What Is a Good IB Score?

As you start your International Baccalaureate (IB) journey, you might soon be wondering, “Is my IB score good enough?” The answer to this is hard to pin down. There's no single score that fits everyone. Your definition of a "good" IB score really depends on your personal goals and is wildly different from somebody else’s.

Are you simply aiming to pass and get your diploma? Or are you looking to secure a place at university? Or perhaps you’re setting your sights on Oxbridge or the Ivy League?

If you’re keen to learn more, let’s dive into everything you need to know so you can figure out exactly where you stand and what to aim for

Key Takeaways

Here's what you need to know about IB scores:

• IB scores range from 24 points (the minimum to pass) to 45 points (absolute maximum).

• The global average IB score is around 30 points.

• Scoring 38+ puts you in the running for top universities worldwide.

• What's considered "good" entirely depends on your personal goals and university choices.

How IB Grading Works

Before we dig deeper into what a good IB score is, let's go on a whistle-stop tour of how IB scoring actually works. Put simply:

• You'll be graded across six subjects, with each one scored between 1 and 7 points. That gives you a maximum of 42 points from your subjects alone.

• On top of that, you can earn up to 3 bonus points from your Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) components combined.

• Add it all together, and you get the famous 45-point maximum.

The minimum score you need to pass and earn your IB Diploma is 24 points, but there are some additional conditions you'll need to meet, too, such as completing your CAS (creativity, activity, service) element. If you want to get into the nitty-gritty of what the IB diploma entails, check out our detailed breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of studying the IB.

What Is the Average IB Score?

According to data from the International Baccalaureate Organisation (opens in a new tab), the global average IB score was just over 30 points in May 2025. 

This number can vary quite a bit depending on your region and the specific school you attend. Some schools consistently produce higher averages, whilst others may fall below this mark. To put this in perspective, in 2024, only 9.3% of IB students (opens in a new tab) worldwide achieved scores of 40 points or higher.

What Counts as a Good IB Score?

As we mentioned before, this is where things get interesting. "Good" is completely relative to what you're trying to achieve. Here’s what good might look like depending on your personal situation.

Good for Passing

If your main goal is simply to complete your IB Diploma, then 24 points is your target.

This might seem low compared to other benchmarks, but remember that earning an IB Diploma is an achievement in itself. Not everyone who starts the programme manages to complete it.

Good for University Entrance

For most universities around the world, a score between 30-36 points will put you in good stead.

Many UK universities set their standard offers within this range. It’s a score that shows you've performed solidly across all your subjects and demonstrates the kind of academic ability universities are looking for.

Good for Russell Group / Top UK Universities

If you're aiming for Russell Group universities or other competitive UK institutions, you'll typically need to be looking at 36-40+ points.

And, for highly competitive subjects like Medicine, Law, or Engineering, you might also need specific grades of 6 or 7 in your Higher Level subjects, as well as a high total score.

Good for Oxbridge / Ivy League / Top Global Universities

The most competitive and elite universities in the world typically expect scores of 38-42+ points.

While this high points score total is incredibly important, it’s not the only thing you might need. These universities pay close attention to your Higher Level subject grades, expecting 6s and 7s across the board.

Your Extended Essay and TOK performance can also make the difference in close decisions, so don't neglect these components.

What's a Good Score in Individual IB Subjects?

Scoring a 6 or 7 is considered a strong performance in individual IB subjects, especially at Higher Level. These are the numbers you need to hit if aiming for a place in a top university in the UK, Europe, Canada, or the USA.

A grade 4 is technically a pass, but it's below the global average and won't cut it for the most competitive university courses. But, if this isn’t your goal, then a 4 could be a suitable score if your aim is to pass and secure your qualification.

It’s also important to note that many universities have specific requirements for certain subjects. For example, if you're applying for Engineering, they might require a grade 6 or 7 in Higher Level Maths, regardless of your overall score.

Can I Still Get into a Good Uni with a Lower Score?

Absolutely. A lower IB score doesn't mean your university dreams are over. The great thing about the IB is its breadth of coverage. And, passing the qualification is an achievement in itself. If you don’t achieve a 30+ score, there are plenty of options available.

Foundation year programmes are available at many universities for students who don't quite meet the standard entry requirements. These give you an extra year to bridge the gap and can ease your transition into the academic rigour required at university.

Other aspects of university admissions that are considered include your:

• Personal statement

• Extracurricular activities

• Predicted grades 

Sometimes these can outweigh a slightly lower final score if you can showcase your attributes outside the classroom.

Private universities or institutions abroad often have more flexible requirements and may consider applications holistically rather than focusing purely on numbers.

Tips to Boost Your IB Score

Here are some proven strategies to maximise your IB score:

1. Get the basics right: Strong time management and choosing the right balance of subjects for your strengths can make a huge difference to your final score.

2. It’s not all about your core subjects: Don't overlook your Internal Assessments, Extended Essay, and TOK components. These are often easier to score highly on than external exams and can add crucial points to your total.

3. Revise using past papers: Make use of mark schemes and past papers. They'll show you exactly what examiners are looking for and help you refine your exam technique.

4. Ask for support when you need it: Get feedback from your teachers early and often. They know the assessment criteria inside out and can guide you towards higher grades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 30 a good IB score?

Again, it depends on your personal goals, but a score of 30 points puts you right at the global average, which is solid performance. It's good enough for many universities worldwide and shows you've achieved consistent grades across all your subjects.

Can I get into university with 28 points?

Yes, you can still get into university with 28 points. While it's below the global average, many universities have flexible entry requirements, especially for less competitive courses or through alternative pathways, such as foundation years.

What IB score do I need for Oxbridge?

These are elite universities that value high performance across your IB Diploma. Oxford and Cambridge typically expect scores of 39-42+ points, with Higher Level grades of 6 or 7. However, they also consider your subject choices, personal statement, and performance in interviews or admissions tests.

What's the maximum IB score?

The maximum possible IB score is 45 points. This represents perfect 7s across all six subjects (42 points) plus the maximum 3 bonus points from the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge combined.

“Good” is Personal

There's no magic number that equals good. A "good" score for someone aiming for Oxford might be 40+ points, whilst another student celebrating 30 points has achieved something equally brilliant for them and their goals.

What matters most is whether your score helps you to fulfil your future plans. Did you get into your chosen university? Tick. Did you challenge yourself and grow as a learner? Double tick. Did you develop skills that'll be useful for your university course or prospective career? Triple tick.

Your IB journey is uniquely yours. Whether you scored 25 or 45 points, if you've pushed yourself and learned something valuable along the way, you've succeeded. 

References

IB students worldwide receive their results (opens in a new tab)
The IB Diploma Programme and Career-Related Programme Final Statistical Bulletin (opens in a new tab)