IB Results Day 2026: Dates, Times & What to Do Next

IB results day is almost here. You've worked hard for two years, and now it's time to see what you've achieved.

Whether you're feeling confident, nervous or somewhere in between, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know - from when results are released to what happens next with your university applications.

Let's break it all down so you can face IB results day feeling prepared and in control.

Key Takeaways

• Results release: Students taking May exams get their results on 6th July 2026 at 12:00 GMT. Schools and universities receive them the day before.

• Access your results: Log into the IB candidate website using your personal code and PIN (get these from your school coordinator beforehand).

• Check your UCAS Hub: UK students should check their UCAS account to see if they've met their firm or insurance offers.

• Know your options: If your grades are lower than expected, you have several paths forward, including Enquiry Upon Results, clearing, or resits.

• Get support: Speak to your school coordinator, teachers, or trusted adults. You're not alone in this.

When Do IB Results Come Out in 2026?

IB results day depends on which exam session you took and where you're located. This guide focuses on the May 2026 session - the main exam period for students in the Northern Hemisphere.

When do students get IB results?

IB results day 2026 for the May exam series is 6th July 2026.

You'll be able to access your results from 12:00 GMT onwards through the IB candidate website.

When do schools and universities get IB results?

Schools and universities receive IB results the day before students, on 5th July 2026.

This gives them time to process applications and make decisions before you see your grades.

What Time Are IB Results Released?

May results go live at 12:00 GMT (midday UK time) on results day.

Time zone conversions:

• 12:00 GMT (London)

• 13:00 CET (Paris, Berlin, Madrid)

• 14:00 EET (Athens, Cairo)

• 20:00 HKT (Hong Kong)

• 21:00 JST (Tokyo)

• 08:00 EST (New York)

How do I Access My IB Results?

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) releases results through its secure candidate website. Here's how to access yours.

1. Get your login details before results day.

   • Contact your school's IB coordinator before results day to get your personal code and individual PIN.

   • Write these down somewhere safe. You'll need them to log in.

2. Head onto the IB candidate website. (opens in a new tab)

3. Enter your personal code and PIN in the login fields.

4. Read the terms and conditions, then click 'I Accept' at the bottom of the page

5. Click either the 'View results' button or select the 'Results' tab at the top of the screen

6. Your results will display showing your grades for each subject, your TOK/EE points, total score out of 45, and whether you've been awarded the diploma

Troubleshooting and Common Errors

Forgotten PIN or personal code? Contact your school's IB coordinator immediately. They can provide your details.

"Account locked" error? This usually means you've entered incorrect details multiple times. Wait 30 minutes and try again, or contact your coordinator.

Website won't load or is very slow? The site gets extremely busy on results day. Try refreshing the page, or wait 10-15 minutes before trying again. Consider using a different browser or device if problems persist.

Can't access the site at all? Make sure you're using the correct URL (candidates.ibo.org (opens in a new tab)). If you're still having issues, ask your coordinator to access your results and share them with you directly.

What to Have Ready on IB Results Day

Being organised makes results day much less stressful. Here's your essential checklist:

Understanding Your IB Results

Your results page shows several important pieces of information. Here's how to read it.

• Subject grades: Each of your six subjects is graded from 1-7, with 7 being the highest.

• TOK and Extended Essay: These are graded separately and combined to give you up to 3 additional points towards your total.

• Total points: This is your overall score out of 45 maximum.

• CAS completion: You'll see confirmation of whether you've completed your Creativity, Activity, Service requirement.

• Diploma awarded: The page will clearly state whether you've been awarded the IB Diploma or not.

Our IB results statement breakdown goes into further detail.

What do I need to pass the IB?

To pass the IB Diploma, you must meet ALL of these requirements:

• 24 points minimum out of 45 total.

• No grade 1 in any subject.

• No more than two grade 2s across all subjects.

• There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (SL or HL).

• At least 9 points from your three Standard Level subjects.

• At least 12 points across HL subjects. 

• A grade has been awarded in all subjects, TOK and the EE.

• CAS completed.

If you meet all these requirements, you've passed and earned your IB Diploma and it’s time to celebrate your IB achievements.

What Happens If My IB Results Are Lower Than I Expected?

If your results aren't what you hoped for, you have options.

Step 1: Speak to your IB coordinator

Before doing anything else, talk to your coordinator. They can help you understand your grades and discuss next steps.

Step 2: Check your UCAS Hub

See what your universities have decided. You might still get an offer even if you missed your predicted grades. 

Step 3: Contact your firm and insurance choices

If you've narrowly missed your offer, call the admissions office. Explain your situation. Some universities may still accept you, especially if you're only a point or two short.

Step 4: Consider your options

You have several paths forward:

• Accept your insurance offer if you've been accepted there.

• Enter clearing to find alternative university places.

• Request an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) if you think a grade might be wrong.

• Take a gap year and reapply next year.

• Resit exams in November or next May to improve your grades.

All of these are valid choices. What's right depends on your individual circumstances and goals.

Check out our article on what happens if you fail the IB to explore your options in more detail. And have a look at our handy guide to what happens if you fail TOK or CAS.

Appealing Your IB Results (Enquiry Upon Results)

If you believe one or more of your grades is incorrect, you can request an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR). This is the IB's official appeals process.

However, you can't submit an EUR yourself. Your school's IB coordinator must do it on your behalf.

Two categories exist:

• Clerical Re-check): The IB checks for administrative errors like marks being added up incorrectly.

• Re-mark): Your work is re-marked by a senior examiner.

Your grade can go up, down, or stay the same after an EUR. If it goes down, the lower grade stands. You can't get your original grade back.

Because of this risk, your coordinator will need written consent from you (or your parent/guardian) before submitting an EUR.

EUR Timeline & Costs

Deadline: The EUR window runs from results day until 15th September (opens in a new tab). 

Processing time: Results usually come back within 2-4 weeks

Costs: The IB doesn't publish EUR fees publicly - they're charged to schools, which may pass costs on to families. 

Fees are charged per subject, and your coordinator can tell you the exact amount before you commit.  (opens in a new tab)

Who pays?: This varies by school. Some schools cover EUR costs, others ask families to pay. Check with your coordinator.

Retaking IB Exams

If you want to improve your grades, you can retake one or more subjects in a future exam session.

When can you retake?

• Next May session (one year away).

• Next November session (about 4-5 months away for May candidates).

Your first step is to speak to your school's IB coordinator. They'll explain whether your school supports retakes, or whether you'll need to register through another IB World School instead.

Retake fees vary by school and session. Expect to pay exam entry fees, plus potential teaching or materials costs on top. Your coordinator can give you the exact figures.

Most UK universities accept resit grades without any fuss. Some competitive courses may have their own policies, though, so it's worth checking with individual universities before you commit.

If you resit and score lower, your original higher grade still stands. The IB always uses your best result, so there's nothing to lose by trying again.

Our ultimate guide to IB retakes will help you navigate the process. And be sure to build yourself an excellent IB revision timetable with the help of our handy guide.

IB Results Trends

Wondering how your results compare to other students? 

Here are the key global statistics from the May 2025 exam session (opens in a new tab) - the most recent results available. 

Over 202,000 students worldwide received IB results in the May 2025 session - a 4.8% increase on the previous year.

These statistics help you understand where your results sit in the broader context, but remember - every student's journey is unique.

Wellbeing and Support

Results day can be emotionally intense, whether your grades are great, disappointing, or somewhere in between.

If you're feeling overwhelmed:

• Talk to a trusted adult - parent, guardian, teacher, or school counsellor.

• Remember that grades don't define your worth as a person.

• Take breaks from screens and social media if comparisons are making you feel worse.

• Reach out to friends who might be feeling similar emotions.

Here are some helpful resources

• Your school's wellbeing team

• Exam anxiety resources - Our exam anxiety support kit will help

• Shout Crisis Text Line (opens in a new tab) – Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK)

• Childline (opens in a new tab) – 0800 1111 (UK)

• The Mix (opens in a new tab) – Support for under-25s

Whatever your results, there are people who care and want to help. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my university still accept me if I miss my offer?

Yes, possibly. Universities can show flexibility, especially if you've only narrowly missed the required grades. Call the admissions office on results day and explain your situation. Some universities make these decisions on a case-by-case basis.

What’s a good IB score?

It depends on your goals. The global average score for May 2025 was 30.6. Anything above these figures puts you ahead of the typical student. 

Competitive universities usually want more. Many Russell Group courses ask for 35+, with the most selective courses requiring 38-42. The most important number is the one in your offer conditions, so judge your score against that rather than anyone else's.

How many times can I resit IB exams and will universities mind?

You can resit IB exams as many times as you like - there's no limit these days. Most universities accept resit grades normally, but it's worth checking with specific institutions if you're concerned.

Ace Your IB Scores with Save My Exams

Whether you're celebrating brilliant grades or facing unexpected challenges, remember that multiple paths lead to success.

Whatever your results, take a moment to acknowledge everything you've achieved over the past two years. The IB Diploma Programme is demanding, and completing it shows dedication, resilience, and intellectual curiosity.

And whether you're sitting your exams for the first time or considering resits, our examiner-written IB revision resources are organised by topic and level, and will help you revise only what you need. 

Join over 2 million students worldwide and boost your grades with Save My Exams. 

References

IBO - Candidate Site (opens in a new tab)
IBO - Legalization (opens in a new tab)
IBDP - Statistical Bulletin, May 2025 (opens in a new tab)
Shout Crisis Text Line (opens in a new tab)
Childline (opens in a new tab) 
The Mix (opens in a new tab)