University recognition

The IB diploma is a passport to higher education. Universities around the world welcome the unique characteristics of IB Diploma Programme students and recognize the way in which the programme helps to prepare students for university level education.

Girl reading at locker IB students routinely gain admission to some of the best known universities in the world. Most of these institutions have established recognition policies for the IB diploma.

For example:

Oxford University (external link), United Kingdom

University of British Columbia (external link), Canada

University of Auckland (external link), New Zealand

Harvard University (external link), United States

The IB maintains information about university recognition that is displayed on the Country information pages of this website and in a searchable University recognition directory (link opens in a new window).

We always advise that you read this information carefully and consult the admissions office of any university in which you are particularly interested as this information can change.

Perceptions of the IB Diploma Programme

A report of an inquiry carried out at UK universities and institutions of higher education.

Perceptions of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

"The 233 students who had received a 5 on the Calculus BC exam and the 16 who received credit through the International Baccalaureate exam performed much better than the average student..."

MIT analysis (external link) of mathematics students performance, 1999

"We have more applying and more coming every year. This fall, 348 out of 4,464 were IB students. That’s a 13 per cent increase.”

Martha Piper, President, University of British Columbia