Can You Self-Study for the IB Diploma Programme?

Thinking about taking on the IB Diploma independently? You're probably wondering whether it's actually possible to self-study for the full programme or individual subjects without being enrolled in a traditional IB school. 

This guide explains whether you can self-study for the IB Diploma Programme, what's realistically achievable, and how to prepare for IB exams without full school support.

Key Takeaways

• You cannot register for IB exams entirely on your own—you must go through an IB-authorised centre or school

• Self-studying the complete IB Diploma is extremely challenging because core components (TOK, EE, and IAs) require supervision and feedback

• You can self-study individual IB subjects and register as a private candidate through an authorised centre

• Online IB schools and distance learning providers offer flexible alternatives if you need more structure than pure self-study

What Does “Self-Study” Mean in the IB?

When students talk about self-studying the IB, they usually mean one of three things:

1. Learning content on your own
   Using textbooks, online resources, and past papers instead of classroom lessons.

2. Registering as a private candidate
   You sit IB exams at an authorised centre without being enrolled in a full IB programme.

3. Retaking exams independently
   If you’ve already taken the IB, you can retake subjects as a private candidate without going back to school.

The key thing to remember: you cannot register directly with the IB. All candidates—full or private—must register through an authorised IB school or exam centre.

Can You Self-Study the Full IB Diploma?

Technically, yes. In practice, however, it is an extremely hard thing to do.

The IB Diploma isn’t just about six subjects. You must also complete the three core components:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

TOK requires guided discussion, 100 hours of teaching, and a 1,600-word essay. Without structured feedback, meeting the assessment requirements is challenging. Our guide to the TOK will tell you more.

Extended Essay (EE)

The EE must be supervised by a qualified teacher. A supervisor provides up to five hours of support, checks your research question, and gives feedback. If you self-study, you still need a supervisor approved by an IB coordinator at an authorised school. Our guide to the IB EE will explain further.

Internal Assessments (IAs)

Every subject has IAs—lab work, presentations, written assignments—that must be marked by qualified teachers and uploaded by an IB school. Therefore, these can’t really be completed independently very easily. Check out our guide to the IB IAs.

Finding a centre

Even if you manage to complete IA work and core components, you still need an authorised school to register you. Many do not accept external candidates. Those that do often charge additional fees. 

Because of these hurdles, studying the entire Diploma independently is nigh on impossible. Most learners choose online IB schools instead, as they provide proper supervision and exam registration. Our handy guide to IB Online Schools will tell you more.

Can You Self-Study Individual IB Subjects?

Yes you can. This is a far more realistic option!

Self-studying an extra IB subject

Some Diploma students study a seventh subject independently because their school doesn’t offer it (e.g. Psychology or Computer Science). If you're already a Diploma candidate, your school may register you for the exam, as long as you complete the IA.

Preparing for retakes

If you want to improve grades after finishing the IB, you can retake exams as a private candidate. You must go through your previous school or centre, or find a centre that accepts retakers. Register well before the session deadline. Be sure to read our guide to IB retakes.

Studying ahead independently

Many enrolled students use self-study to strengthen understanding, revise earlier, and fill gaps their lessons don’t fully cover.

How to Register as a Private Candidate

To take IB exams as a private or retake candidate, you must:

• Find an authorised IB centre that accepts private candidates

• Register by their deadline (usually October for May exams, April for November exams)

• Pay registration and exam fees (centres may add admin costs)

• Provide documents such as previous IB results if retaking

• Complete required IAs for any subjects you enter

The school will then register you and host your final exams.

How to Study IB Content Independently

If you're self-studying an extra subject, preparing for retakes, or revising beyond school lessons, these steps will help.

Use official syllabi and IB-aligned textbooks

Start with the subject guide to see exactly what you’ll be tested on and how. Choose IB-specific textbooks rather than general subject books.

Use Save My Exams

Save My Exams offers:

• Topic-by-topic revision notes

• Past-paper style questions with model answers

• Flashcards

• Full past papers

• A Smart Mark tool that gives instant feedback on your written answers

For independent learners, this structured feedback is invaluable.

Join online IB communities

Forums like IB Survival (opens in a new tab), Reddit’s r/IBO (opens in a new tab), and Discord groups are useful for asking questions and sharing notes. Always check any advice against official IB sources.

Try YouTube revision channels

Many IB teachers and graduates create videos explaining difficult topics and modelling exam answers.

Consider online tutoring

One-to-one tutoring helps if you’re stuck on specific topics, or need feedback on essay-based subjects.

Alternatives if Full Self-Study Isn’t Practical

If you’re drawn to independent learning but can’t access an IB school, these alternatives are worth exploring.

A Levels or AP courses

These qualifications are more self-study-friendly. They don’t require core components like TOK or CAS, and registering as a private candidate is simpler.

Online IB schools

These offer the IB Diploma through virtual lessons with real IB teachers. You get flexibility plus proper supervision for TOK, EE, and IAs. Schools include:

• Pamoja Education (opens in a new tab) – ideal if you want online delivery of one or two specific subjects.

• King’s InterHigh (opens in a new tab) – a UK-based online school offering the full Diploma.

• Dwight Global Online School (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab)– part of an established IB network.

• SEK International Schools (opens in a new tab) – global digital classrooms with interactive learning.

Online IB schools arrange exam registration and guide you through core requirements.

IB Career-related Programme (CP)

The CP (opens in a new tab) combines IB subjects with vocational study and has fewer compulsory elements. It offers more flexibility while still giving IB-recognised qualifications.

Choosing the Best Path for Your Goals

Think honestly about why you want to self-study:

• If it's because you can't attend an IB school where you live, online schools could solve that.

• If you want more flexibility, A Levels may be a better fit.

• If you're already in an IB school and want to stretch yourself, self-studying a seventh subject might work well.

There’s no benefit in forcing yourself into a system that isn’t designed for independent learners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the IB as a private candidate?

Yes—but not completely alone. You must register through an IB-authorised centre. Not all schools accept private candidates, and the core components make registering for the full Diploma difficult. Most private candidates register for individual subjects rather than the full Diploma.

Can I study extra IB subjects independently?

Yes. This is one of the most common forms of self-study. You can take additional subjects as a “course candidate,” either alongside the Diploma or after finishing school. Check out our IB Options articles to explore more.

Can I retake IB exams independently?

Yes. You can retake exams without returning to school. Many candidates also carry over their Internal Assessment marks, depending on syllabus rules.

Final Thoughts

So, can you self-study the IB Diploma Programme? The short answer: possible, but not practical for most students. The core components—TOK, the Extended Essay, and Internal Assessments—require supervision that is hard to arrange outside a school.

But self-study within the IB is very achievable. You can:

• Study extra subjects independently

• Retake exams as a private candidate

• Use self-study to strengthen understanding and improve grades

If you want more support, online IB schools offer structure, teaching, and legitimate exam registration while still giving you flexibility.

Whatever route you choose, success comes down to planning, motivation, and reliable resources. With clear goals—and tools like Save My Exams to guide your revision—independent study of IB subjects is entirely possible.

References

• IB Survival (opens in a new tab)

• International Baccalaureate Reddit (opens in a new tab)

• Pamoja Education (opens in a new tab)

• King’s InterHigh (opens in a new tab) 

• Dwight Global Online School (opens in a new tab)

• SEK International Schools (opens in a new tab)  

• Career-related Programme (CP) - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)