Best IB Subject Combinations

Choosing the right IB subject combination is one of the most important decisions you will make in the Diploma Programme (opens in a new tab). Your Higher Level and Standard Level choices can shape the university courses open to you, influence how competitive your application is and affect how confident you feel throughout your studies.

This guide explains how IB subject combinations work. It provides clear recommendations on the best IB subject combinations for popular career pathways, including medicine, engineering, law, business, and the arts. You’ll also find practical advice on choosing subjects that match your strengths, interests, and long-term goals.

Key Takeaways

• Your IB subject combination has a big impact on the university courses available to you.

• Some careers require specific Higher Level subjects, such as HL Chemistry for medicine or HL Maths AA for engineering.

• A strong combination balances interest, difficulty and future requirements.

• Universities pay close attention to your Higher Level subjects and whether your choices support your intended degree.

How IB Subject Combinations Work

In the IB Diploma Programme you take six subjects across Groups 1 to 6, along with the Core. Three of your subjects must be at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Your Higher Level subjects carry more depth and more teaching hours, so they play a larger role in university applications.

You must choose one subject from each group, although you can replace Group 6 with an extra subject from Groups 1 to 4. This is common among students aiming for science, maths, or humanities pathways, where a second science or an extra essay subject is more useful.

Your combination should reflect three things:

• your strengths

• your interests

• your long-term university or career plans

Our range of IB Options guides will help you make your choices.

Best IB Subject Combinations by Career Pathway

Here are some recommended subject combinations for specific pathways.

Medicine

Recommended HLs

• HL Chemistry (required by most medical schools)

• HL Biology (strongly recommended)

• HL Physics or HL Maths Analysis and Approaches (optional but useful for competitive courses)

Recommended SLs

• Maths AI or AA (if not taken at HL)

• A second science is required or strongly recommended by many universities, so check your chosen course early

• Psychology, Global Politics or a language for broader skills

Why these subjects matter
Chemistry is essential because it underpins biochemistry and drug science. Biology gives you a strong foundation for anatomy and physiology. Some universities prefer applicants with strong quantitative skills, so Physics or Maths AA can help.

Notes
Most UK and international medical schools expect two sciences at HL. Requirements vary, so check early.

Engineering

Recommended HLs

• HL Maths AA (usually required)

• HL Physics (strongly preferred)

• HL Chemistry or HL Computer Science (depending on engineering field)

Recommended SLs

• A second science

• Economics, Design Technology or a language

• Maths AI, only if AA is not available. Note that some top universities do not accept AI, so check entry requirements for your preferred destination extremely carefully.

Why these subjects matter
Engineering degrees expect strong mathematical skills. Physics supports mechanics and problem-solving. Chemistry is useful for chemical or materials engineering, while Computer Science helps with software, robotics or electrical pathways.

Law

Recommended HLs

• HL English A

• HL History or HL Global Politics

• HL Philosophy or another essay-based subject

Recommended SLs

• A language

• Psychology, Economics or another humanities subject

• Maths AI or AA, depending on preference

Why these subjects matter
Law schools value subjects that build critical thinking, argumentation and structured writing. There are no fixed subject requirements for law, so the focus is on analytical and essay-based skills.

Business and Economics

Recommended HLs

• HL Economics

• HL Maths: AA or AI (AA is preferred for quantitative courses)

• HL Business Management or a second humanities subject

Recommended SLs

• Global Politics, Psychology or Geography

• A language

• Maths AI if Maths AA is taken at HL. This works well alongside HL Maths AA, and can strengthen your quantitative profile if you enjoy mathematics.

Why these subjects matter
Economics develops analytical thinking. Maths supports data-heavy courses, especially for competitive economics degrees. Business Management builds useful foundations in strategy and finance.

Arts and Design

Recommended HLs

• HL Visual Arts

• HL Theatre or HL Music (depending on interests)

• HL English A for strong written and analytical skills

Recommended SLs

• A second arts subject

• A language

• ESS, Psychology or another humanities subject

Why these subjects matter

• Creative courses often require a portfolio or audition.

• Arts HLs allow time to develop depth and technical skill.

• English supports analysis, creativity and communication.

Computer Science and Tech

Recommended HLs

• HL Computer Science

• HL Maths AA (preferred by most Computer Science degrees)

• HL Physics for quantitative or engineering-related computing

Recommended SLs

• A second science or maths

• Economics or Design Technology

• A language to support global skills

Why these subjects matter

• CS degrees require strong coding and problem-solving skills.

• Maths AA prepares you for algorithms, calculus and discrete maths.

• Physics supports computational thinking and logic.

General Tips for Choosing the Right Combination

• Balance difficulty and interest. Do not overload yourself with three very demanding HLs unless you are confident.

• Check university prerequisites early, especially for STEM subjects.

• Choose your HLs carefully. These carry the most weight in university admissions.

• Be realistic about your strengths. Strong performance in slightly easier subjects is better than struggling with difficult ones.

• Check availability at your school. Not all schools offer Computer Science, Design Technology or certain languages.

• Think about assessment style. Some subjects are exam-heavy, while others rely on coursework or practical work.

What Universities Look For in IB Subject Choices

Universities look closely at your IB subjects, especially if you are applying for a competitive course. They want to ensure that your subject combination meets course entry requirements and demonstrates your readiness for the challenges of higher education.

Higher Level subjects matter most

Admissions teams pay greatest attention to your three HL subjects. For subjects like medicine, engineering and economics, specific HLs are often required.

Relevance to the degree

Courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science or Economics expect certain subjects. You must meet these requirements to be considered. Humanities and social science degrees are usually more flexible, but still prefer applicants with strong essay-based subjects.

A balanced and rigorous profile

Universities want students who can manage academic challenge. A combination that includes at least one quantitative subject, one essay-based subject and one subject linked to your degree can help show range and academic strength.

Evidence of commitment

Your subject choices should reflect a genuine interest in your chosen field. For example:

• Medicine applicants taking HL Chemistry and HL Biology

• Engineering applicants taking HL Maths AA and HL Physics

• Law applicants taking HL English and HL History

Examples from competitive universities

• Medicine at the University of Oxford (opens in a new tab): Candidates are required to take Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics to Higher Level

• Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London (opens in a new tab) requires HL Maths AA and HL Physics.

• Law at the University of Cambridge (opens in a new tab) does not require specific subjects, but notes that strong applicants typically take essay-based subjects. They highlight English, History and Languages as particularly good preparation.

Universities set out these requirements because they know the demands of each study programme. They want you to have studied a suitable range of subjects to prepare you for success on your chosen course.

You can access plenty of university advice on Save My Exams’ Learning Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch IB subjects after starting?

Most schools allow subject changes during the first few weeks of Year 1. After this point, it becomes harder because you will have started internal assessments or core work. 

Speak with your IB coordinator as soon as possible if you are unsure about a subject.

What if my school doesn’t offer the subject I want?

Subject availability varies between IB schools. You may be able to take the subject through an approved online IB provider or, for languages, as a School Supported Self-Taught (SSST) course. 

Ask your IB coordinator. They can explain the possible alternatives.

How many science subjects should I take for medicine?

Many medical schools expect two Higher Level sciences, normally HL Chemistry and HL Biology. Some courses accept HL Physics or HL Maths AA as the second science. 

Always check the exact requirements for the universities you are considering.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your IB subject combination is a big decision. A little research into future pathways will quickly show you what different universities expect and how each subject supports your plans. There’s no such thing as one set of ‘best IB subject combinations’ - only the right mix of HL and SL subjects for you.

Focus on subjects that match your strengths and interests. Take special care over your HL choices, and check university requirements for your preferred future pathways. Take your time and speak with your teachers or IB coordinator about anything you’re unsure of. The best combinations can keep pathways open, strengthen your applications and help you enjoy the DP journey. 

When you’re ready, join over 2M students and teachers who trust Save My Exams’ range of IB revision resources. Explore the extensive range of expert-created IB materials to support you in whatever you choose to study. Good luck with your choices!

References

• Diploma Programme (DP) - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)

• University of Oxford | Medicine | Undergraduate Study (opens in a new tab)

• Imperial College London | Mechanical Engineering MEng | Undergraduate Study (opens in a new tab)

• University of Cambridge | Law, BA (Hons) | Undergraduate Study (opens in a new tab)