Full List of IB Subjects To Choose From

Choosing your subjects is one of the most important decisions you will make in the IB Diploma Programme (opens in a new tab). The IB offers a wide range of subjects across six groups, and every student must take one subject from each group unless they replace Group 6 with an extra subject from Groups 1 to 4. You will also take three subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, along with the IB Core.

This guide provides a full list of IB subjects. You’ll find all the subjects that can be offered for the Diploma Programme, plus guidance on how schools choose which ones to run and how this affects your options.

Key Takeaways

• You take six IB subjects in total, usually one from each of the six subject groups.

• You choose three subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard Level.

• Schools do not offer every IB subject, so your final choices depend on local availability.

• The best IB subject choices match your strengths, interests and university goals.

How IB Subject Choices Work

The IB Diploma Programme is organised into six subject groups, plus the Core. Each student chooses six subjects, and these choices must follow IB rules about subject groups and levels. This structure is designed to give you both breadth and depth across your two years of study.

The IB Subject Groups

Every IB student studies subjects from the following groups:

1. Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

2. Group 2: Language Acquisition

3. Group 3: Individuals and Societies

4. Group 4: Sciences

5. Group 5: Mathematics

6. Group 6: The Arts (or an extra subject from Groups 1 to 4)

You must take one subject from each group, except Group 6, which is optional. If you prefer, you can replace your Arts subject with a second language, a second science or another humanities subject.

Most IB Diploma subjects are available at Standard Level or Higher Level. You must take:

• Three HL subjects

• Three SL subjects

Although SL and HL cover the same core syllabus, HL includes more depth and more teaching hours.

The IB Core

Alongside your six subjects, every IB student completes the Core:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

• Extended Essay (EE)

• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

These elements help you develop research, reflection and critical thinking skills that support your main subjects.

Flexibility and School Availability

The IB publishes an official list of approved subjects. However, schools have different timetables and staffing, so you should be aware that not every subject can be offered in every institution. Some languages or arts subjects may only be available in certain schools.

Full IB Subjects List by Group

This is the complete list of subjects currently available in the IB Diploma Programme for the 2025-26 academic year. 

SL and HL availability may vary by school.

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

These subjects focus on reading, writing and literary analysis. Most students take their strongest or native language here.

• Language A: Literature (SL/HL)

• Language A: Language and Literature (SL/HL)

• Literature and Performance (SL only)

• School Supported Self-Taught (SSST) Literature (SL only)

• Classical Languages (Latin, Classical Greek), sometimes listed under Group 2 depending on school structure

Group 2: Language Acquisition

These subjects help you learn a new language or deepen your skills in a language you already know.

• Language B (SL/HL) — offered in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish and others

• Language ab initio (SL only) — beginner level, offered in languages such as Spanish, French and Mandarin

• Classical Languages (Latin, Classical Greek) — may appear in Group 1 or 2, depending on the school.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

These subjects cover humanities and social sciences.

• Business Management (SL/HL)

• Economics (SL/HL)

• Geography (SL/HL)

• Global Politics (SL/HL)

• History (SL/HL)

• Philosophy (SL/HL)

• Psychology (SL/HL)

• Social and Cultural Anthropology (SL/HL)

• World Religions (SL only)

• Digital Society (SL/HL), one of the newest DP subjects

Group 4: Sciences

These subjects develop scientific thinking through a combination of practical work and theoretical study.

• Biology (SL/HL)

• Chemistry (SL/HL)

• Physics (SL/HL)

• Computer Science (SL/HL)

• Design Technology (SL/HL)

• Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SL/HL)

• Environmental Systems and Societies (SL only). Interdisciplinary, can count as Group 3 or Group 4

Group 5: Mathematics

All students must take one maths course.

• Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL/HL)

• Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (SL/HL)

Both courses meet university maths requirements, although AA HL is preferred for mathematically intensive degrees.

Group 6: The Arts

Students may choose one of these subjects, or replace Group 6 with an extra subject from Groups 1 to 4.

• Dance (SL/HL)

• Film (SL/HL)

• Music (SL/HL)

• Theatre (SL/HL)

• Visual Arts (SL/HL)

Other IB Subjects (Limited Availability)

The IB Diploma also includes a small number of subjects offered only at a few schools worldwide. These appear on the official IB list but are rarely available. Many relate to national or regional contexts.

These subjects include:

Additional Group 3 subjects

• Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS)

Additional Group 4 / Science and technology subjects

• Marine Science (older course still present in a small number of schools)

Additional Group 1 / 2 Language subjects

These are full Language A or Language B courses, but they are offered only in a very small number of schools. Examples include:

• Amharic A Literature

• Armenian A Literature

• Bemba A Literature

• Burmese A Literature

• Filipino A Literature

• Khmer A Literature

• Mongolian A Literature

• Nepali A Literature

• Sinhala A Literature

• Swahili A Literature

• Tigrinya A Literature

• Urdu A Literature

School-based syllabuses (SBS)

Some schools offer school-based subjects that appear in the official IB directory but are only available to students at that institution. One example is Food Science and Technology. The IB must approve these subjects, which usually relate to national culture or regional needs.

Discontinued Subjects

Some older DP subjects, such as Further Mathematics HL, were removed in earlier curriculum updates and do not appear in the 2025-26 subject list. 

You can download the complete official subject list (opens in a new tab) from the IB website for the full technical overview of all approved DP subjects. Your IB coordinator can confirm the exact options in your school.

Choosing Between SL and HL

In the IB Diploma, every student takes three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Both levels follow the same syllabus, but HL delves deeper into the content. 

Here’s how the two levels compare:

• Teaching hours over 2 years
  HL includes about 240 hours of teaching. SL includes about 150 hours.

• Depth of content
  HL covers additional topics or more complex material within the same subject.

• Assessment
  HL exams are often longer or include an extra paper. The Internal Assessment may also require more detail.

• University expectations
  Some university courses, such as Medicine and Engineering, require specific subjects at HL.

The IB is demanding, especially at HL. It helps to think carefully about the requirements for each subject, and how that will shape your workload.

Our range of IB Options guides will help you make your choices. Here are some practical tips to guide your decisions:

Think about your strengths

Your strongest subjects at GCSE or equivalent are often good candidates for HL. You will spend more time on your HLs, so choosing areas where you already feel confident can make your workload more manageable.

Check university entry requirements early

If you have a future course in mind, look at typical entry requirements. For example:

• Medicine usually prefers HL Chemistry, plus another science.

• Engineering often requires HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, and HL Physics is helpful.

• Law does not require specific subjects, although HL English, HL History or HL Global Politics are common choices.

Choose subjects you genuinely enjoy

You will study each subject for two years, including projects and internal assessments, which will mean regular deadlines. Enjoying the subject makes it much easier to stay motivated.

Balance your workload

Some subjects have heavier content or more coursework than others. Try to avoid choosing all high-content subjects at HL. A balanced mix helps you manage your time across the two years.

Consider how each subject is assessed

Different subjects suit different working styles. For example:

• Sciences include practical work and data analysis.

• Humanities involve essays and source evaluation.

• Languages include speaking assessments and written tasks.

Picking subjects that match your strengths can make a big difference.

Check your school’s availability

Not all schools offer every IB subject or every language level. Some subjects, such as Design Technology or Dance, may be available only in certain schools. Always confirm what your school can provide.

Talk to teachers and current IB students

They can explain what each subject is really like on a day-to-day basis and what the workload feels like throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take two subjects from the same IB group?

Yes. Most students do this by replacing Group 6 (The Arts) with an extra subject from Groups 1 to 4. Some schools may allow other exceptions, but you will need approval from your IB coordinator.

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

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

Speak with your IB coordinator early to explore alternatives.

How many subjects must I take at HL?

Every IB student takes three HL subjects. Some schools allow four, but universities do not expect or require this.

Can I change IB subjects after starting the course?

Most schools allow changes during the first few weeks of Year 1. Once coursework begins, switching becomes difficult, so speak to your IB coordinator as early as possible if you are unsure.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your IB subjects can feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes clearer once you understand how the groups, levels and requirements work. Focus on subjects that match your strengths, interests and future university plans.

Use this IBDP subject list (opens in a new tab) to explore your options, then speak to teachers or your IB coordinator to check what is available at your school and what will suit you best. With a balanced mix of HL and SL subjects, you will be well prepared for the Diploma Programme and the opportunities that follow. Save My Exams has plenty of IB resources to support you throughout your IB journey.

References

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

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

• All Diploma Programme (DP) subjects (opens in a new tab)