Can I Switch IB Subjects?

Choosing your IB subjects is a big decision. Most students decide before they fully understand what the next two years will involve. So it’s not uncommon for students to get a few weeks or months into the Diploma Programme and wonder: Did I pick correctly? Can I switch IB subjects?

Maybe the reality of Chemistry HL is far harder than you expected. Maybe Economics isn’t as interesting as you hoped. Or perhaps your university plans have changed, and you suddenly need a different subject combination.

The good news: switching IB subjects is possible. But the process isn’t always straightforward, and timing is absolutely critical. This guide walks you through what’s allowed, how to switch, and what to consider before making any changes.

Key Takeaways

• Switching IB subjects is possible, but every school sets its own rules.

• The earlier in Year 1 you switch, the easier it is.

• Moving from HL → SL (or SL → HL) is usually far simpler than replacing a subject entirely.

• You’ll need approval from your IB coordinator, teachers, and parents.

• Late switches affect Internal Assessments, predicted grades, and sometimes university applications.

Is It Possible to Switch IB Subjects?

Yes — but with important caveats.

The IB itself doesn’t forbid switching subjects. Instead, the IBO leaves it up to each school to set policies. As a result, rules vary widely:

• Some schools allow changes only in the first 2–4 weeks.

• Others allow switching during the first half-term.

• Very few permit changes later in Year 1.

• Switching at the start of Year 2 is extremely rare and only allowed in exceptional circumstances.

Why do schools restrict subject changes?

Because switching affects:

• Timetabling: IB timetables are complex and tightly structured.

• Class sizes: Adding or removing a student may unbalance groups.

• Teacher workload: Teachers need consistency to monitor progress.

• IA deadlines: Students who switch late may have missed major work.

• Course progress: Switching subjects often means months of catch-up.

In short: switching is allowed, but you must act early and have a strong academic reason.

When Can You Switch IB Subjects?

Early Year 1 (First 1–4 Weeks)

Feasibility: High

This is the ideal time to switch. Most schools allow changes during the first month because you haven’t missed much:

• Content is minimal.

• No Internal Assessment work has begun.

• Timetable adjustments are still manageable.

If you’re unsure, speak to your IB coordinator as soon as possible. This is your best chance for a smooth switch.

Mid to Late Year 1

Feasibility: Moderate to low

By this point:

• You’ve missed several months of lessons.

• Some subjects may already have IA checkpoints.

• Teachers may not feel confident predicting grades for you.

• You’ll need to do a lot of independent catch-up.

Switching during this period usually requires a strong reason — such as updated university plans or clear evidence that the subject is a poor fit.

Start of Year 2

Feasibility: Very low

Switching at this stage is extremely difficult because:

• You’ve missed an entire year (75 SL hours or 120 HL hours).

• IA deadlines are close or passed.

• Predicted grades have been made.

• University applications are underway.

Schools typically only approve this in exceptional circumstances. If you’re struggling in a subject at this stage, changing level (HL ↔ SL) is far easier than changing subjects entirely.

How to Switch IB Subjects: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Reflect Honestly on Your Reasons

Before asking for a switch, understand why you want to change.

Good reasons include:

• The subject is genuinely too difficult despite sustained effort.

• It no longer aligns with your university plans.

• You’ve realised you prefer and perform better in another subject.

• You’re consistently underperforming even with support.

Weak reasons include:

• You don’t like the teacher.

• Your friends aren’t in the class.

• You assumed the course would be easy.

• You haven’t given the subject a fair chance.

If your reasoning is emotional or convenience-based, reconsider. Check out our articles on IB Options to help you thoroughly understand your choices. We’ve also ranked the easiest IB subjects and the hardest IB subjects to help you get a sense of where your options stand.

Step 2: Speak to Your IB Coordinator

This is essential. The coordinator will explain:

• Whether a switch is allowed at this stage.

• What the school’s policy requires.

• Whether there’s space in your new subject.

• What implications the switch may have for your diploma.

Be prepared to explain your reasoning clearly and outline your plan for catching up.

Step 3: Talk to Both Teachers

Speak to:

Your current teacher:

• Explain why the subject isn’t working.

• Ask whether they think things could improve.

• Request honest feedback.

The new subject teacher:

• Confirm whether there is space in the class.

• Ask for a list of topics you’ve missed.

• Check IA deadlines.

• Ask if they can predict a grade confidently.

Their approval is usually required before a school signs off on the switch.

Step 4: Discuss It With Your Parents

Most schools need parental consent. Talk through:

• Why you want to switch.

• The workload involved.

• How the new subject fits your longer-term goals.

• What support you’ll need.

Parents can help ensure you’re making a reasoned, not impulsive, choice. We have collated the most popular IB subjects and least popular IB subjects to help you with your choices.

Step 5: Check University Requirements

This is crucial. Some degrees require very specific subjects:

• Medicine: Chemistry + Biology (usually Chemistry HL)

• Engineering: Mathematics + Physics (often both at HL)

• Economics: Mathematics (sometimes HL)

• Languages: The studied language, typically at HL

If switching means you lose a required subject, universities may not consider your application.

Before you commit:

• Check university websites carefully.

• Consult your school’s university counsellor.

• Don’t assume — verify.

Step 6: Submit a Formal Request

Every school has its own process, but it usually involves:

• Completing a subject change form.

• Getting signatures from teachers and parents.

• Agreeing to a catch-up plan.

• Acknowledging the implications for predicted grades and IAs.

Only once the school approves will the change take effect.

Step 7: Create and Follow a Catch-Up Plan

If the switch is approved, you must catch up quickly.

Use a structured plan:

• Collect class notes and resources from peers.

• Ask your new teacher for a complete list of covered topics.

• Block out time weekly for catch-up study.

• Attend any extra sessions or office hours.

• Use revision tools (e.g., Save My Exams) to close gaps efficiently.

The success of your switch depends on the effort you put in early. Save My Exams IB revision resources will be deeply helpful in catching up, so make the most of them.

Things to Consider Before Switching

Internal Assessments

IAs make up 20–30% of your final grade. If you switch:

• You may miss IA guidance or checkpoints.

• You’ll have less time to produce high-quality work.

• You might have to start an entirely new IA from scratch.

If IA deadlines are approaching, a switch may put you under significant pressure. Read our guide to IB IAs to learn more.

Impact on University Plans

Subject changes can help — or hurt — your university pathway.

Switching is beneficial when:

• It helps you meet required or recommended subjects.

• You perform significantly better in the new subject.

• It supports the narrative of your personal statement.

Switching is risky when:

• You lose a degree-required subject.

• Your predicted grade might drop.

• You switch late and lack evidence of strong performance.

HL vs SL Changes

Switching levels is much easier than switching subjects.

HL → SL
Common and usually straightforward. It lightens workload without removing a subject completely.

SL → HL
Possible but harder because you must catch up on additional HL material. Schools may require proof that you can manage the workload.

If you’re unhappy but don’t want a major upheaval, consider changing level first.

School Policy and Support

Ask your school:

• What’s the deadline for subject changes?

• Have other students successfully switched late?

• Are there restrictions on class sizes?

• Will extra support be available if you switch?

• What are the IA deadlines for the new subject?

Policies vary, so get clear answers before making decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from HL to SL?

This is one of the easiest changes to make. SL and HL share core content, so you stay in the same class and simply stop covering HL-only material.

Just remember:

• You must still take a minimum of three HL subjects.

• Check university requirements before dropping an HL subject.

Check out our IB Diploma programme guide to understand the differences. 

Can I change subjects in Year 2?

Technically yes, but it’s extremely unlikely.

Most Year 2 switches involve major academic risk because you’ve missed too much material and IA deadlines are close. Schools only approve this in exceptional cases (e.g., a serious timetable error or a sudden change in career plans).

Will universities know if I switched?

If you switch early in Year 1, it won’t affect your application at all.

If you switch later, it may affect:

• Predicted grades

• Your teacher reference

• Whether your subjects meet entry requirements

As long as your final combination is strong and relevant, universities won’t penalise you for making a sensible switch.

Final Thoughts

Switching IB subjects is possible — but it’s a decision that requires careful thinking, good timing, and a structured plan.

If you’re going to switch, do it early. The first month of Year 1 is the safest and easiest window.

Before doing anything:

• Reflect honestly on your reasons.

• Speak to your coordinator and teachers.

• Involve your parents.

• Check university entry requirements.

• Plan exactly how you’ll catch up.

If your school doesn’t allow full subject changes, consider switching from HL to SL as a less disruptive alternative.

Whatever you decide, stay organised, seek support when you need it, and use high-quality revision tools like Save My Exams to fill any gaps. With the right mindset and guidance, you can succeed in your IB subjects — whether you switch or stick with your original choices.

You’ve got this.