Worst IB Subject Combinations

Choosing your IB subjects is a big decision. It affects both your IB diploma workload and the university courses available to you beyond that. While there is no single “wrong” combination, some choices can make the IB Diploma Programme (opens in a new tab) much harder or limit your options later. Further, they may knock your confidence during an already-demanding course.

This guide will help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls. We’ll explain which subject combinations can cause problems, why these issues happen and how you can avoid them. You’ll also learn how to build a balanced and flexible set of subjects to support your goals.

Key Takeaways

• There are no “bad” IB subjects, but some combinations can limit university options or create an unmanageable workload.

• Avoiding key subjects at Higher Level can close doors to competitive degrees such as Medicine, Engineering or Economics.

• Choosing subjects only because they seem easy or familiar often leads to difficulty later.

• The best combinations balance interest, challenge and long-term flexibility.

How IB Subject Combinations Work

In the IB Diploma Programme you take six subjects across Groups 1 to 6, along with the IB Core. Your combination must follow these rules:

• Three subjects must be at Higher Level (HL)

• Three subjects must be at Standard Level (SL)

• You must choose one subject from each group, although you can replace Group 6 (The Arts) with an extra subject from Groups 1 to 4

• The Core includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). These sit alongside your subjects and affect how much workload you can realistically handle.

Higher Level subjects involve more teaching hours and deeper content, so they have a far bigger impact on both your workload and your university options.

Because you must choose subjects from a range of groups, the IB already gives you some balance. The trouble usually comes from how you select your Higher Level subjects and which extra subjects you add in place of Group 6.

What Makes a Bad IB Subject Combination?

There is no such thing as a truly “bad” IB subject combination. Every IB student follows a broad curriculum, and the programme is designed to give you variety across different fields. However, some of the worst IB subject combinations can create unnecessary problems later on.

A risky subject combination usually has one or more of these features:

• It does not support future goals.
  If your subjects do not align with the degrees you might want to study, you can find yourself at a disadvantage when applying.

• It misses key HL requirements.
  Choosing the wrong subjects at HL can make you ineligible for courses such as Medicine, Engineering, or Economics.

• It creates an unbalanced workload.
  Taking several heavy content subjects or several essay-based subjects can overload you with deadlines.

• It lacks breadth.
  Too much overlap between subjects can mean you develop fewer skills than universities expect.

• It does not match your strengths.
  Picking subjects that do not suit your learning style can make the IB unnecessarily difficult.

Most “bad” combinations are not bad in themselves, just poorly matched to a student’s goals or university plans. A strong combination plays to your academic strengths and gives you enough variety to keep your options open.

Common Subject Selection Mistakes to Avoid

Many IB students make the same mistakes when choosing their subjects. Here are the most common pitfalls to look out for.

Taking Subjects That Don’t Support Future Goals

Even though you must choose one subject from each group, your flexible choice — usually Group 6 — should align with your future plans. A common mistake is taking an Arts subject simply because it seems fun, even if your intended degree requires a second science or a more analytical subject.

Why this is risky

• You may miss out on courses that require two sciences (e.g., Medicine, Engineering, Psychology at some universities).

• You may lack the academic preparation needed for STEM or quantitative degrees.

• You reduce the strategic value of your Group 6 slot.

Better approach

If you think you may study a science, business, or quantitative subject later, consider replacing Group 6 with an additional science, maths or humanities subject from Groups 1–4.

Ignoring HL Requirements for University Courses

Some IB students choose their HLs based only on interest, then discover too late that their preferred degree requires a specific HL subject.

Examples of common issues

• Engineering requires HL Maths AA, plus HL Physics at many universities.

• Medicine requires HL Chemistry, and usually HL Biology or HL Physics.

• Computer Science often expects HL Maths AA.

• Economics at selective universities may prefer HL Maths AA.

Why this is risky

• You cannot apply to certain degrees if you do not have the required HL subjects.

• Changing HL subjects mid-course is extremely difficult once Internal Assessment work is underway.

Better approach

Check university requirements before you finalise your HLs, even if you are only considering a particular degree.

Choosing Subjects Just Because They Seem ‘Easy’

No IB subject is truly easy. Each one involves coursework, exams or independent research. Subjects that appear “easy” at first often turn out to be more demanding than expected, or less valuable for your future. Read our guides to the easiest and most difficult IB subjects. 

Why this is risky

• You may become demotivated if the subject does not interest you.

• “Easier” choices can lead to a narrow or unbalanced combination.

• Universities may question your academic rigour if your HLs lack challenge or relevance.

Better approach

Choose subjects that match your strengths and interests, rather than relying on what classmates say is easy.

Combinations That May Backfire

To show how certain choices can cause problems later, here are a few examples of students whose IB combinations created challenges for them. 

Although these are fictional scenarios, they reflect real issues that students often experience.

Example 1: Aiming for Medicine Without the Right HLs

Subject choices
HL Biology, HL Psychology, HL English
SL Chemistry, SL Maths AI, SL French

What went wrong
This student enjoys Biology and Psychology, but chose Chemistry at SL because HL felt too challenging. Later, they decided to apply for Medicine. Nearly all medical schools require HL Chemistry, and most expect either HL Biology or HL Physics as the second science. This student no longer meets the essential entry requirements.

Consequence
They must either change their subject combination early, change their degree ambitions or apply only to less competitive courses with more flexible requirements.

What would have been better
HL Chemistry and HL Biology, with Psychology at SL.

Example 2: Choosing Four HLs and Becoming Overwhelmed

Subject choices
HL Maths AA, HL Physics, HL Chemistry, HL Economics
SL English A, SL Spanish B

What went wrong
This student wanted to “impress universities” by taking four difficult HLs. Although this looks rigorous on paper, the combination created a crushing workload. They struggled with extended problem sets, simultaneous IA deadlines and constant exam preparation.

Consequence
Burnout, declining grades and less time for TOK, CAS and the Extended Essay.

What would have been better
Three HLs (Maths AA, Physics, Chemistry or Economics) and a more balanced workload.

Example 3: Too Many Essay-Based Subjects

Subject choices
HL English A, HL History, HL Global Politics
SL Maths AI, SL Biology, SL French B

What went wrong
This combination created constant essays, heavy reading lists and multiple long-term coursework deadlines. The student found their workload repetitive and struggled to manage it alongside TOK and the Extended Essay.

Consequence
High stress and inconsistent grades due to overlapping demands.

What would have been better
Two essay-heavy HLs with a more quantitative or creative subject for balance.

Example 4: Limiting Future Options by Dropping Maths and Science

Subject choices
HL Visual Arts, HL Theatre, HL English A
SL Global Politics, SL History, SL French B

What went wrong
The student believed they would only apply for arts degrees, so they chose not to take Maths or Science. Later, they became interested in Psychology, Business or Architecture, all degree paths that often expect recent quantitative study or at least SL Maths.

Consequence
Their new interests are not supported by their subject choices, limiting their university options.

What would have been better
At least SL Maths or one science subject to keep doors open.

How to Build a Better IB Subject Combination

With some forethought, it’s entirely possible to build a strong, balanced and flexible subject set. Use the guidance below to shape a combination that matches your goals and helps you manage your workload confidently.

Balance your interests and strengths

Choose subjects you enjoy and can perform well in. You will study each subject for two years, complete internal assessments and prepare for exams. As a teacher for many years, I can attest that choosing subjects you are genuinely happy to sustain interest in makes a huge difference to motivation and long-term success.

Check university prerequisites early

Entry requirements vary widely. Some courses expect specific HLs, such as:

• HL Chemistry for Medicine

• HL Maths AA for Engineering or Computer Science

• HL Biology or HL Physics for some science pathways

Look at university admission pages for courses of interest before you finalise your HLs. This avoids surprises later.

Choose three strong HLs

Three HLs is the IB requirement. Consider taking a fourth only if:

• your school recommends it

• you are certain you can maintain balance

• it genuinely strengthens your university application

For most students, three well-chosen HLs are more than enough.

Ensure subject diversity

A combination that develops a range of skills helps you stay competitive. Aim for:

• one quantitative subject (Maths or a science)

• one essay-based subject

• one subject linked to your potential degree

This gives you breadth while still supporting your long-term goals.

Keep your options open if you are unsure

If you don’t yet know what you want to study, choose a combination that keeps pathways open. Avoid dropping entire areas (like all maths or all science) until you are confident about your direction. 

Always consult your teachers and advisers at school with any questions about suitable combinations. They’ll want you to be happy and confident with your choices. Our range of IB Options guides can also help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t know what I want to study yet?

It is completely normal to be unsure at this stage. If you are still exploring your future options, choose a balanced subject combination that keeps pathways open. Include at least one science, one essay-based subject and one quantitative subject. This gives you flexibility while you work out what interests you most.

Can I switch IB subjects?

Most schools allow subject changes during the first few weeks of Year 12. After that, it becomes harder because you may have started internal assessments or core work. 

Speak to your IB coordinator as soon as possible if you think a subject is not right for you.

Do universities care which IB subjects I take?

Yes, especially when it comes to your Higher Level subjects. Some degrees have strict subject requirements, such as HL Chemistry for Medicine or HL Maths AA for Engineering. Even for more flexible subjects like Law or Psychology, universities still look for a combination that shows strong academic skills. 

Your HL choices should support the direction you want to take.

Final Thoughts

While there is no single perfect IB subject combination, there are choices that can make the Diploma Programme much harder than it needs to be. Taking a little time now to think ahead can save a lot of stress later.

Focus on subjects that reflect your strengths and interests, and check university prerequisites early so you do not miss out on future opportunities. If you are unsure, speak with your teachers or IB coordinator. They can help you understand what each subject is like in practice and which combinations will support your long-term plans.

With a thoughtful approach and a balanced mix of HL and SL subjects, you can create a combination that keeps options open, helps you stay motivated and sets you up for success in the IB and beyond. Save My Exams has an extensive range of expert-created IB resources to support you throughout your IB journey. Good luck with your choices!

References

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