The breadth of VIS’s IB Diploma curriculum allows students to keep many university options open worldwide. However, university systems in different parts of the world may have specific entry requirements, which can vary by country. The following general guidelines serve as a starting point, but requirements for specific programs can change. Therefore, it is essential that students conduct their own research to ensure their IB course selections align with their goals.
Please remember that teacher feedback and a student’s grades are the best indicators of their ability level in each subject. These should be the guiding principles when deciding which IB subjects to select.
Potential IB Requirements for University Admission*
Architecture: Math and/or Physics at Higher Level may be required in some countries. Some universities might also require Art or Design, and many require a portfolio.
Art and Design: Art-based subjects typically require Visual Art or Design Technology at Higher Level and/or a portfolio of work.
Economics, Business, or Commerce: Mathematics AA HL may be required for the most competitive courses. Some universities may instead require other type or levels of Mathematics.
Engineering:
At the most selective universities in the USA and Canada, Math AA HL and Physics HL are either essential or highly desirable. Chemistry at SL/HL may also be required (in Canada it is a requirement).
At the most selective universities in the UK, Math AA HL and Physics HL are either essential or highly desirable. For Chemical Engineering, Math AA HL and Chemistry HL are essential or highly desirable, and Physics SL/HL may also be required.
Law: Essay-based subjects are important. Some universities might require English HL.
Medicine: In the UK and many European universities, Chemistry HL and Biology HL are required.
Piloting: Some universities require Mathematics and Physics.
Psychology: Some courses may require a HL science subject and/or a certain type and level of Mathematics (typically for a Bachelor of Science).
Science: Some programs require two HL science subjects (Chemistry, Physics, and Biology) and/or a specific type and level of Mathematics.
Germany & Switzerland: Students intending to study at universities in these countries must consult their counsellor when selecting IBDP subjects, as they have specific subject requirements.
Mathematics: Universities may have different requirements regarding Mathematics AA vs. AI and HL vs. SL. Always check directly with the university. Mathematics AI SL: Some universities may not accept this course.
Language: Some universities do not accept a Language at the Ab Initio level.
Science: Some universities do not consider Design Technology, Computer Science, or Environmental Science as a science and might specifically require Biology, Physics, or Chemistry.
Essay-based subjects: Examples include Language A Literature, Language and Literature, History, and Economics.
* The above guidelines are general and not exhaustive. University entrance requirements vary and may change from year to year. The most reliable sources of information are university prospectuses and official websites. Students should always verify requirements directly with the universities they are interested in.