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In the DP, the curriculum consists of six subject groups and the three elements of the DP core: theory of knowledge (ToK), extended essay, and creativity, activity, service (CAS).ย
Whether you are enrolled in the DP or enrolling in several DP subjects, it is important to know which subject selections will help students achieve their goals and career aspirations.ย
The University & Career Advisor can help students make subject selection decisions. They know what universities in different countries will look for and what combination of standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) courses students should take to be eligible for admission to university. Students should check all admission requirements with individual universities of interest.ย
SL and HL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level. Each student takes at least three (but not more than four) subjects at higher level, and the remaining at standard level.โฏย ย
๐ ย Explore the DP Subjects ย ๐
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Key considerations for choosing subjectsย
Key considerations for choosing subjectsย
The IB encourages you to spend time reviewing universities and degree programs of interest to you and noting their specific entry requirements. Many universities will use terminology similar to the following to indicate what is required, preferred, or recommended for admission.โฏย
Required subjects: for many degrees, universities will expect you to have achieved minimum grades in specific subjects.ย
Preferred subjects: some university entry requirements state preferred subjects, which are not required for entry, but may give preference to your application over others who do not have that subject.
Recommended subjects: some university entry requirements state recommended subjects. These are not required for entry but provide a good foundation for future study.โฏย
As you select your subjects, it is important to remember the notes above about SL and HL subjects. The IB encourages you to work with your University Advisor / DP Coordinator to determine your personal SL/HL distribution.โฏย
course selection.pdfSource: University Guidance Handbook 2024-2026, Bavarian International School
Subject Group Guidance
Subject Group Guidance
๐จ Artsย
Do the universities you are interested in applying to consider the arts subjects? If not, should you take a course in another subject group? It is rare that this is an issue, but for example, this needs to be considered if you are applying to Swiss universities. โฏย
๐ Individuals and Societies
The entry requirements for these subjects tend to be flexible, unless you are applying for a single honors program such as history, where history may be required at HL.ย
๐งฌ Sciences
Are you enrolling in the appropriate science subjects for the universities of your choice?ย
Does the university of your choice accept Environmental systems and societies; Sports, exercise, and health sciences; and Computer science?ย
Are you applying for Medicine, which in a few countries (such as India, Pakistan and some Scandinavian countries) will require three science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics) and you will need to consider the non-regular Diploma? Please discuss with your University Advisor / DP Coordinator.ย
๐งฎ Mathematics
Are you enrolling in the appropriate mathematics subjects for the universities of your choice?ย
Supporting Student Choice in DP Mathematics: A Guide for University and Career Counsellors gives a good overview of what to think about when choosing which IB mathematics course you or your student should enroll in.ย
NOTE: VIS is not part of the KMK-IBO special agreement for Math AA/AI SL courses. Therefore, all students planning to apply to Germany are advised to take Math AA/AI HL, not SL.
๐ฌ Languagesย
Are you planning to apply to a university that has language requirements? Do the language(s) you are taking cover you for the language requirements of your chosen university(ies)? Do they require a Language A subject or a Language B subject?
If you need to apply for a visa, are there language requirements? Do the language(s) you are taking meet these requirements?
The IB commissioned a study that examined how grades in selected IB language courses compare to levels on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR is widely used in the development and referencing of language syllabus qualifications, assessment and other learning materials. Additional comparisons with other qualifications and language proficiency tests have been benchmarked to levels of the CEFR scale. View additional comparisons.
Discover which universities and countries have already confirmed acceptance of IB DP and certificates and specifics to their policies. >
< Start your seach for available programs, IB and other entry requirements, and contact information through the UniFrog Search tools
Review country-specific guidance for course selection and university admissions from the IBO. >
VIS Country-Specific Guidance
VIS Country-Specific Guidance
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