IB FAQs

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is recognized worldwide and aligns with national education systems to support smooth progression for students.

Middle Years Programme (MYP): The MYP, designed for students aged 11 to 16 years, is broadly considered equivalent to O-Level qualifications or lower secondary education in many countries.

Diploma Programme (DP): The DP, intended for students aged 16 to 19 years, is widely regarded as equivalent to A-Level qualifications or senior secondary education and is accepted by universities across the globe.

In many countries, IB results can be directly mapped to equivalent qualifications such as Cambridge International Examinations or national systems, supporting international transitions.

The IB uses a consistent and internationally recognized grading scale. All subjects are assessed on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of achievement.

• MYP: Students can achieve a maximum of 56 points across their subjects, with the Personal Project forming a key part of the final assessment.
• DP: Students can earn up to 45 points, including up to 3 additional points through the Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is also a compulsory core requirement.

• Personal Project (MYP): In the final year of the MYP, students complete an extended independent inquiry into an area of personal interest, developing research, communication, critical thinking, creativity, and self-management.
• Service as Action: Students engage in meaningful community service that connects classroom learning to real-world challenges and builds agency, empathy, and responsibility.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: The IB encourages students to apply knowledge from different disciplines to solve complex problems and make learning relevant beyond the classroom.
• On-Screen Examinations (MYP): MYP on-screen assessments reflect the digital nature of modern learning and test analysis, synthesis, and application in a technology-enabled environment.

Middle Years Programme (MYP): To be awarded the MYP Certificate, students must:

• Achieve at least level 3 or above in one subject from each of the eight subject groups studied.
• Attain a minimum total of 28 points out of a possible 56.
• Successfully complete the Personal Project.
• Fulfil the school's requirements for Service as Action.

Diploma Programme (DP): To be awarded the IB Diploma, a candidate must:

• Sit for six subjects in total: three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).
• Complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
• Achieve a minimum of 24 out of 45 points on externally graded final assessments.
• Earn recognition worldwide, as many universities grant advanced credit or scholarships to IB Diploma holders.

In many countries, IB qualifications are recognized as equivalent to other systems such as Cambridge International Examinations or A Levels. A good number of universities will accept IB students directly, while some may offer a one-year bridging programme to support transition.

For a wider range of options, students completing the MYP are encouraged to proceed to the Diploma Programme (DP), ensuring continuity and preparation for higher education.

IB graduates are highly regarded by universities worldwide for their academic rigor, critical thinking, and global outlook.

The breadth of the programme prepares students to pursue a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, law, engineering, business, social sciences, the arts, and music.

Progression is shaped through subject selection, allowing students to align their studies with future career aspirations.

Students are expected to study at least two languages:

• Language of instruction in Language and Literature: English, at a high proficiency level.
• Additional language: French.

Requirements may vary depending on the programme level, but multilingualism remains a core value of the IB and reflects its commitment to intercultural understanding.

For more detail, see the Language Policy and the Admissions Policy.

Students in MYP Year 5 take computer-based exams (on screen) in the following areas:

• Language and Literature: English (high proficiency required)
• Language Acquisition: French, with other languages depending on school offerings
• Individuals and Societies: History, Geography, or Integrated Humanities
• Sciences: Integrated science or subject-specific biology, chemistry, or physics
• Mathematics: standard or extended level
• Interdisciplinary Learning: multiple subject areas combined to test critical thinking and connections across disciplines

In addition to on-screen exams, students submit portfolios in Design, Visual Arts, and the Personal Project.

For more information, open the DP recognition and FAQs document.