IB Diploma Requirements

To earn an IB Diploma, candidates have to take courses from six subject areas:
one each from groups 1-5, and either one from group 6 or a substitute from groups 3 or 4.

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

• Language A: Language and Literature (HL only)

Group 2: Language Acquisition

• Language ab initio: Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish (SL only)
• Language B: Spanish

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

• Business Management
• Economics
• Global Politics
• History (HL only)
• Psychology

Group 4: Sciences

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Design Technology
• Environmental Systems and Societies (SL only)
• Sports, Exercise, and Health Science

Group 5: Mathematics

• Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
• Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation

Group 6: The Arts

• Dance
• Film
• Music
• Theatre
• Visual Arts

Students must take at least three courses at the Higher Level (HL); The rest of their courses will be taken at the Standard Level (SL).

The curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. Made up of the three required components, the DP core aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills. 

Students must take one course from each of the following subject groups:

1. studies in language and literature
2. language acquisition
3. individuals and societies
4. sciences
5. mathematics
6. art

Students may opt to study an additional science, individual and society, or language subject, instead of a subject in the arts. 

Students take a minimum of three (but at most four) subjects at the higher level (HL) over two years. The remaining subjects are taken at the standard level (SL) and may be either 1 or 2 years courses. HL and SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors. Students are expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at a higher level.