FAQs: The Diploma Programme

What is required for the award of the IB Diploma? 

To be eligible for the award of the Diploma, all candidates must:

• Complete a course of study from each of the six groups

• Complete at least three and not more than four of the six subjects at higher level and others at standard level

• Achieve a minimum total of 24 points out of a maximum total of 45, having also met a number of other criteria, including at least 12 points at HL, no grade 1, no more than 2 grade 2s, and no more than three grade 3s or below.

• Submit an Extended Essay in one of the subjects of the IB Curriculum

• Follow a course in Theory of Knowledge

• Achieve at least a D grade in both the EE and TOK

• Complete all CAS  (Creativity, Action and Service) requirements

How is the IB Diploma assessed? 

Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). Grades reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards applied equally to all schools. Top grades are not, for example, awarded to a certain percentage of students.

A variety of assessment methods is used to value both the content and the process of academic achievement and to take into account different learning styles and cultural patterns. Assessment of work is both internal and external. All subject teachers are trained by the IB to administer and mark internally assessed tasks. Such internal assessments are moderated by external assessors. Internal assessments make up about 20% of a student's final Diploma Programme grade - these tasks include essays, mathematical portfolios, oral language exams and, fieldwork assignments and practical and investigative work in the sciences.

Final handwritten examinations are taken at the end of the two year programme over three weeks in May and comprise about 80% of each student's final Diploma Programme grade. 

(The IB is embarking on the process of digitalizing all final examinations, which is scheduled to be in place by May 2030. Students in CIS are likely to take some exam papers on line from May 2027).

 The exams take a number of forms, including oral and written examinations, long and short responses, data based questions, essays and multiple choice questions. Responsibility for all academic judgements about the quality of candidates’ work rests with more than 10,000 examiners worldwide, led by Chief Examiners with international authority.

How difficult is it to obtain the IB Diploma? 

Each year approximately 80% of candidates who attempt the Diploma succeed in earning it

Is the IB Diploma accepted by universities worldwide? 

IB Diploma holders gain admission to universities throughout the world. Formal agreements exist between the IB and many ministries of education and private institutions. Some colleges and universities may offer advanced standing or course credit to students with strong IB examination results. It is important that individual students ascertain precisely the requirements of their chosen university with regard to the IB Diploma as soon as appropriate. Subject choice and level of study may need to be chosen with university requirements in mind. Please see the CIS Counsellors if you have any questions about university entrance requirements.

In order to see IB recognition around the world, please click here. Please note that certain universities and programmes might have additional requirements. 

What do we expect of our Diploma Programme students? 

• Critical Thinking

• A desire to know more, and an engagement with all aspects of the programme

• Self-discipline and responsibility

• Enjoyment of the challenge of opportunity

• The ability to learn from fellow-students as well as teachers

• To approach tasks with a seriousness of purpose

• To be challenged, excited and delighted, but also sometimes to be disappointed and exasperated!

• To be caring, reflective, balanced, principled, communicators and risk-takers!