How Many IB Subjects Can You Take?

Key Takeaways

• IB Diploma Programme students take six subjects in total: three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL)

• Some schools allow a 4th HL subject, but this increases your workload significantly

• You must choose one subject from each of the six IB subject groups, though Group 6 (The Arts) can be swapped for an extra subject from another group

• HL subjects require broader, more in-depth knowledge than SL subjects

• In addition to your six subjects, you’ll also need to complete the IB Core

How Many Subjects Do IB Students Take?

IB Diploma Programme students take six subjects in total: three at HL and three at SL.

In addition to your six subjects, you’ll also need to complete the IB Core, which consists of the Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

What Are the 6 IB Subject Groups?

The six subject groups are listed below, alongside examples of subjects for each one:

1. Studies in Language and Literature

• Language A: Literature

• Language A: Language and Literature

2. Language Acquisition

• Language B

• Language ab initio

3. Individuals and societies

• History

• Economics

4. Sciences

• Biology

• Chemistry

5. Mathematics

• analysis and approaches (AA)

• applications and interpretation (AI)

6. The Arts

• Music

• Theatre

See our full list of IB subjects to choose from for more information.

Though you’ll choose one subject from each of the six subject groups, there is some flexibility: instead of the Arts category, you can take a second subject from Groups 1–5.

What's the Difference Between HL and SL?

SL requires around 150 teaching hours, whereas HL requires around 240 teaching hours. The content and assessment structures are sometimes the same, but HL sometimes requires additional components or content.

Ultimately, HL has more depth and breadth than SL, and requires a higher level of competency.

See our guide on the differences between SL and HL for more information.

Can You Take 4 HL Subjects?

Yes, if your school allows it. Some students take four HL subjects and two SL subjects instead of three HL and three SL.

Having a fourth HL can make your university applications stand out – especially if you’re applying for competitive courses. However, there is no requirement or expectation to take four HL subjects. Many schools actually discourage it because of the higher workload it creates, so you should only do it if the benefits truly outweigh the downsides.

How to Choose Your IB Subjects

Since your IB choices have important implications for your future, make sure you take the following steps:

• Check university requirements. If you know what you want to study and where, look at the university’s course page to find out if there are any specific subject and/or minimum grade requirements

• Play to your strengths for HL. Your 3 HL subjects carry the most weight in your final score, so make sure your HL options include the subjects you’re best at

• Balance your workload. Choose the best IB subject combination based on your interests, strengths and future goals

How Do IB Subjects Compare to A Levels?

IB requires six subjects from six different categories. It’s designed to give you a well-rounded curriculum with a balance between SL and HL subjects.

A Levels usually involve studying three or four subjects. Your subject choice is freer as you don’t have to choose subjects from specific categories, and you tend to go into more depth on each subject. Unlike IB, there is no tiered entry.

Universities in the UK and internationally accept both qualifications. 

If you want breadth and structure, the IB works well. If you want to focus on three subjects you love, A Levels give you that freedom. 

Read our guide to find out more about the differences between IB and A Level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drop an IB subject after starting?

Yes, but every school sets its own rules. It’s also much easier to do this in practice if you switch as early as possible in your first year. Read our guide on switching IB subjects to find out more.

Do all IB schools offer the same subjects?

No. Schools choose which subjects to offer based on staff expertise and student demand.

Always check your school's specific options before planning your combination.

What are the easiest and hardest IB subjects?

It all depends on your strengths. Our guides to the hardest and easiest IB subjects rank them by difficulty based on grade distributions and student feedback.

Does it matter which subjects you take at HL?

Yes, HL subjects matter for university applications. Many courses specify HL subjects and minimum grades. Even where there's no formal requirement, admissions tutors may prefer to see relevant subjects at HL. Check your target university's entry requirements before finalising your choices.