Universities: Collaborate with the IB

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Universities collaborate with the IB in several ways to help shape the future of education through recognition of IB programmes, IB educator and leadership certificates, review of DP subjects and research related to the IB.

Recognize IB programmes at your university

Universities have a unique opportunity to welcome motivated IB students who are highly prepared to take on university courses and contribute to all aspects of university life. Every year, IB transcripts are sent to more than 4,500 universities in over 110 different countries. The IB helps universities and other institutions develop effective admissions and recognition policies, so IB students can gain equitable and competitive offers.

Learn more about how to develop an effective admissions and recognition policy to maximize the number of IB students engaged in study at your institution.


If you already have an IB admissions or recognition policy in place, clearly state it on your university website and add it to the IB Recognition Statements Database through the university portal.

 

We recommend universities consider granting credit/advanced standing for HL and SL subjects. The IB commissioned the American Council on Education (ACE) to review SL subjects in terms of awarding credit.

Strengthen your understanding of IB qualifications

A free self-paced professional learning (PL) module is now available to help you and your staff to learn about the different IB programmes, focusing mostly on the DP and CP. It offers information on how to review student applications based on university, country and other contexts.

University staff: Subscribe to our newsletter

The IB's University admissions newsletter is published three times per year and contains important IB updates regarding curriculum changes and exam sessions, the latest IB research, and key resources.

If your job requires you to have access to IB transcripts, you need a specific role on My IB. This role will automatically give you access to the newsletter. Learn more about creating a My IB account.

Additional members of university teams—such as those in senior positions and staff from the marketing, communications or recruitment departments—are invited to complete this sign-up form to receive the newsletter.

Offer IB educator and leadership certificates at your university

Universities and higher-education institutions collaborate with the IB to develop and offer programs with components that focus on IB best practices and methodologies. 

Known as IB educator and leadership certificates (IBEC), these university programs of study provide aspiring and existing educators with a deep understanding of the IB mission, vision and pedagogy.

The IB currently works with more than 50 universities across the world. See our full list of universities and certificates in our University Directory.

To learn more about how your institution can offer the IB educator or leadership certificates at your institution, contact [email protected].

Streamlined and simple: IB course recognition

The IB works with universities to streamline the process of aligning a course of study by providing ongoing consultation and connections with the IB community.

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  • Stage 1: Expression of interest

    • Submit a formal expression of interest
    • Include a brief description of the course of study
    • Indicate which certificate and IB programme is of interest
  • 2. Application

    • Complete a detailed application form
    • Demonstrate course alignment with academic requirements and consistency of delivery

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  • 3. Review

    • Use IB guidelines for aligning IB academic requirements with your course of study
    • Access dedicated IB mentoring throughout the process
    • Receive assistance from the IB by emailing [email protected]
  • 4. Recognition visit

    • Make a formal request for the IB recognition visit once all university internal validation processes are complete

Participate in Diploma Programme (DP) review of subjects 

The IB regularly undertakes a comprehensive review of our programmes in close collaboration with educational experts from higher education institutions.

University faculty members interested in the review of our Diploma Programme (DP) may contact us at [email protected]. 

More information about the DP review of subjects.

Collaborate with IB researchers

The IB works closely with university researchers from around the world to conduct studies in the development, quality assurance, and impact assessment of IB programmes and services. For more information, contact us. 

Explore current outcomes research, curriculum research and more. 

Receive and evaluate IB transcripts 

The IB provides resources to help you receive and evaluate DP and CP transcripts. Read more. 

Promote your existing connection with the IB 

Universities, ministries of education and other institutions around the world use the IB In Cooperation logo to acknowledge and highlight their support for the IB.