The IB's Diploma Programme (DP) is recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities, and evidence suggests that higher rates of DP students go on to university and higher education study than non-IB students.
DP students apply to more than 5,000 higher education institutions each year in more than 100 countries. The most popular of these institutions are ranked among the top universities in the world. Visit our Recognition statements database to see how different universities recognize IB programmes.
Our research pages look in detail at the performance of DP students, including comparisons with other students.
Choosing IB: Impact on university admissions
The DP is a strong pathway to university—the impact of studying the DP on admission to university and higher education depends on each student’s performance.
The IB has answered frequently asked questions about the DP and admission to university.
There is information relevant to students, universities and parents, covering questions like:
- How do DP scores equate to other qualifications?
- How is the DP different from other pre-university academic programmes?
The DP as a pathway to employment
The DP focuses on rigorous academic study, within a broad and balanced curriculum, which can prepare students well for employment.
Students in the DP also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to community service, gaining valuable experience outside the academic world.
See creativity, action, service (CAS) for further information.
You may also be interested in the IB Career-related Programme (CP), a unique programme specifically tailored for students who wish to engage in career-related learning.
