IB Results Day 2025: Key Dates & What to do if Things Don’t Go To Plan

International Baccalaureate (IB) results day 2025 will be here before you know it, and you may be wondering how to navigate such an important day. 

We’re here to cover everything you need to know, including when IB results day is, how to prepare and what comes next. 

When do IB results come out in 2025?

IB results day varies depending on which country you’re in. Some students will sit their exams in May, while others will sit their exams in November.

This article will focus on the summer exam series in May, which is when students in the Northern Hemisphere sit their exams. 

When do students get IB results?

IB results day 2025 for the summer exam series will be Sunday 6th July 2025. 

When do schools and universities get IB results?

Schools and universities will receive IB results the day before students, on Saturday 5th July 2025. 

What time do IB results come out?

You’ll usually be able to access your IB results from 12:00 GMT. 

How to get my IB results

The IB releases results through its secure candidate website, where students can log in to view their grades. 

Here’s how the process works:

1. Contact your school’s programme coordinator to get your login details, which include a personal code and individual PIN.

2. On the login page of the candidate website, enter your details. 

3. Read and accept the terms and conditions by clicking 'I Accept' at the bottom of the page.

4. To view your results, click either on the ‘View results’ button or select the ‘Results’ tab at the top of the screen.

How to prepare for IB results day 

You’ve spent two years working hard on achieving the best possible grades in your IB exams, and now results day is here. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed in the weeks and days leading up to results day, here’s how you can prepare. 

How to reduce anxiety about IB results

It’s natural to feel apprehensive about results day. You might feel like there’s a lot riding on your IB results, whether it’s getting into university or landing your first job. 

But the key thing to remember is that, no matter what the outcome is, there are always options available to you. 

Sometimes, students can become consumed with ‘what if’ scenarios. You might be worried about whether you’ve done enough to get into university, and what will happen if you haven’t. 

But instead of fixating on these worries, why not reframe how you think about them? Consider coming up with a Plan B that you feel confident about, so that if things don’t go to plan this time around, you’ve got a great backup option. 

This might mean resitting your exams next year to achieve better grades, or considering other options such as an apprenticeship or internship. 

We’ll look at these in more detail later on. 

As well as having a Plan B, here are some other tips for reducing anxiety in the lead up to results day: 

• Check out our exam anxiety relief kit – the techniques explored here can be applied to general anxiety surrounding your studies, including results day 

• Make plans with friends and family to take your mind off results day

• The night before results day, try to get an early night so you wake up feeling refreshed 

What do I need on IB results day

Since you’ll be getting your results online, here’s what you’ll need:

• A good WiFi connection – This is important not just for accessing your results, but in case you need to email universities or find different contact details. 

• Your login credentials – You can get these in advance from the IB programme coordinator at your school.

• A charged device (and a charger nearby) – Whether it’s your laptop, tablet or phone, make sure it’s fully charged. You don’t want your battery dying in the middle of reading your results or while contacting universities.

• Your university details (UCAS ID, offer conditions, contact numbers) – Keep all of this handy just in case you need to get in touch with admissions teams right away.

• A notepad and pen – You’ll likely need to jot things down, whether it’s advice from a teacher, next steps or details from a university call.

What grades do I need to pass IB?

To pass the IB Diploma Programme (DP), you need to meet a number of different requirements. It’s not just about individual subject grades – the overall combination matters. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Total Points

You must get at least 24 points out of 45 in total.

2. Subject Scores

You take 6 subjects, each graded from 1-7 with 7 being the highest. To pass the diploma, you mustn’t score a 1 in any subject, and typically no more than two scores of 2 are allowed.

At least 12 points must come from your Higher Level (HL) subjects. At least 9 points must come from your Standard Level (SL) subjects.

3. Core Components

 You must pass all three core elements:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

• Extended Essay (EE)

• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

TOK and EE are graded and combined to give up to 3 additional points. You must not get an E in both TOK and EE – that’s an automatic fail. CAS must be completed, even though it's not graded. Failing to complete CAS means you won’t get the diploma.

To find out more about the IB grading system, check out our helpful guide. 

What are IB grades worth in UCAS points?

Like A Levels, your IB grades are equivalent to a certain amount of UCAS points if you’re applying to university in the UK. 

Most universities state their course entry requirements in terms of UCAS points rather than grades.

Below is a breakdown of how UCAS points are awarded for IB DP scores:

How to read IB results

Now for the exciting part – reading your results! As mentioned, your IB subjects will be graded from 1-7, with 1 being the lowest score and 7 being the highest. You’ll see your grade for each subject below your personal details, along with your EE and TOK grades (worth up to 3 additional points) beneath this. 

You’ll then see your ‘total points’ out of 45, and whether the diploma has been awarded to you or not. Remember, you need a minimum of 24 marks to pass the IB, and a minimum grade of 2 is required in each subject. However, you can’t have more than two subjects with a grade of 2.

Your IB results won’t show the marks you received for a specific exam paper or piece of coursework. You may be able to request this information from your programme coordinator, however the decision lies with them. 

IB Results Trends

If you’re keen to find out how previous students have performed in the IB diploma, we’ve noted some interesting trends. The data comes from official IB sources and Tes. 

Pre-pandemic, roughly 77% of candidates passed the diploma. This rose to an all-time high of 88.9% during the pandemic, and then settled back to between 79–80% in 2023 and 2024.

The proportion of students achieving top grades followed these trends. In 2019, the global mean subject grade was about 4.8 (on the 1-7 grade scale), rising to 5.1 in 2021 and returning to 4.84 in 2023. 

UK students in the IB Diploma Programme have consistently achieved higher results on average than their global peers. For example, in 2023 the average total score in the UK was 34.67 points compared to the global average of 30.24. 

The UK’s diploma pass rate is also markedly higher. In 2023, 94.7% of UK IB students passed (earned the diploma), compared to 79.3% globally. 

What will the UCAS Hub show?

If you’ve applied to study at a UK university, you’ll also want to check your UCAS Hub on results day. Here, you’ll see whether your first or insurance choice universities have offered you a place on your chosen course. If not, you may need to go through clearing.

This is how your offers will look on the UCAS Hub:

• Unconditional - your place on the course has been confirmed. This may be your firm or insurance offer, or both.

• Unsuccessful - you've not been accepted by your choice(s). You're now eligible to enter Clearing.

• Unconditional Changed Course (UCC) - you haven’t met the required grades for your course, but the university would like to offer you a place on a different course. You usually have 5 days to decide whether you want to accept the offer. 

What if my IB grades are lower than expected?

If your IB results aren’t what you hoped for, try not to worry. This doesn’t mean you’re out of options. We understand how disheartening it can be if you haven’t managed to achieve the grades you were expecting. However, there are still plenty of steps you can take. 

Despite getting lower grades, you might still receive an offer from your firm choice university. Sometimes, universities offer a place on a different course instead. This is called a ‘changed course offer’, which you can either accept or decline. If you choose to decline, you’ll be released into clearing.

If you’ve only just missed your target grades, speak to your school or college advisor. They may be able to help you with asking your firm choice to reconsider your application.

What if I don’t get an offer from my first-choice university?

If you didn’t get into your firm-choice university, you still have several options. Here are some steps you can take next: 

• You can accept your insurance offer – make sure it’s still a choice you’re happy with. 

• If you've changed your mind about your insurance offer, you can contact the university and ask to be released into clearing. 

• You can retake your IB exams next summer and reapply for universities the following year, giving yourself another shot at your preferred course or uni.

What if I’ve been accepted by an insurance choice university?

This is still a huge feat and one to be celebrated – you’ve landed a place at university, congratulations! 

You’re not obliged to accept an offer from your insurance choice university, but this could be a great option if you’re still happy with it. 

Here’s what to do next: 

1. Check your offer carefully – Take a moment to go over your course info, including the start date and any conditions. If something doesn’t look right, or you have any questions, get in touch with the admissions team at your new university.

2. Secure accommodation – If you haven’t already arranged a place to stay, reach out to your insurance university straight away. University halls may still have availability, or you can look into private accommodation options.

3. Update your student finance details – If you’re a UK student and have applied for a student loan, log in to your Student Finance account and update it with your new university’s information to avoid any payment delays.

4. Get ready for your new start – Keep an eye on your inbox for important updates from your new university. These might include welcome events, registration instructions or how to access your student account and learning platforms.

What if I’ve been rejected from my firm and insurance choice?

We know it can be incredibly disappointing to find out that neither your firm nor insurance university has offered you a place. That being said, there are still many different paths you can take.

The number one thing to remember is that many students have been in the same position and have found success through different paths. Be kind to yourself and take a breather.

Here are some options available to you:

Explore UCAS Clearing

If you applied through UCAS and didn’t receive an offer from either of your top choices, clearing is your next step. Once you're eligible, your UCAS Hub will display a ‘My matches’ button, which will suggest courses that suit your profile. You can also use the UCAS search tool to look for specific courses or universities you’re interested in.

If you already have universities in mind, it’s time to start reaching out to them. Have your UCAS Clearing number and Personal ID ready so the admissions team can find your application. 

Many universities will give you a verbal offer over the phone, which usually needs to be confirmed within 24 hours. This is ideal as you don’t need to accept the very first offer you get. Use this time to ask questions and consider your options.

Clearing can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Nearly 70,000 students in the UK secured university places through clearing in 2024. It’s a common route and can still lead to a brilliant university experience.

Consider retaking IB exams

If you’re not happy with your results or the offers you’ve received, another option is to retake one or more of your exams during the next available session. This will be in November or May, depending on your location. 

This gives you time to improve your understanding, boost your scores, and reapply next year with a stronger application. It’s a good idea to speak to your school’s IB coordinator or a trusted advisor before making this decision. In the meantime, you could also gain some work experience, consider an internship or explore short courses that align with your interests.

Take a gap year

A gap year can be an excellent opportunity to pause, reflect and explore other options before jumping straight back into university applications. Whether you want to gain work experience, travel or volunteer, a gap year can help you grow both personally and academically. Gap years can be extremely beneficial to students, especially if you use the time to boost your grades, gain real-world experience or develop new skills.

How to appeal IB results 

If you’re considering having your IB work re-marked, the first step is to speak with your school’s IB DP coordinator. They’re the only ones who can submit a request on your behalf. This process is officially called an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR).

Keep in mind that EURs aren’t free, and it’s your coordinator’s responsibility to explain any fees involved to you and/or your parents or guardians. The IB won’t accept remark requests directly from students or their families, and they’ll only share the outcome with your school’s coordinator. 

It’s important to know that requesting a remark comes with a risk: your grade can go up, but it could also go down. That’s why your coordinator will need written consent from you (or your guardian) before going ahead. If this written consent isn’t given and your grade ends up being lowered, the original grade can’t be brought back. It’s crucial to be fully informed before making the decision.

What support is available?

We understand that the idea of appealing your IB results can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Support is available every step of the way.

Your teachers and IB coordinator are there to guide you through the appeals process. They can help you understand your options, the potential outcomes, and what steps to take next.

If your university plans have been affected, don’t hesitate to contact your chosen universities and explain the situation. Admissions teams are often understanding and may be able to offer advice or flexibility while you wait for the outcome of your appeal.

And if the pressure is getting to you, that’s okay too – it’s completely normal to feel stressed during this time. Make sure to reach out to a trusted adult, your school’s wellbeing team or a dedicated support service. You're not in this alone.

Need someone to talk to? Check out this list of helpful resources.

Can I resit my IB exams?

If your IB results weren’t what you hoped for, you do have the option to retake one or more of your exams. Many students choose to resit in the next available exam session. 

You’ll need to speak with your school’s IB coordinator to see if your current school will support your retake. If not, you can register as a retake candidate at another IB World School or an authorised exam centre.

Keep in mind that there may be additional exam and registration fees, so it’s important to check the costs first.

Check out Save My Exams’ IB revision resources to boost your chances of improving your grades. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are IB results important for university?

Absolutely – your IB Diploma results play a major role in university admissions.

Most universities set specific entry requirements for their courses. This often includes a total IB points score, as well as minimum grades in certain subjects (especially at Higher Level). These requirements are used to make conditional offers, meaning your final IB results will directly impact whether you secure your place.

If you meet or exceed the conditions of your offer, your place at the university is confirmed. If you fall short, you may need to consider alternative options. This could mean a different course, another university, or entering UCAS Clearing (if you’re applying to UK universities).

What happens if I’m on holiday on IB results day?

While it’s not ideal to be away for results day, you can definitely work around it. Your IB results can be accessed online, so as long as you let your school know in advance, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. 

As long as you have your login details, you’ll be able to log in from anywhere in the world and view your results.

However, you might need to prepare in case you need to request a remark, speak to universities or confirm a place, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Make sure you have reliable internet connection and keep all key contact details with you, including your school, IB coordinator and any relevant university admissions teams.

What happens if I do worse in an IB resit?

If you get a lower grade in your IB resit, don’t worry–your better result will still stand. 

Resitting doesn’t invalidate the previous result, so the better result can be used. 

If you’re preparing for your IB resits, check out some of our top tips for revising for specific IB subjects: 

How to Revise for IB Chemistry

How to Revise for IB Geography

How to Revise for IB Maths

How to Revise for IB Environmental Systems & Societies    

Improve Your Grades with Save My Exams

Save My Exams helps over 1.5 million students each month to prepare for their exams. Get instant access to past papers, exam-style questions, concise revision notes and more to boost both your confidence and grades. 

All of our resources are tailored to your exam board, ensuring you focus only on what’s relevant to your course. With expert feedback on practice questions and engaging video content, Save My Exams equips you with everything you need to excel. 

Explore our IB Revision Resources. 

References

Student Finance

Record acceptances for UK 18-year-olds as international growth flattens out | UCAS 

Student support | Shout

THE UK BEATS GLOBAL IB AVERAGES WITH 2023 RESULTS 

IB results: global averages fall | Relocate magazine 

More than 170,000 students across the world receive IB results 

IB results day 2020: Average score up to four-year high | Tes Magazine