archive-date=15 June 2010}}</ref>
 
*Extended essay (EE). Candidates must write an independent research essay of up to 4,000 words<ref name="essay1">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/essay/index.cfm |title=Diploma Programme curriculum, extended essay |access-date=6 June 2009 |publisher=[[International Baccalaureate]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831040111/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/essay/index.cfm |archive-date=31 August 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in a subject from the list of approved EE subjects.<ref name="Schools p. 9">[[#refSchoolGuideDP2002|Schools' Guide to IBDP]], p. 5.</ref> The candidate may choose to investigate a topic within a subject they are currently studying, although this is not required.<ref name=autogenerated2>[[#refSchoolGuideDP2002|Schools' Guide to IBDP]], p. 9.</ref> The EE may be written on an interdisciplinary topic.<ref name=autogenerated1>[[#refSchoolGuideDP2002|Schools' Guide to IBDP]], p. 6.</ref>
== Assessment ==
*[[Theory of knowledge (IB course)|Theory of knowledge]] (TOK). This course introduces students to theories about the nature and limitations of knowledge (basic [[epistemology]]) and provides practice in determining the meaning and validity of knowledge ([[critical thinking]]). It is claimed to be a "flagship element" of the Diploma Programme, and is the one course that all diploma candidates are required to take. TOK requires 100 hours of instruction, the completion of an externally assessed essay of 1600 words (from a choice of six titles prescribed by the IB worth 67%), and an internally assessed exhibition or presentation (worth 33%) on the candidate's chosen topic.<ref name="TOK_Guide">{{cite book |title=Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008) |publisher=[[International Baccalaureate]] |date=March 2006}}</ref>
All subjects are assessed using both internal and external assessment, including final [[exam]]s given worldwide in May (usually for Northern Hemisphere schools) and in November (usually for Southern Hemisphere schools). Each exam usually consists of two or three ''papers'', generally written on the same or successive days <ref>http://www.ibo.org/students/documents/MayandNovember2008examinationschedulesEnglish.pdf 2008 IBO Examination Schedule </ref>. The different papers may have different forms of questions, or they may focus on different areas of the subject syllabus. For example, [[chemistry]] Paper 1 has [[multiple choice]] questions, Paper 2 has extended response questions, and Paper 3 focuses on the 'option' topics which can vary according to the student's (or school's) preference. Re-sits for each paper (sat in the next exam session - November or May) are possible for a maximum of three times.{{Fact|date=May 2009}}
*[[Creativity, activity, service]] (CAS). CAS aims to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, self-reflection, intellectual, physical and creative challenges, and awareness of themselves as responsible members of their communities<ref name="CASguide">Creativity, action, service Guide for students graduating in 2010 and thereafter, Published March 2008 International Baccalaureate</ref> through participation in social or community work (service), athletics or other physical activities (activity), and creative activities (creativity). The guideline for the minimum amount of CAS activity over the two-year programme is approximately 3–4 hours per week, though "hour counting" is not encouraged. Previously, there was a requirement that 150 CAS hours be completed, but this was abolished in 2010. However, some schools still require these hours.<ref name="CASguide" />
 
=== Subject groups ===
Each individual paper can take anywhere from 45 minutes to three hours, but usually they are between one and two hours in duration. Because of the large number of subjects being examined in one examination session (of less than a month in length), students often must write multiple papers in one day. External assessment takes place by independent examiners appointed by the IBO. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
Students who pursue the IB diploma must take six subjects: one each from Groups 1–5,<ref name="Schools p. 9"/> and either one from Group 6 or a permitted substitute from one of the other groups, as described below.<ref name="Schools p. 11">[[#refSchoolGuideDP2002|Schools' Guide to IBDP]], p. 11.</ref> Three or four subjects must be taken at Higher level (HL) and the rest at Standard level (SL).<ref name="Schools p. 9"/> The IB recommends a minimum of 240 hours of instructional time for HL courses and 150 hours for SL courses.<ref name="Schools p. 9"/>
 
While the IB encourages students to pursue the full IB diploma, the "substantial workload require[s] a great deal of commitment, organization, and initiative". Students may instead choose to register for one or more individual IB subjects, without the core requirements. Such students will not receive the full diploma.<ref name="vanLoo">{{cite web| first = Marc| last = van Loo| date = 20 September 2004| pages = 3| url = http://www.dp-help.com/downloads/parents.pdf| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041116200501/http://dp-help.com/downloads/parents.pdf| url-status = dead| archive-date = 16 November 2004| title = The parents guide to the IB Diploma| access-date = 14 June 2009}}</ref>
The nature of the internal assessment (IA) varies by subject. There may be oral presentations (used in languages), practical work (in experimental sciences), or written works to be done at home. Internal assessment accounts for 20 to 50 percent of the mark awarded for each subject and is marked by a teacher in the school.{{Fact|date=May 2009}} A sample of at least five per subject at each level will also be graded by a moderator appointed by the IBO, in a process called external moderation of internal assessment. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
The six IBDP subject groups and course offerings are summarised below. More information about the subject groups and individual courses can be found at the respective subject group articles:
The marks collected from the internal and external moderators are again standardized annually on a worldwide scale. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}The results from each year determine the grade-boundaries of that year. Therefore, the effect of variation in difficulty of exams is taken into account.{{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
*[[IB Group 1 subjects|Group 1: Studies in language and literature]]. Taken at either SL or HL, this is generally the student's native [[language]], with over 80 languages available.<ref name="Schools p. 10">[[#refSchoolGuideDP2002|Schools' Guide to IBDP]], p. 10.</ref> As of courses starting in summer 2011, there are two options for Language A (previously A1): Literature, which is very similar to the old course, and Language and Literature, a slightly more challenging adaptation of the former Group 2 Language A2 subjects, which have been withdrawn. The interdisciplinary subject [[IB Group 1 subjects#Literature and performance|literature and performance]] can also be taken at SL.
== Awards ==
*[[IB Group 2 subjects|Group 2: Language acquisition]]. An additional language, taken at the following levels: [[IB Group 2 subjects#Language B SL and HL|Language B (SL or HL)]], or [[IB Group 2 subjects#Language ab initio SL|Language ab initio (SL only)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group2/|title=Diploma Programme curriculum: Group 2, Second Language|publisher=ibo.org|access-date=3 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722210036/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group2/|archive-date=22 July 2009}}</ref> Language B courses are meant for students with some prior experience in the language, while Language ab initio is meant to be taken by pupils who are complete beginners, with almost no experience. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-28 |title=Diploma language acquisition |url=https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/language-acquisition/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=International Baccalaureate® |language=en}}</ref> Latin and Classical Greek are also offered and may be taken at SL or HL.<ref name="Schools p. 10"/> Following the replacement of the Language A2 option with the Group 1 Language and Literature offering for courses starting in summer 2011, the Language B syllabus was changed: the coursework is now more rigorous, and at HL, there is the compulsory study of two works of literature (although this is for comprehension rather than analysis and is only assessed through coursework). In addition, B SL students can study one of the texts as a replacement for the optional topics. Students may choose to take an additional Group 1 course in place of a Group 2 course.<ref>>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibo.org/about-the-ib/what-it-means-to-be-an-ib-student/recognizing-student-achievement/about-assessment/dp-passing-criteria/|title=
There are two types of award available in the IB Diploma Programme. A student can be awarded the full Diploma or Certificates of Merit in individual subjects. The usual pass rate for the IB Diploma Programme is approximately 80% internationally.<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/facts/21things/documents/21thingsyoushouldknowabouttheIBMarch08.pdf PowerPoint Presentation<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
DP passing criteria|publisher=ibo.org|access-date=2025-07-07}}</ref>
*[[IB Group 3 subjects|Group 3: Individuals and societies]]. Humanities and social sciences courses offered at both SL and HL: Business Management, [[IB Group 3 subjects#Economics SL & HL|Economics]], [[IB Group 3 subjects#Geography SL .26 HL|Geography]], [[IB Group 3 subjects#History SL .26 HL|History]], [[IB Group 3 subjects#Information technology in a global society (ITGS) SL & HL|Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS)]], [[IB Group 3 subjects#Philosophy SL .26 HL|Philosophy]], [[IB Group 3 subjects#Psychology SL .26 HL|Psychology]], and [[Social anthropology|Social]] and [[cultural anthropology|Cultural Anthropology]] and Global Politics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group3/|title=Diploma Programme curriculum: Group 3, Individuals and societies|publisher=ibo.org|access-date=1 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203040730/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group3/|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> The course [[World religions|World Religions]] is offered at SL and the interdisciplinary course [[IB Group 4 subjects#Environmental systems and societies|Environmental Systems and Societies]] is offered at SL or HL.
*[[IB Group 4 subjects|Group 4: Experimental sciences]]. Five courses are offered at both SL and HL: [[IB Group 4 subjects#Chemistry|chemistry]], [[IB Group 4 subjects#Biology|biology]], [[IB Group 4 subjects#Physics|physics]], [[Design and Technology#International Baccalaureate|design technology]] and [[IB Group 4 subjects#Computer science|computer science]]. The course [[IB Group 4 subjects#Sport.2C exercise and health science|Sport, Exercise and Health Science]] is offered at both SL and HL. The interdisciplinary course Nature of Science is offered at SL only, while [[IB Group 4 subjects#Environmental systems and societies|Environmental Systems and Societies]] is offered at SL or HL.
*[[IB Group 5 subjects|Group 5: Mathematics]]. All students hoping to graduate with an IB Diploma must take a math class, with courses available at different levels and with different focus. There are two distinct IB Math courses, both available at standard or higher level: ''Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches,'' with an emphasis on algebraic methods, calculus, and mathematical thinking, and ''Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation'', with an emphasis on modelling and statistics, and with a focus on using technology to solve problems with real-world applications. These curricula were introduced in major changes in 2019 and 2021'','' replacing the previous curricula with a new structure. Under the 2019 course changes, Further Mathematics were dropped entirely.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/university-admission/recognition-of-the-ib-diploma-by-countries-and-universities/latest-curriculum-updates/mathematics-curriculum-changes/|title=Mathematics curriculum changes|website=International Baccalaureate®|language=en|access-date=2019-05-24|archive-date=24 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524035047/https://www.ibo.org/university-admission/recognition-of-the-ib-diploma-by-countries-and-universities/latest-curriculum-updates/mathematics-curriculum-changes/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Finding the best fit: New DP mathematics courses |url=https://blogs.ibo.org/blog/2019/06/20/mathematics-subject-breakdown/ |website=The IB Community Blog |publisher=ibo.org |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003050/https://blogs.ibo.org/blog/2019/06/20/mathematics-subject-breakdown/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brading |first=Gareth |title=Exploring the changes to the DP Mathematics course structure : Secondary: Oxford University Press |url=https://global.oup.com/education/content/secondary/key-issues/new-ib-dp-mathematics-syllabus/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=global.oup.com |language=en}}</ref> Before 2019, of increasing difficulty, the courses offered were [[IB Group 5 subjects#Mathematical Studies SL|Mathematical Studies SL]], [[IB Group 5 subjects#Mathematics SL and HL|Mathematics SL and HL]], and [[IB Group 5 subjects#Further Mathematics HL|Further Mathematics HL]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=IB Further Mathematics Subject Guide |url=https://www.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/page-assets/about/administration/offices/registrar/resources/international-baccalaureate/IB-Further-Mathematics.pdf |access-date=2023-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729084755/https://www.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/page-assets/about/administration/offices/registrar/resources/international-baccalaureate/IB-Further-Mathematics.pdf |archive-date=29 July 2019 }}</ref> The [[IB Group 5 subjects#Computer science SL and HL|computer science]] elective courses were moved to Group 4 as a full course from first examinations in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group5/|title=Diploma Programme curriculum: Group 5, Mathematics and Computer Science|publisher=ibo.com|access-date=3 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721222925/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group5/|archive-date=21 July 2009}}</ref>
*[[IB Group 6 subjects|Group 6: The arts]]. There are five Courses offered at both SL and HL: [[Dance]], [[IB Group 6 subjects#Music SL & HL|Music]], [[IB Group 6 subjects#Theater SL and HL|Theatre]], [[IB Group 6 subjects#Visual Arts SL & HL|Visual Arts]], and [[IB Group 6 subjects#Film SL and HL|Film]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group6/|title=Diploma Programme curriculum: Group 6, The Arts|publisher=ibo.com|access-date=1 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203034850/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group6/|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> Instead of taking a Group 6 course, students may choose to take an additional course from Groups 1–4, or a school-based syllabus course approved by IB.<ref name="Schools p. 11"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/ibna/ibnarecognition/diplomaprogrammeinformation/|title=Resources for Universities and Applicants in the US and Canada|work=ibo.org|access-date=21 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918220605/http://www.ibo.org/ibna/ibnarecognition/diplomaprogrammeinformation/|archive-date=18 September 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The interdisciplinary subject [[IB Group 1 subjects#Literature and performance|literature and performance]] is also offered, although currently only at SL.
 
Environmental Systems and Societies SL or HL is an interdisciplinary course designed to meet the diploma requirements for groups 3 or 4, while literature and performance SL meets the requirements of Groups 1 or 6.<ref name="ibo.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/additional/|title=IB Diploma Programme: Additional subjects: Transdisciplinary subjects|publisher=ibo.org|access-date=21 August 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721184310/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/additional/|archive-date=21 July 2009}}</ref>
=== Diploma conditions ===
In order to be awarded the full IB Diploma the following requirements must have been met:
* at least three subjects are completed at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).
** should four subjects be completed at HL then only two need be completed at SL.
* all six subjects have been awarded a numerical grade higher than 1, with a minimum total score of 24.
* the CAS (Creativity - Action - Service; [[community service]]) requirement of 150 hours has been completed
* the Extended Essay and TOK course have been completed and essays submitted.
** additionally a grade D or better has been awarded in either the Extended Essay or TOK.
* if the overall score is 24-27, there is no grade 2 at HL and not more than one grade 2 at SL; if the overall score is greater than or equal to 28, not more than one grade 2 at HL and no more than two grades 2 at SL; altogether, there are no more than three grades 3 or below
* at least 12 points (12 for overall score 24-27; 16 if four HL subjects are taken) have been gained on HL subjects, and 9 (6 if only two SL subjects are taken) on SL subjects
* the final award committee has not judged the candidate to be guilty of malpractice {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
=== Online Diploma Programme and pilot courses ===
=== Certificates ===
The IB is developing an online version of the IBDP and currently offers several online courses to IBDP students.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibo.org/announcements/dponlinenowavailable.cfm|title=Diploma courses online now available|access-date=17 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105210838/http://www.ibo.org/announcements/dponlinenowavailable.cfm|archive-date=5 January 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Eventually, it expects to offer online courses to any student who wishes to register.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/development/dponline/index.cfm|title=Diploma Programme Online|access-date=31 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831041259/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/development/dponline/index.cfm|archive-date=31 August 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> Additionally, the IB has developed pilot courses that include World Religions; Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, Dance, and a transdisciplinary pilot course, literature and performance, Global Politics.<ref name="ibo.org" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/ibna/ibnarecognition/diplomaprogrammeinformation/documents/2008DPleaflet.pdf|title=The IB Diploma Programme|publisher=ibo.org|access-date=21 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616013434/http://www.ibo.org/ibna/ibnarecognition/diplomaprogrammeinformation/documents/2008DPleaflet.pdf|archive-date=16 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group6/|title=IB Diploma Programme|work=ibo.org|access-date=21 August 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203034850/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group6/|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> These pilot courses have now become part of the mainstream courses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group3/WorldReligion.cfm|title=World Religions|access-date=1 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203035411/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group3/WorldReligion.cfm|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group4/SEHS.cfm|title=Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS)|access-date=1 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203033513/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group4/SEHS.cfm|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group6/dance.cfm|title=Dance (SL and HL)|access-date=1 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203040145/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group6/dance.cfm|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[[IB Group 6 subjects]]</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/individuals-and-societies/global-politics/|title=Studying global politics {{!}} International Baccalaureate®|newspaper=International Baccalaureate|access-date=2016-11-17|archive-date=17 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117214418/http://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/individuals-and-societies/global-politics/|url-status=live}}</ref>
A candidate may also choose not to take the whole Diploma, but to aim for a Certificate in a particular subject. Candidates doing certificates do not have to take part in the extra requirements of the Diploma (the Extended Essay, TOK and CAS). Those candidates who complete extra courses in addition to a Diploma will also receive a Certificate. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
==Assessment and awards==
== Recognition==
All subjects (with the exception of CAS) are evaluated using both internal and external assessors. The externally assessed [[Test (assessment)|examination]]s are given worldwide in May (usually for Northern Hemisphere schools) and in November (usually for Southern Hemisphere schools). Each exam usually consists of two or three papers, generally written on the same or successive weekdays.<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 IBO examination schedule|url=http://www.ibo.org/students/documents/MayandNovember2008examinationschedulesEnglish.pdf|publisher=International Baccalaureate|access-date=2 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205081343/http://www.ibo.org/students/documents/MayandNovember2008examinationschedulesEnglish.pdf|archive-date=5 February 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The different papers may have different forms of questions, or they may focus on different areas of the subject syllabus. For example, in [[IB Group 4 subjects#Chemistry|Chemistry SL]], paper 1 has [[multiple choice]] questions, paper 2 has extended response questions. Paper 3 focuses on the "Option(s)" selected by the teacher and data analysis questions. The grading of all external assessments is done by independent examiners appointed by the IB.<ref name=assessment>{{cite web|title=Diploma Programme Assessment|access-date=6 June 2009|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/assessment/examiners/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904131837/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/assessment/examiners/|archive-date=4 September 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In '''Canada''' and the '''United States''', some IBDP courses are recognised as equivalent to university/college-level courses, and universities and colleges may award entering students with first-year credit depending on their points totals. In this regard it is similar to the [[Advanced Placement]] Program.
 
The nature of the internal assessment (IA) varies by subject. There may be oral presentations (used in languages), practical work (in experimental sciences and performing arts), or written work. Internal assessment accounts for 20 to 50 percent of the mark awarded for each subject and is marked by a teacher in the school. A sample of at least five per subject at each level from a school will also be graded by a moderator appointed by the IB, in a process called external moderation of internal assessment. Based on this moderation, the grades of the whole subject from that school will change.<ref name=assessment/>
In the '''[[United Kingdom]]''', most universities, including [[University of Oxford|Oxford]] and [[University of Cambridge|Cambridge]], accept the IB Diploma as an alternative to [[Advanced Level (UK)|A-levels]] and [[Higher (Scottish)|Scottish Highers]]. [[UCAS]] created a tariff for IB points which was in use from 2008 university entry onwards.
 
Points are awarded from 1 to 7,<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2017 |title=Diploma Programme Grade Descriptors |url=https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/0b0b7a097ca2498ea50a9e41d9e1d1cf/dp-grade-descriptors-en.pdf |access-date=8 February 2023 |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206062409/https://ibo.org/contentassets/0b0b7a097ca2498ea50a9e41d9e1d1cf/dp-grade-descriptors-en.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> with 7 being equivalent to an [[A-level]] grade of A*, 6 equal to A, and so on.<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma {{!}} UCAS Qualification Information Profiles |url=https://qips.ucas.com/qip/international-baccalaureate-ib-diploma |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=qips.ucas.com |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103140/https://qips.ucas.com/qip/international-baccalaureate-ib-diploma |url-status=live }}</ref> Up to three additional points are awarded depending on the grades achieved in the extended essay and theory of knowledge, so the maximum possible point total in the IBDP is 45.<ref>{{cite web | title = 45 points = 42 plus 3, but very distinguished 3 points | publisher = [[International Baccalaureate]] | url = http://www.ibo.org/newsletter_recognition/march_2006/articlefour | access-date = 14 August 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090904124528/http://www.ibo.org/newsletter_recognition/march_2006/articlefour/ | archive-date = 4 September 2009 | url-status = dead}}</ref> The global pass rate for the IB diploma is approximately 80%.<ref>{{cite web |title=21 Things You Should Know about the IB |url=http://www.ibo.org/facts/21things/documents/21thingsyoushouldknowabouttheIBMarch08.pdf |date=June 2007 |publisher=International Baccalaureate Organization |access-date=2 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205081347/http://www.ibo.org/facts/21things/documents/21thingsyoushouldknowabouttheIBMarch08.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In order to receive an IB diploma, candidates must receive a minimum of 24 points or an average of four (or C) out of a possible seven points for six subjects. Candidates must also receive a minimum of 12 points from their Higher Level subjects and a minimum of 9 points from their Standard Level subjects. Additionally, candidates must complete all of the requirements for the EE, CAS and TOK. Failing conditions that will prevent a student from being awarded a diploma, regardless of points received, are non-completion of CAS, more than three scores of 3 or below (HL or SL), more than two scores of 2 or below (HL or SL), a score of 1 in any subject (HL or SL), not meeting the specific points required for Higher Level (12) or Standard Level (9) subjects, grade "E" awarded for theory of knowledge and/or the extended essay, or a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1611559177/basel/szoxmgau61cey3emc91v/DP-General_regulations.pdf|title=General regulations: Diploma Programme|work=ibo.org|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=23 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923100145/https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1611559177/basel/szoxmgau61cey3emc91v/DP-General_regulations.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In some countries, such as '''[[Turkey]]''' or '''[[Peru]]''', the IB Diploma is not considered equivalent to the national end-of-school examination scheme, usually because the IB Diploma is not as specialised, or because certain subjects are not offered. However, in Peru, various universities allow direct entrance to students who successfully completed the Diploma.
 
Candidates who successfully complete all the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme and one or more of the following combinations are eligible to receive a bilingual diploma: two [[IB Group 1 subjects|Group 1]] subjects (of different languages), a Group 3 or 4 subject taken in a language other than the candidate's Group 1 language, or an Extended Essay in a Group 3 or Group 4 subject written in a language other than the candidate's Group 1 language.<ref>{{cite web |title=A guide to the IBDP for universities and colleges: How to interpret IB grades and transcripts |url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/guide/slidef.cfm |publisher=ibo.org |access-date=2 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721162419/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/guide/slidef.cfm |archive-date=21 July 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> IB transcripts are issued to indicate completion of diploma courses and exams for non-diploma candidate students.<ref>{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions: IB Diploma Programme |url=http://www.ibo.org/ibna/educators/diploma_faq.cfm |publisher=ibo.org |access-date=2 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901161703/http://www.ibo.org/ibna/educators/diploma_faq.cfm |archive-date=1 September 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Other countries, such as '''Germany''', set certain conditions for the IB Diploma to be validated (a foreign language at minimum A2 Standard Level, Mathematics standard level minimum, and at least one Science or Mathematics at Higher Level).
Some universities, on the other hand, prefer the IB Diploma to the certificate which the students usually get in their own country. A list of universities admitting IB Diploma holders can be found on the IBO web site.<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/directory/ University recognition directory]</ref>
 
=== Special circumstances ===
In [[Australia]], all universities accept results in the IB Diploma. Students with high scores in HL subjects may claim credit in their first year of university. Also, the [[University of Adelaide]] typically awards almost all IBDP graduates with at least four bonus SATAC points (two for completion of a foreign language, two for the completion of SL Maths or four for HL Maths, in line with students taking LOTE and Maths Studies or/and Specialist Maths in the local [[SACE]] programme).
Where standard assessment conditions could put a student with special educational needs at a disadvantage, special arrangements may be allowed. The ''Candidates with Special Assessment Needs ''publication contains information regarding procedures and arrangements for students with special needs.<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/programmes/pd/special/documents/dpspecialassessment.pdf Candidates with Special Assessment Needs] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125230419/http://ibo.org/programmes/pd/special/documents/dpspecialassessment.pdf |date=25 November 2010 }} International Baccalaureate Organization. March 2007. Retrieved 2009-06-29</ref>
 
==Application and authorization==
In Russia the IB diploma is accepted in most Universities (like MGU and MGMO), but conditions are set very high. For example, to study economics in MGU the IB student has to achieve an overall score of at least 36 points, including 6s in higher level subjects.
To offer the IB Diploma Programme, an institution must go through an application process, and during that period the teachers are trained in the IB. At the end of the application process, IB conducts an authorisation visit.<ref name=IBNAfees>{{cite web|title=North America Diploma Programme Application Process and Fees For schools seeking to start implementation in the Fall Term of 2011 and later|url=http://www.ibo.org/ibna/educators/documents/DiplomaApplicationProcessandFees.pdf|publisher=International Baccalaureate North America|access-date=2 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616002011/http://www.ibo.org/ibna/educators/documents/DiplomaApplicationProcessandFees.pdf|archive-date=16 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Once a school is authorized to offer the programme, an annual fee ensures ongoing support from the IB, legal authorization to display the IB logo, and access to the Online Curriculum Centre (OCC) and the IB Information System (IBIS).<ref name=IBNAfees/> The OCC provides information, resources, and support for IB teachers and coordinators. IBIS is a database employed by IB coordinators.<ref>{{cite web |title=Annual School Fees |url=http://www.ibo.org/become/fees/assessmentfees/ |publisher=ibo.org |access-date=16 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615164110/http://ibo.org/become/fees/assessmentfees/ |archive-date=15 June 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Other IB fees also include student registration and individual diploma subject examination fees.<ref name=IBNAfees/>
 
==University recognition==
===United Kingdom===
The IB diploma is accepted in 75 countries at over 2,000 universities, and the IB has a search directory on its website, although it advises students to check recognition policies directly with each university.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/directory/index.cfm|work=ibo.org|title=University recognition directory|access-date=29 September 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324043655/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/directory/index.cfm|archive-date=24 March 2008}}</ref> The IB also maintains a list of universities offering scholarships to IBDP graduates under conditions specified by each institution, including 58 colleges and universities in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/scholarships/|work=ibo.org|title=University scholarships for IB diploma holders|access-date=2 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904130132/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/scholarships/|archive-date=4 September 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following is an overview of university recognition policies in various countries.
Due to the continued [[grade inflation]] and political controversy over reforming [[A-Level]]s,<ref name=ib>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/schools/international-baccalaureate-why-the-broad-ib-beats-alevels-395262.html |title=South Korea|publisher=
{| class="wikitable"
International Baccalaureate: Why the broad IB beats A-levels|accessdate=2009-02-02}}</ref> the IB has been gaining more attention and popularity as a better alternative because of its ability to open doors to the best universities.<ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/schools/international-baccalaureate-why-the-broad-ib-beats-alevels-395262.html</ref> In the past four years, the number of schools teaching the IB in the UK has more than doubled.<ref name=ib/>
|+
 
|Australia
The IB is more challenging for the brightest students,<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/5156108.stm</ref> and a modest IB score of 30 gives a candidate 419 UCAS tariff points against just 360 for three As at A-Level.<ref name=ib/> A top score is equivalent to more than six As at A-Level; however, very few universities actually offer IB scores in line with the recommended UCAS tariff - preferring IB students to score higher UCAS tariffs than their A-level colleagues<ref>[http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/ug.admissions/internaladminsinfo/UCAS%20matters%20-%20AMAS06077.pdf]</ref>. Due to its challenging nature and increased demands on lecturer teaching time, the IB is often taught in high-performing, academically-selective [[independent schools]], which have long pioneered this qualification with their greater freedom and willingness to experiment.<ref name=ib/> The result is that leading IB schools such as [[King's College School]], [[Ardingly College]] and [[Sevenoaks School]] now dominate the top of the league tables.<ref name=ib/> More IB students are getting their first choice universities while admission tutors are more lenient if a student dropped a grade on the IB than in A-Levels.<ref name=ib/>
|Although every university in Australia accepts the IB diploma, entry criteria differ from university to university. Some universities accept students on their IB point count, whereas others require the points to be converted. In all states and territories, this is based on the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) converted by their relevant state admission agencies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vtac.edu.au/pdf/ib_notional_atar.pdf|title=VTAC Notional ATAR Conversion Table|access-date=19 March 2015|archive-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301042624/http://www.vtac.edu.au/pdf/ib_notional_atar.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
IB students offer a broader and well-rounded education and every IB student is able to demonstrate numeracy, literacy, a language, a humanity and a science. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
This is because IB students complete six subjects, whereas A-Level students typically do three subjects. Higher Level subjects in the IB have a greater depth and breadth than full A-Levels, such as Mathematics, which has substantial A-Level Further Mathematics and 1st year university materials. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
Similarly, Standard Level subjects are considered to be more challenging than AS-Level subjects. In addition, IB students offer features such as the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), which are not available at A-Level.<ref name=ib/> {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
International Baccalaureate points convert to UCAS points as follows:<ref>UCAS Tariff, http://www.ucas.com/students/ucas_tariff/tarifftables/</ref>
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
|Austria
! IB Points
|It is considered a foreign secondary school leaving certificate, even if the school issuing the diploma is in the country. Admission decisions are at the discretion of higher education institutions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=Austria&current_country=AT|title=Recognition of IB diploma for admission to universities and colleges: Austria|date=26 May 2006|publisher=ibo.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506142356/http://www.ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=Austria&current_country=AT|archive-date=6 May 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=2 October 2009}}</ref>
! UCAS Points
|-
|Canada
| 45
|IB North America publishes an ''IB Recognition Policy Summary for Canadian Universities.''<ref>[http://www.edu.pe.ca/rural/IB%20website/Files/Canadian%20University%20IB%20Recognition%20Policies.pdf IB Recognition Policy Summary – Canadian Universities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725175904/http://www.edu.pe.ca/rural/IB%20website/Files/Canadian%20University%20IB%20Recognition%20Policies.pdf |date=25 July 2011 }} IB North America Recognition Services. 1–4. March 2007. Retrieved 2 July 2009.</ref>
| 768
|-
|China
| 44
|The People's Republic of China does not formally accept the IB diploma for university qualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.english-schools.org/hong-kong/index.htm|title=International Schools in Hong Kong|access-date=13 June 2009|archive-date=21 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421162319/http://www.english-schools.org/hong-kong/index.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 744
|-
|Finland
| 43
|The IB diploma gives the same qualification for matriculation as the national [[Matriculation exam (Finland)|matriculation examination]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oph.fi/koulutus_ja_tutkinnot/lukiokoulutus/eri_vaihtoehtoja_suorittaa_lukio|title=Opetushallitus - Eri vaihtoehtoja suorittaa lukio|website=www.oph.fi|access-date=6 February 2013|archive-date=23 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123030950/http://www.oph.fi/koulutus_ja_tutkinnot/lukiokoulutus/eri_vaihtoehtoja_suorittaa_lukio|url-status=dead}}</ref> The core requirements differ very little, although the Finnish degree has more electives and languages are a larger part of the final grading
| 722
|-
|France
| 42
|The IBDP is one of the foreign diplomas that allow students access into French universities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.u-bordeaux4.fr/infoglueDeliverLive/digitalAssets/866_decretVAP1985.pdf#search=%22d%C3%A9cret%20minist%C3%A8re%20%C3%A9ducation%20nationale%2023%20ao%C3%BBt%201985%22|title=texte du décret n° 85-906 du 23 août 1985 (in french)}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
| 698
|-
|Germany
| 41
|Has set certain conditions for the IB diploma to be accepted. Students must have either Group 1 or 2 (or both) at HL; mathematics Standard Level minimum; and at least one science or mathematics course at Higher Level.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=Germany&current_country=DE|title=Recognition of IB diploma for admission to universities and colleges: Germany|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626055058/http://www.ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=Germany&current_country=DE|archive-date=26 June 2010|url-status=dead|access-date=1 October 2009}}</ref> German International Baccalaureate students in some schools are able to earn a "bilingual diploma" that gains them access to German universities; half of the classes in this programme are held in German.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.is-hr.de/index.php?id=ib-diploma-programme|title=International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at ISHR|access-date=1 October 2009|archive-date=19 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719045236/http://www.is-hr.de/index.php?id=ib-diploma-programme|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 675
|-
|Hong Kong
| 40
|IB diploma students may apply to universities as non-[[JUPAS]] (Joint University Programmes Admissions System).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jupas.edu.hk/jupas/jupasFront.htm|title=Joint University Programmes Admissions System|access-date=1 October 2009|archive-date=30 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930215821/http://www.jupas.edu.hk/jupas/jupasFront.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 652
|-
|India
| 39
|The [[Association of Indian Universities]] recognizes the IBDP as an entry qualification to all universities, provided that the applicants include a document from the IB detailing percentage equivalency and that specific course requirements for admission to medical and engineering programs are satisfied.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=India&current_country=IN|title=Recognition of IB diploma for admission to universities and colleges: India|publisher=ibo.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211081456/http://ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=India&current_country=IN|archive-date=11 February 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.aiuweb.org/evaluation/Grade%20Conversion%20IB.pdf|title=IB Diploma is accepted by Indian colleges|date=April 2012|access-date=2015-07-08|via=online search|archive-date=7 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107111933/http://www.aiuweb.org/evaluation/Grade%20Conversion%20IB.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 628
|-
|Italy
| 38
|The Italian Ministry of Education recognizes the IB diploma as academically equivalent to the national diploma, provided the curriculum includes the Italian language and the particular IB programme is accepted for H.E.D. matriculation in Italy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.study-in-italy.it/studying/info-19.html|title=Study in Italy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907060158/http://www.study-in-italy.it/studying/info-19.html|archive-date=7 September 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=2 October 2009}}</ref>
| 605
|-
|Peru
| 37
|[[Peru]]vian universities do not officially accept the IB diploma. However, the Ministry of Education may grant partial equivalence to national diploma for students who have satisfactorily completed the fourth year of high school in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=Peru&current_country=PE|title=Recognition of IB diploma for admission to universities and colleges: Peru|publisher=ibo.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211070327/http://ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=Peru&current_country=PE|archive-date=11 February 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=2 October 2009}}</ref>
| 582
|-
|Philippines
| 36
|Some universities in the Philippines accept the IB diploma in lieu of taking the entrance exams.<ref>{{cite web |title=(IB) Programme |url=https://www.ateneo.edu/ls/undergraduate/apply-ateneo/ib-programme |publisher=Ateneo de Manila University |access-date=5 April 2020 |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411162239/http://www.ateneo.edu/ls/undergraduate/apply-ateneo/ib-programme |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| 559
|-
|Russia
| 35
|According to the IB, there are two universities in Russia that officially recognize the IB diploma subject to certain guidelines. The Russian Ministry of Education considers the IB diploma issued by state-accredited IB schools in Russia equivalent to the certificate of secondary (complete) general education (attestat).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/country/RU/index.cfm|title=Recognition of IB diploma for admission to universities and colleges: Russia|publisher=ibo.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608065519/http://www.ibo.org/country/RU/index.cfm|archive-date=8 June 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=2 October 2009}}</ref>
| 535
|-
|Spain
| 34
|Considers the IB diploma academically equivalent to the "Título de bachillerato español". As of 1 June 2008, IB diploma holders no longer need to pass the University Entrance Examination to be admitted to Spanish universities.
| 512
|-
|Sweden
| 33
|IB diploma grades can be converted to a Swedish grade equivalent. After the conversion the IB diploma is treated the same as grades from the Swedish education system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uhr.se/syv/hogskola-med-utlandska-meriter/internationell-baccalaureate-ib/meritvardering/|title=Meritvärdering|website=UHR.se|language=sv|access-date=2019-02-21|archive-date=21 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224022/https://www.uhr.se/syv/hogskola-med-utlandska-meriter/internationell-baccalaureate-ib/meritvardering/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 489
|-
|Turkey
| 32
|Turkish universities accept the IB diploma, but all applicants are required by law to take the university entrance examinations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=Turkey&current_country=TR|title=Recognition of IB diploma for admission to universities and colleges: Turkey|publisher=ibo.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203235719/http://www.ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=Turkey&current_country=TR|archive-date=3 December 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=2 October 2009}}</ref>
| 466
|-
|United Kingdom
| 31
|[[UCAS]] publishes a university entrance tariff table that converts IB and other qualifications into standardised "tariff points",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucas.com/students/ucas_tariff/tarifftables/|title=UCAS – Tariff tables|publisher=[[UCAS|The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011002346/http://www.ucas.com/students/ucas_tariff/tarifftables/|archive-date=11 October 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=1 October 2009}}</ref> but these are not binding,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucas.com/students/ucas_tariff/how|title=UCAS – How does the Tariff work?|publisher=[[UCAS|The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)]]|access-date=2 October 2009|archive-date=25 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925072614/http://www.ucas.com/students/ucas_tariff/how|url-status=live}}</ref> so institutions are free to set minimum entry requirements for IB candidates that are not the same as those for [[GCE Advanced Level|A level]] candidates. Most universities in the UK require IB students to take more courses than A-level students—requiring, for instance, four As and two Bs from an IB student, whereas an A-level student will only need an ABB—because each subject taken as a part of the IB gives a less broad coverage of a similar subject taken at A-level.
| 442
|-
|United States
| 30
|Institutions of higher education set their own admission and credit policies for IB diploma recognition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=Peru&current_country=PE|title=Recognition of IB diploma for admission to universities and colleges: United States|publisher=ibo.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211070327/http://ibo.org/country/universities_rec.cfm?country_code=Peru&current_country=PE|archive-date=11 February 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=2 October 2009}}</ref> Colorado and Texas have legislation requiring universities to adopt and implement policy which awards college credit to students who have successfully completed the IBDP.<ref>Colorado Revised Statutes 23-1-113.2. Department directive - admission standards for students holding international baccalaureate diplomas.</ref><ref><sup>[NB]</sup>]Texas Education Code Section 51.968(b); this section also requires each institution of higher education that offers freshman-level courses to adopt and implement a policy to grant undergraduate course credit to entering freshman students who have achieved required scores on one or more examinations in the [[Advanced Placement Program]] or the [[College-Level Examination Program]], or who have successfully completed one or more courses offered through [[Dual enrollment|concurrent enrollment in high school and at an institution of higher education]].</ref>
| 419
|-
| 29
| 396
|-
| 28
| 373
|-
| 27
| 350
|-
| 26
| 326
|-
| 25
| 303
|-
| 24
| 280
|}
However, it should be noted that few universities use this table when requesting IB grades<ref>[http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/ug.admissions/internaladminsinfo/UCAS%20matters%20-%20AMAS06077.pdf]</ref>.
 
===United States=Reception==
The IBDP was described as "a rigorous, off-the-shelf curriculum recognized by universities around the world" on 10 December 2006, edition of [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']] magazine, in an article titled "How to bring our schools out of the 20th century".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1568480-3,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214153158/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1568480-3,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 December 2006|title=How to bring our schools out of the 20th Century|magazine=Time|access-date=16 July 2009|last=Wallis|first=Claudia|date=10 December 2006}}</ref> It was also featured in the summer 2002 edition of ''American Educator,'' where Robert Rothman described it as "a good example of an effective, instructionally sound, exam-based system".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aft.org/pubs-reports/american_educator/summer2002/testworthteaching.html |title=A test worth teaching to |work=American Educator |last=Rothman |first=Robert |date=Summer 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904031506/http://www.aft.org/pubs-reports/american_educator/summer2002/testworthteaching.html |archive-date=4 September 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Howard Gardner]], a professor of educational psychology at [[Harvard University]], said that the IBDP curriculum is "less parochial than most American efforts" and helps students "think critically, synthesize knowledge, reflect on their own thought processes and get their feet wet in interdisciplinary thinking".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/21/nyregion/diploma-for-the-top-of-the-top-international-baccalaureate-gains-favor-in-region.html?pagewanted=all |last=Gross |first=Jane |date=21 June 2003 |work=[[The New York Times]] |title=Diploma for the 'Top of the Top'; International Baccalaureate Gains Favor in Region |access-date=27 July 2009 |archive-date=19 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119060957/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/21/nyregion/diploma-for-the-top-of-the-top-international-baccalaureate-gains-favor-in-region.html?pagewanted=all |url-status=live }}</ref> An admissions officer at [[Brown University]] has claimed the IBDP garners widespread respect.<ref name="Lewin"/>
 
In the United Kingdom, the IBDP is "regarded as more academically challenging but broader than three or four [[A-level (United Kingdom)|A-levels]]", according to an article in ''[[The Guardian]]''.<ref name="guardian-2009-02-10" /> In 2006, government ministers provided funding so that "every local authority in England could have at least one centre offering [[sixth-formers]] the chance to do the IB".<ref name="guardian-2009-02-10" />
Comparisons are made with the AP program; however, it is difficult to compare the two systems because IB is scored out of 7 and AP out of 5, and the stated purpose of AP is to earn university-level credit,{{Fact|'''incorrect - the stated purpose of AP is to provide college-level courses at the high school level'''|date=May 2009}} while the IB is designed as a baccalaureate. The main difference is that AP has a free choice of subjects whereas the choice of subjects on the IBDP is constrained to ensure a broad education.
 
In the United States, criticism of the IBDP has centered on the vague claim that it is anti-American, according to parents anonymously quoted in ''[[The New York Times]]'', who objected to the program's funding from [[UNESCO]] in its early years. The base cost is considered to be higher than other programs.<ref name="Lewin">{{cite news |title=International Program Catches on in US Schools |first=Tamar |last=Lewin |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2 July 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/03/education/03baccalaureate.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1 |access-date=5 July 2010 |archive-date=8 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208040307/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/03/education/03baccalaureate.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012, the school board in [[Coeur d'Alene, Idaho|Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA]], voted to eliminate all IB programmes in the district because of low participation and high costs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/aug/06/ib-program-booted-coeur-dalene-school-district/ |title=IB program booted from Coeur d'Alene School District |first=Scott |last=Maben |work=The Spokesman Review |date=6 August 2012 |access-date=12 February 2013 |archive-date=10 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810154247/http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/aug/06/ib-program-booted-coeur-dalene-school-district/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The information given by the IBO to schools considering adopting its programs has been contested<ref>[http://www.cnht.org/news/2009/05/06/media-blocks-more-ib-info-to-mvrsd-parents/ The Real Purpose of IB]</ref>. The IB program has been cited as a crucial component of the [[US Competitiveness Initiative]]. The initiative calls for more teachers to be trained in the IB program. It proposes offering incentives to teachers who teach IB courses and teachers who increase the number of students passing the IB exams<ref>[http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/stateoftheunion/2006/aci/ American Competitiveness Initiative]</ref>.
<!-- Parents in Incline Village, Nevada, defeated the implementation of IB in its schools after an 18 month battle. <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20110330/NEWS/110339992/1061&ParentProfile=1050/|title=: International Baccalaureate will no longer be pursued in Incline Village|first=Matthew|last=Renda|work=North Lake Tahoe Bonanza|date=30 March 2011}} </ref> -->
 
== See also ==
In the US, the IB Diploma Programme is used to set students at an international standard level. Many colleges recognize participation in (and the passing of) HL (but not SL) IB examinations for college credit. The score required often depends on the competitiveness of the college. Most require a score of 5, 6, or 7, while others will accept a 4 and some only give credit for a 6 or 7. Other schools, like [[Richmond the American International University in London]], offer up to a year's credit for students who achieve a certain total score (30+) on the IB Diploma and will accept high SL scores for students who achieve the diploma. The states of Colorado and Texas have enacted laws requiring recognition of the IBDP<ref>[http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/olls/sl2003a/sl_153.htm 2003 State of Colorado House Bill 03-1108 requiring most public universities in the state to give a minimum of 24 college credits to any local diploma recipient]</ref><ref>Section 51.968(b) of the Texas Education Code states: Each institution of higher education that offers freshman-level courses shall adopt and implement a policy to grant undergraduate course credit to entering freshman students who have successfully completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, who have achieved required scores on one or more examinations in the Advanced Placement Program or the College-Level Examination Program, or who have successfully completed one or more courses offered through concurrent enrolment in high school and at an institution of higher education.</ref>
*[[European Baccalaureate]]
*[[List of secondary school leaving certificates]]
*[[International school]]
 
== Notes ==
Although the differences are often debated, AP and IBDP are considered equal by colleges at any level and admission still depends on the student engaged in these courses.{{Fact|''' opinion not substantiated - I re-wrote the opinion to be one which could be proven or disproven instead of an unprovable negative statement - Ewen '''|date=May 2009}}
 
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
===Canada===
In Canada, some IBDP courses are recognised as equivalent to university/college-level courses, and universities and colleges may award entering students with first-year credit depending on their scores, however typically only for Higher Level examinations. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
In this regard it is similar to the Advanced Placement Programme. {{Fact|date=May 2009}} There are currently 122 schools in Canada offering the Diploma Programme, and their numbers are rapidly increasing <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/country/CA/|title=IBO Country Information for Canada|accessdate=2008-12-09}}</ref>.
 
===Australia===
In [[Australia]], the IB Diploma Programme is taught in a growing but still minority group of schools with approximately 2,800 [[secondary schools]]<ref>[http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4221.0Main%20Features22007?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=4221.0&issue=2007&num=&view= Australian Bureau of Statistics - School Statistics] Accessed 30 March 2008</ref> teaching under their state's educational systems compared with only 50 schools teaching the IB Diploma Programme<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/country/AU/index.cfm IBO Australia] Accessed 30 March 2008</ref>. Although every university in [[Australia]] recognizes the IB Diploma, entry criteria often differ between universities, with some universities accepting students on their IB score alone, while others require the score to be converted using a conversion scale. In most states, this conversion scale is based on the Equivalent National Tertiary Entry Rank or 'ENTER'<ref>[http://vtac.edu.au/pdf/IB_rank_notional_ENTER.pdf VTAC Notional Enter Conversion Table] Accessed 30 March 30, 2008</ref>.
 
===France===
According to the "Décret du Ministère de l'Education Nationale" (23 August 1985), the IB Programme is one of the foreign diplomas which allow students access into French universities. <ref>{{PDF|1=[http://www.u-bordeaux4.fr/infoglueDeliverLive/digitalAssets/866_decretVAP1985.pdf#search=%22d%C3%A9cret%20minist%C3%A8re%20%C3%A9ducation%20nationale%2023%20ao%C3%BBt%201985%22 texte du décret n° 85-906 du 23 août 1985 (in french)]}}</ref>
 
===Spain===
The [[International Baccalaureate]] Organization’s Diploma Programme in [[Spain]] was created in 1968. {{Fact|date=May 2009}} It is a demanding pre-university course of study that leads to examinations. It is designed for highly motivated secondary school students aged 16 to 19. The programme has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment, giving IB diploma holders access to the world’s leading universities. The Diploma Programme is rigorous and is world renown. Each student’s performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement. These are consistent from one examination session to the next and are applied equally to all schools. The [[International Baccalaureate Organization]] (IBO) has shown that students are well prepared for university work. They are accepted by universities in more than 110 countries.
 
One school is the [[Academy School]] in the [[Balearic Islands]], which is a member of the [[National Association of British Schools]] in [[Spain]]. It is inspected regularly both by British Inspectors and Inspectors from the [[Spanish Ministry of Education and Science]].{{Fact|date=May 2009}} Among other chools are the [[Hastings School]] in [[Madrid]], the [[Caxton College]] in [[Valencia (province)|Valencia]], and the [[Bellver International College]] in [[Mallorca]]. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
The International Preparatory Schools are ranked and recognised by the [[Spanish Ministry of Education and Ciencias]] (MEC) and all teach a minimum level of Spanish language, science, literature, geography and history. The curriculum also varies from one international school to another. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
===Hong Kong===
IB Diploma students may apply to [[Hong Kong]] universities as non-[[JUPAS]] (Joint University Programmes Admissions System). [[JUPAS]] is the system enabling applications to nine tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
There is an increasing number of schools offering the IB Programme. As of August 2008, 14 schools offer the IB Diploma (from 6 in 2004{{Fact|date=May 2009}}), 3 of which also offer the MYP. 2 of these schools and 5 others offer the PYP.<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/school/search/index.cfm?schools_order_by=dp&schools_order_by_direction=ASC IB schools in Hong Kong]</ref>
 
===India===
In [[India]], the IB Diploma is often seen as a "passport" to gain entry into universities abroad. {{Fact|date=May 2009}} The schools which are allowed to take on this programme are the international schools, which are privately funded and as a result are very expensive.{{Fact|date=May 2009}}
Many parents are willing to spend a lot on their child's education, hence the mushrooming of schools which offer the Diploma Programme. {{Fact|date=May 2009}} This is leading to an increase in the number of Indian Diploma students. <ref>[http://in.rediff.com/getahead/2005/jan/24ib.htm Do you want an IB education for your child?]</ref> There currently are 18 schools in India offering the IB programme. <ref>[http://www.scholarshipsinindia.com/international_baccalaureate_education_in_india_IB.html IB - International Baccalaureate Education In India]</ref> In 2007, the prestigious Doon School also joined the list of schools offering the Diploma<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibo.org/school/002603/ |title=The Doon School |accessdate=14 November 2008}}</ref>.
 
===Iran===
 
Only one school in Iran, the Tehran International School, is authorized to offer the IB diploma programme<ref>[http://www.ibo.org/school/search/index.cfm?programmes=&country=IR&region=&find_schools=Find List of IB school in Iran]</ref>. Iran's programme for each subject area has three levels. These levels are numerically represented as level 1, 2 or 3. (1) is equivalent to an SL (Standard level) course which is considered an honors course. (2) is equivalent to HL (Higher level) courses which provide college credit with a score of 7, and (3) is called Olympiad course. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
IB courses are included in overall calculation of GPA for the student and since they are honors courses they have a significant impact on GPA.{{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
===Singapore===
In the 2008-2009 prospectus, the National University of Singapore (NUS) recognises IB as a high school qualification for applying to its undergraduate courses <ref>[http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/doc/Prospectus%20AY2008-2009.pdf NUS Prospectus 2008-2009]</ref>. Nevertheless, several well-recognised scholarships did not accept IB results favourably, despite the high-ranking results of IB schools in Singapore.<ref>[http://app.mfa.gov.sg/pr/read_content.asp?View,9185, Straits Times 8 January 2008]</ref>
 
===Pakistan===
One school operates the IBDP course, called The International School in Karachi. A number of Colleges and Universities recognize the IBDP and accept students. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
===Finland===
In [[Finland]], the IB Diploma was initially directed to children of diplomats but nowadays everyone can apply. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
The first school which offered IB Diploma education in Finland was [[Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu]]. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
The first class graduated in spring [[1993]]. {{Fact|date=May 2009}} Nowadays there are 14 schools in Finland which offer IB Diploma education. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
One of these schools offers also the PYP and the MYP education. {{Fact|date=May 2009}}
 
== References ==
<references group=UG2 />
{{reflist|2}}
{{Refbegin|indent=yes}}
*{{cite book|title=International Education: Principles and Practice|editor1=Mary Hayden |editor2=Jeff Thompson|edition=2nd|publisher=Routledge|year=2001|isbn=0-7494-3616-6|author=Elisabeth Fox|chapter=The Emergence of the International Baccalaureate as an Impetus for Curriculum Reform|pages=65–75}}
*{{cite book | title=Diploma Programme, Dance draft subject guide 2009 | year=2008 | publisher=International Baccalaureate Organization | ref=refDanceDSG2008 }}
*{{cite book | title=Diploma Programme, Handbook of Procedures for the Diploma Program, May and November 2009 examination sessions | year=2008 | publisher=International Baccalaureate Organization | ___location=Cardiff, Wales, UK | ref=HandProc2008 }}
*{{cite book | title=Diploma Programme, Sports, Exercise, and Health Science draft subject guide | year=2007 | publisher=International Baccalaureate Organization | ref=refSportsDSG2007 }}
*{{cite book | title=Diploma Programme, Text and Performance draft subject guide 2008 | year=2008 | publisher=International Baccalaureate Organization | ___location=Geneva, Switzerland | ref=refTextPerfDSG2008 }}
*{{cite book | title=Diploma Programme, World Religions draft subject guide, first examinations 2011 | year=2009 | publisher=International Baccalaureate Organization | ref=refWorldRelDSG2009 }}
*{{cite book|title=International Education in Practice|editor1=Mary Hayden |editor2=Jeff Thompson |editor3=George Walker|edition=1st|publisher=Routledge|year=2002|isbn=978-0-7494-3835-7|author=Ian Hill|chapter=The History of International Education: An International Baccalaureate Perspective|pages=18–28}}
*{{cite book|title=The SAGE handbook of research in international education|editor1=Mary Hayden |editor2=Jeff Thompson |editor3=Jack Levy |publisher=SAGE|year=2007|isbn=978-1-4129-1971-5|chapter=International Education as developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization|author=Ian Hill|pages=27 et seq}}
*{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D356tnugGYwC&pg=PA21|title=Supertest: How the International Baccalaureate can Strengthen our Schools|first=Jay|last=Mathews|publisher=Open Court|page=22|year=2005| isbn=978-0-8126-9577-9}}
*{{cite book |title=Schools Across Frontiers |last= Peterson|first= A.D.C.|year=2003|edition= 2nd |publisher= Open Court|isbn=0-8126-9505-4 |pages=18–26 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nTUjMNjNo3EC&q=peterson+international+baccalaureate}}
*{{cite book | title=Schools' Guide to the Diploma Programme | year=2002 | publisher=International Baccalaureate Organization | ___location=Geneva, Switzerland | ref=refSchoolGuideDP2002 | url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/documents/schools_guide_diploma.pdf | access-date=3 July 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091229142506/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/documents/schools_guide_diploma.pdf | archive-date=29 December 2009}}
{{Refend}}
 
== SeeExternal alsolinks ==
{{Wikibooks|Subject:IB Diploma Programme}}
*[[Advanced Placement Program]]
*[http://www.ibo.org/diploma The Diploma Programme] the IB's official website
*[[European Baccalaureate]]
*[https://tychr.com/a-guide-to-ib-diploma-programme/ A Guide To IB Diploma Program] TYCHR
*[[French Baccalaureate]]
 
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== External links ==
{{wikibooks|International Baccalaureate}}
*[http://www.ibo.org/diploma The Diploma Programme] at IBO's official website
*[http://www.direct.gov.uk/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/QualificationsExplainedArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=10039027&chk=NngSzT Programme overview at directgov]
 
[[Category:International Baccalaureate schools]]
[[Category:International Baccalaureate]]
[[Category:Secondary school qualifications]]
[[Category:Associations of schools]]
[[Category:High school course levels]]
[[Category:School qualifications]]
 
[[cy:Diploma'r Fagloriaeth Ryngwladol]]
[[da:IB Diploma Programme]]
[[de:International Baccalaureate]]
[[it:Baccellierato Internazionale]]
[[es:Programa del Diploma del Bachillerato Internacional]]
[[fr:Baccalauréat international]]
[[ja:国際バカロレア資格]]
[[no:IB Diploma Programme]]
[[pl:Matura międzynarodowa]]
[[sr:Међународна матура]]
[[sv:International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme]]
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[[zh:國際文憑大學預科課程]]