Do Universities Accept the IB Diploma?

If you have ever wondered, “Do universities accept IB?”, the short answer is yes. The IB Diploma is one of the most widely recognised school qualifications. It is accepted for admission in the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and many other countries.

If you are worried about whether the IB will limit your university choices, this guide will reassure you. It explains how universities view the IB, what scores you may need and how your subject choices can affect your application.

Key Takeaways

• The IB Diploma is accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, including all universities in the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia and across Europe.

• Typical entry requirements range from 28 to 42 points, depending on the course and university.

• Competitive degrees such as Medicine, Economics, and Engineering often expect 38 to 40 points, with specific Higher Level subjects.

• Universities value the IB for its breadth, strong academic skills and internationally consistent standards.

Is the IB Accepted by UK Universities?

Yes. Every UK university accepts the IB Diploma, including all members of the Russell Group. UK universities treat the IB as equal to A Levels, and most courses publish clear IB entry requirements alongside A Level offers on UCAS and university websites.

Here are some typical examples:

• University of Edinburgh (opens in a new tab): Many courses require 36 to 40 points, often with 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level.

• University of Manchester (opens in a new tab): Typical offers are 30 to 39 points with specific subject requirements at Higher Level.

• University of Bristol (opens in a new tab): Many courses require 32 to 40 points, plus specific Higher Level score requirements.

• Imperial College London (opens in a new tab): science and engineering courses often require 38 to 42 points, usually including 6 or 7 at Higher Level.

Consult our guide to IB grades and our detailed comparison of A Levels and the IB.

Do Universities in Other Countries Accept the IB?

Yes. The IB Diploma is recognised by universities around the world. According to the International Baccalaureate (opens in a new tab), over 4,500 universities in more than 110 countries and territories accept the IB for admission. This includes major higher-education destinations such as the United States, Canada, Australia and countries across Europe.

When a university accepts the IB, it means it recognises the IB Diploma as a valid pre-university qualification. Universities understand the IB grading system and treat it as equivalent to their national school-leaving certificates. This allows admissions teams to make fair, direct comparisons when offering places. You’ll find further information about IB equivalent qualifications in our Learning Hub.

Here is a clear overview of how the IB is viewed in different regions.

United States

Many US universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, accept the IB for admission. Some institutions also award credit or advanced standing for strong Higher Level (HL) grades.

Canada

Many Canadian universities (opens in a new tab), such as the University of Toronto, McGill and UBC, regularly admit IB students. Many institutions grant credit or advanced standing for high HL results, and some allow IB students to begin their degree with first-year credits already achieved.

Australia

Many Australian universities (opens in a new tab), including the University of Melbourne, ANU and the University of Sydney, recognise the IB and often convert IB scores into an ATAR equivalent. Some institutions also offer credit or accelerated entry based on HL grades.

Europe

The IB is widely recognised across Europe. Universities in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France and other countries publish clear IB entry requirements, particularly for English-taught degrees. Some programmes may offer credit for HL subjects.

Check the IB’s website for a searchable database of institutions (opens in a new tab) that recognise the IB Diploma. Entry policies vary by country and institution, so always check the admissions information for the specific universities you are considering.

What IB Scores Do Universities Expect?

IB entry requirements vary by country, university and course, but most fall within clear score ranges. These examples show the typical expectations for different subjects.

These ranges are examples based on common offers across the UK, Europe and other higher-education destinations. 

Always check the exact requirements for your chosen course, as some competitive programmes expect specific HL subjects or higher grades.

HL Subjects and Subject Requirements

Many universities specify the Higher Level (HL) subjects they expect you to take. Your HL choices can shape which courses you are eligible for, especially in competitive subjects. For example:

• Engineering: HL Maths (AA or AI) and HL Physics

• Medicine: HL Chemistry, often with Biology

• Economics: HL Maths preferred

• Languages: HL in the language you plan to study

Universities may state the minimum HL grades they expect, such as 6, 6, 5 or higher. Choosing the right HL subjects early on makes it easier to meet course prerequisites later.

Does the IB Give You an Advantage in Admissions?

Many universities value the IB because it develops a wide mix of academic and personal skills. The combination of the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and a broad subject range helps students build strong foundations for degree-level study.

The IB is known for helping students develop:

• independence, especially through extended research

• critical thinking, supported by TOK

• strong research and writing skills

• breadth across six subjects

• good organisation, through internal assessments and deadlines

This does not guarantee an admissions advantage, but it can strengthen your application, particularly for courses that expect analytical thinking and independent study.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum IB Score for University?

There is no single minimum score. Some universities accept applications from around 24–28 points, while more competitive courses expect higher totals. Entry requirements for your chosen course will provide specific figures.

Do Universities Prefer A Levels or IB?

Most universities say they do not prefer one qualification over the other. They focus on your grades, subjects and personal statement rather than the qualification itself.

Can I Get Into University If I Don’t Get the Full IB Diploma?

Sometimes. Some institutions, especially outside the UK, may consider strong individual course results or certificates. However, many universities prefer or require the full IB Diploma, so check the policy for your chosen course. 

Remember, you still have many options after the IB, even if you don’t achieve the grades you desired.

Final Thoughts

The IB is a demanding programme of study, whichever options you choose. But rest assured that your hard work will pay off. Your IB Diploma is a respected, internationally recognised qualification that opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and beyond.

If you’re planning your next steps, check university entry requirements for the courses you are interested in and use them to guide your HL choices and revision goals. With strong IB results, you’ll be in a great place for your applications. Along the way, you’ll gain the skills to get you ready for degree-level study. 

You can maximise your chance of success by using Save My Exams’ wide range of expert-created IB study resources. 97% of Save My Exams members report getting better grades.*

References:

• University of Edinburgh | International Baccalaureate | Undergraduate study (opens in a new tab)

• Entry requirements | Before you apply | Undergraduate study at The University of Manchester (opens in a new tab)

• University of Bristol | Entry requirements for the International A-levels, European and International Baccalaureates (opens in a new tab)

• Accepted qualifications | Study | Imperial College London (opens in a new tab)

• Find countries and universities that admit IB students - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)

• Guide for IB students applying to Canadian institutions (opens in a new tab)

• Guide for IB students applying to Australian institutions (opens in a new tab)

• * 1917 Save My Exams students were surveyed in September 2025