United Kingdom

Many UK universities accept IBCP students onto their degree or pre-degree courses. Within the IBCP, IB Certificates, the BTEC and the Reflective Project carry “tariff points” which give students the possibility to access a wide variety of degree courses, integrated foundation courses (you progress straight into a degree programme at the university on successful completion) and general foundation programmes. You will find clear explanations of the tariff by following this link https://www.ucas.com/ucas/ucas‐tariff‐points as well as a tariff table and a tariff calculator.

All UK universities require basic Mathematics and English qualifications – usually at least a grade four in MYP or a grade C equivalent at IGCSE. Check carefully as you research! Please see the UK page for further information and website links.

The Netherlands

The IBCP is recognised as a HAVO diploma equivalent in the Netherlands and will allow you to access vocational courses at many universities of applied science, although many of these have specific subject requirements. These courses include:

Applied Computer Science, Art and Design (various specialisations), Business (various specialisations) Built Environment, Creative Media and Game Technologies, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Engineering(various), Hotel, Tourism, Leisure and Events Management, Global Project and Change Management, Information and Communication Technology, Logistics (various specialisations), Water Management. See The Netherlands page for more information and links to websites.

United States

For students wishing to study in the United States, the IBCP will qualify students for entry into many degree courses or foundation degree options at universities and colleges. However, universities may want to see English as part of your package, and you may need Maths and a lab science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) in grade 11 for some colleges. You may also need to take SAT or ACT tests.

Europe

American universities with campuses worldwide may also recognize the IBCP (SAT / ACT may be required).

A number of private, specialist institutions in Europe are now recognizing the IBCP as an entrance qualification for courses. See list below.

By default, every student, if they pass each course, will receive an US-equivalent and accredited high school diploma. We strongly advise students planning to take the High School Diploma to include a number of IB certificates as part of their academic package.

United States and Canada

The High School Diploma will qualify students for entry into many degree courses or foundation degree options. Universities may want to see English as part of your subject package, and you may need Maths and a lab science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) in grade 11 for some colleges. American universities with campuses worldwide also recognize the High School Diploma (SAT / ACT usually required). Canada may also offer some opportunities, but you will almost certainly need average SAT scores to be considered. Please see the USA page for more information and website links.

State Universities in Europe

These do not usually recognise the High School Diploma without IB certificates or other exam scores. However, there are various opportunities throughout Europe and worldwide.

United Kingdom

Although much more limited compared to the United States, there are opportunities for High School Diploma students to continue into Further and Higher Education in the UK if they have taken a number of IB certificates – at least four is recommended. Universities award Tariff points to each IB certificate obtained by the candidate and accumulated points from three or four IB certificates should give access to some Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma and (foundation) degree courses. HNCs can allow entry into the second year of an undergraduate degree, while HNDs can allow entry into the second or third year. 

Europe

There are a number of private business schools in Europe that offer foundation and degree courses to High School Diploma students taking appropriate IB certificate courses. See list below.

In addition to the universities and programs listed above and on the IB recognition site, the following have made known they will accept the high school diploma. 

• • While extensive, this is not a complete worldwide list.

  • Applicants should always contact universities to understand current requirements. Specific courses, IB certificates, English/Math courses, and/or SAT/ACT exams may be required.

Below is a sample email to send to the contact of a university/program to understand and ensure you meet the requirements for admission. If you are completing the high school diploma route, adjust this template as needed. If possible, attach your most recent transcript.

Dear Admissions team,

My name is ______. I am an _______ citizen in grade ____ and living in Malta going to Verdala International School. Through them, I am completing the 2-year International Baccalaureate Career-related Program.

After researching universities, I am very interested in (name of school) to study _________, but I am wondering if I would be able to apply with the IBCP diploma as it was unclear to me on the program page of the website.

My courses for grades 11-12 are:

• (list all courses being taken and clarify if it is IBCP or DP and if it is SL or HL)

Do these courses meet your requirements for admission or would I need something else to qualify? eg. MYP/iGCSE scores, SAT scores, English/Math scores, DP certificates, etc.

I would also be happy to setup a video call if that would be possible to discuss requirements.

Thank you so much for your attention to this matter.