Verification information
The IB provides an official transcript of grades for the Diploma Programme (DP). It is an official copy of an IB candidate’s results. Transcripts can be sent directly to an institute of higher education, such as a university. These documents are not sent to students or other organisations. Not all students choose to take the full course load leading to a diploma. Instead, some students choose to take DP subjects only in areas where they have a particular interest or strength. Certificates are awarded on a course-by-course basis to students who choose not to do the full programme. Students who satisfactorily complete a DP course earn a certificate and may be eligible for university credit.
Comments/Additional Information
International Baccalaureate Diploma is the direct evidence of achievement against the stated goals of the Diploma Programme (DP) courses.
Subjects > The curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. The three core elements are: Theory of knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, activity, service (CAS). The six subject groups are: Studies in language and literature, Language acquisition, Individuals and societies, Sciences, Mathematics, The arts. There are different courses within each subject group.
Grading system > 1-7, with 7 being highest. A student’s final Diploma result score is made up of the combined scores for each subject. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance including successful completion of the three essential elements of the DP core.
Awarding period > 2 years; Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. Higher level comprises 240 teaching hours.
As of 1 May 2019, there are 3,352 schools offering the DP, in 156 different countries worldwide. DP graduates apply to more than 3,300 higher education institutions each year, in close to 90 countries.
The most popular of these institutions are ranked among the top universities in the world.