Streamlined and Simple: IB Course Recognition
When a university approaches the IB to have a course of study recognized as meeting the requirements of the IB educator certificates, the course must undergo the following four-stage process to ensure that it meets the required IB quality assurance standards.
Click on each stage to find out more detailed information about the processes involved.The university or institution submits a formal expression of interest to the IB
The expression of interest includes a brief written proposal indicating the intended IB certificate, the course structure and the targeted IB programme, if applicable. (Courses leading to the IB advanced certificates are non-programme specific.) The IB reviews the proposal and advises the university if it should proceed. If the outcome is positive the IB will send the university an application pack for completion.
The university completes and submits a formal application along with stipulated supporting documentation and an application fee of £100 to cover administration costs
The IB reviews the application to see whether the course meets the generic conditions and academic requirements specified. If the conditions have not been met, feedback is given and further work can then be undertaken by the university if it wants to proceed. The university can either revise and resubmit the relevant documentation within a three-month period or, if it does not want to proceed, withdraw from the process. (Prior to completing the application the course of study must have undergone the university's normal internal course validation process.)
The IB arranges a recognition visit with the university once the application has been accepted
A team of up to three members is appointed consisting of IB staff and external consultants, as appropriate. The visit to the university is scheduled within two years of the application being received. The IB sends a draft visit agenda to the university. Further information may be requested by the IB in preparation for the visit.
If the university's course of study meets all the specified requirements for course recognition the IB formally recognizes the course
Following formal recognition a legal frame agreement between the IB and the university is signed and the university submits payment of the requisite recognition and licence fees.
Three years after formal recognition, the IB undertakes an interim evaluation of the course. Recognition renewal is required six years after initial formal recognition
Universities interested in exploring the possibility of having a course of study recognized can contact the teacher education services department via email and a telephone conference will subsequently be arranged.
Useful links
Facts and figures: IB World School statistics provide data on various IB school and programme statistics and are updated daily.
The International Education Research Database is a searchable database that contains a range of resources that focus on the IB programmes and international education in general.
The International Baccalaureate Standards Development and Alignment Project
Final Report is an independent report that validates the degree to which IB courses develop the content knowledge and academic skills necessary for college readiness. It also creates a reference point to gauge the alignment between the IB curriculum and individual state content standards.
