What Are The Most Popular IB Subjects in 2025?

Does choosing your IB subjects feel like a massive decision? You may be wondering what everyone else is picking and whether you're on the right track.

You're not alone in wanting to know what's popular. Understanding which subjects other students choose can help your own decisions.

Let's look at the real data from the IB and figure out what the most popular IB subjects really are.

Key Takeaways

• Maths and English dominate the individual rankings. Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL tops the list, whilst English A: Language and Literature HL comes second.

• Individuals and Societies is the most popular subject group. It even beats out Language and Literature and Sciences.

• Students favour certain subjects at Higher Level. History HL, Biology HL, and English subjects at HL appear frequently in the top ten subjects.

• Popularity doesn't mean right for you. Your strengths, interests, and university goals matter more than following trends.

Why Students Want to Know Which IB Subjects Are Popular

There are plenty of reasons you might be researching popular IB subjects right now.

• You want reassurance. Knowing that thousands of other students are taking the same subjects offers the comfort of camaraderie when things get tough. 

• You're looking for subjects with good support. Popular subjects typically have experienced teachers, loads of resources, and plenty of online help. 

• You want to know about competition. Understanding popularity also helps you see where competition might be toughest, both in your classes and when applying to universities.

• You're seeking validation. Maybe you've already chosen your subjects and you want to check if you're on a sensible path. 

All of these reasons are valid. But remember, popularity is just one piece of information. Let's look at what the data shows.

The 10 Most Popular IB Subjects (Across All Levels)

Based on IB Diploma Programme data from May 2024 (opens in a new tab), here are the subjects with the highest individual enrolment numbers.

These numbers represent actual student entries globally for May 2024 exams.

Subject Popularity by IB Group

The IB organises subjects into six groups. Here's how popularity breaks down across those groups.

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature - 142,480 student entries

This is the second-largest group overall. English A subjects dominate, with Language and Literature being particularly popular at both HL and SL. Every IB student must take a Group 1 subject, which explains the high numbers.

Group 2: Language Acquisition - 107,262 student entries

Language Acquisition (your second language) sees solid numbers but ranks fifth amongst the six groups. Spanish and French are typically the most chosen languages, though this varies by region.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies - 169,058 student entries

This is actually the most popular subject group by total enrolment. History, Economics, Business Management, and Geography all attract strong numbers. History HL alone had over 37,000 entries, making it one of the most popular individual subjects.

Group 4: Sciences - 139,132 student entries

The sciences come in third. Biology is the clear winner here, appearing twice in the top ten (both HL and SL). Chemistry and Physics also see strong enrolment, though slightly lower than Biology.

Group 5: Mathematics - 112,532 student entries

Maths is compulsory for all IB students, but the numbers are split between two pathways. Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (the more applied option) edges out Analysis and Approaches (the more theoretical option) in popularity. Both appear in the top ten.

Group 6: The Arts - 28,985 student entries

The Arts group is significantly smaller. Many students use their Group 6 slot to take an additional science, humanity, or language instead. Visual Arts is the most popular choice for students who do take an arts subject.

Interdisciplinary Subjects - 21,612 student entries

These are the smallest group. Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) is the main option here, often chosen by students who want a less traditional science pathway.

Why These Subjects Are So Popular

Understanding why the top 10 subjects dominate helps you see what drives these trends.

• They're compulsory in most cases. Every IB student needs English (or another language), a second language, a humanity, a science, and maths. This structure automatically makes certain groups more popular simply because you have to pick from them.

• Some are seen as more accessible. Students gravitate towards options that feel manageable. Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL is more popular than Analysis and Approaches, partly because it's considered more approachable.

• Universities value them. History HL, Biology HL, and English at HL all appear in the top ten because these subjects are respected by universities. 

• They have broad relevance. Subjects like Business Management and Biology appeal to students with specific career interests. 

• Teacher support is strong. Popular subjects get investment and resources from schools.. Students feel more confident choosing subjects where support is guaranteed.

• They're offered everywhere. Nearly every IB school offers English, History, Biology, and both Maths pathways. Less common subjects like Film or Dance might not be available at your school at all.

• Students genuinely enjoy them. Let's not forget interest. History and English remain popular partly because students find them engaging. When you're curious about a subject, you're more willing to tackle it.

To better understand the IB Diploma as a whole and how these subjects fit into it, read our complete guide to the IB diploma. 

Should You Consider Popularity When Picking IB Subjects?

Yes and no. Popularity gives you useful information, but it shouldn't be your only guide.

• Your strengths matter most. If you excel at languages but struggle with sciences, don't force yourself into Biology HL just because it's popular. Play to your strengths.

• Your university plans are crucial. Match your subjects to your future goals.

• Interest keeps you motivated. The IB is tough. You'll be studying these subjects intensively for two years. 

• Balance is important. Universities do like to see well-rounded students. Taking popular subjects across different groups (a language, a humanity, a science, maths) shows versatility.

• Higher Level choices need thought. You'll notice that many popular subjects appear at HL in the top ten. That's because strong students often choose traditional academic subjects at Higher Level. But don't pick HL subjects just because they're popular: HL is significantly more demanding than SL.

• Teacher quality varies. A brilliant teacher in a less popular subject beats a mediocre teacher in a popular one. Ask older students about which teachers are genuinely good at your school.

Our guides to the different IB options will help you decide for yourself!

Common Pitfalls of Choosing Based on Popularity

Following popularity blindly can create problems. Here's what to watch out for.

You might end up in the wrong subject. Just because thousands of students take Business Management doesn't mean it's right for you. If you find it boring, popularity won't make it more interesting.

Competition can be fierce. Popular subjects mean you're competing with loads of other students, both in your school and globally. If you're borderline between two subjects, choosing the less popular one might give you more room to shine.

You might miss out on unique opportunities. Less popular subjects like Film, Psychology (where offered), or Computer Science can make you stand out on university applications. 

Teacher attention gets spread thin. Popular subjects sometimes have larger classes, meaning less individual attention. A small class in a less trendy subject might actually serve you better.

You could ignore your genuine interests. If you're passionate about Music or Visual Arts but skip them because they're less popular, you're missing out on subjects you'd love and potentially excel in.

University requirements matter more. Popularity is irrelevant if you don't meet your university's specific subject requirements.

Popularity should be one factor amongst many, not your sole decision-making tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single most popular IB subject?

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL is the single most popular IB subject by individual enrolment, with 41,747 student entries in May 2024. This maths pathway is designed for students who enjoy practical applications of mathematics rather than pure theoretical work.

Are the most popular IB subjects also the easiest?

Not at all. Popular doesn't mean easy. Popularity reflects factors like availability, perceived usefulness, and university requirements more than difficulty. Always check pass rates and score distributions for specific subjects rather than assuming popular means simple. You can also explore different subjects with our extensive IB Revision resources.

Do universities prefer certain IB subjects over others?

Universities care about whether you've taken the right subjects for your intended degree, not whether those subjects are popular. If you're applying for Engineering, for example, they want Maths HL and Physics HL. That said, traditional academic subjects at Higher Level (History, Sciences, Languages, Maths) are generally well-regarded because they demonstrate rigorous thinking.

Is it bad to take an unpopular IB subject?

Not at all. Less popular subjects can work to your advantage. Smaller classes mean more teacher attention. Unique subjects like Film, Computer Science, or Psychology make you stand out on university applications. Universities value students who pursue genuine interests and develop specialist knowledge. Just make sure any less common subject you choose aligns with your interests and doesn't conflict with university requirements. 

Can I switch IB subjects if I change my mind?

It depends on timing. Most schools allow subject changes in the first few weeks of the IB programme, though this varies by school. After that, switching becomes much harder because you'll have missed significant content. Some schools might allow a switch between levels (HL to SL or vice versa) more easily than switching subjects entirely. 

Final Thoughts

The most popular IB subjects reflect what works for many students. Maths, English, History, and Biology dominate because they're widely available, well-supported, and valued by universities.

Popular subjects are popular for good reasons. They offer strong resources, experienced teachers, and clear pathways to university. But they're not automatically the right choices for you.

Think about your strengths. What subjects do you actually enjoy and perform well in? Consider your university plans. What does your target course require? Reflect on your interests. What topics excite you enough to sustain two years of intensive study?

Use popularity as helpful information. It shows you what's commonly available, what has good support systems, and what other students find manageable or valuable. But don't let it override your own goals and passions. Universities want students who've challenged themselves in subjects they care about and performed well. 

Trust yourself. Do your research. Talk to teachers. Consider your future. Then choose subjects that feel right for you.

References

• The IB Diploma Programme and Career-Related Programme Final Statistical Bulletin (opens in a new tab)