Develop a university recognition policy

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The IB helps universities develop effective admissions and recognition policies so IB students can gain equitable and competitive offers.

Your university recognition policy defines how your university values and understands IB graduates. By developing a policy, your institution gains a valuable opportunity to attract IB students who are prepared to take on the rigor of university coursework and raise the academic standard and internationalization of the entire student cohort.

Add your IB recognition policy to our university recognition platform through the university portal.

Key components of successful recognition policies

Successful recognition policies often include the following key components:

  • An admission statement that encourages IB students to apply.
  • Details about the admissions requirements, including subject prerequisites and minimum scores entry to various courses.
  • Information on language proficiency requirements, and whether performance in IB language courses fulfil these requirements.
  • Special considerations for IB students, including scholarships or other opportunities. 
  • Information on awarding credit and advanced placement.
  • Additional information relevant to the student’s application for admission. 

Guidance on developing a policy

Universities and other higher education institutions develop policies appropriate for their unique contexts. We invite you to consider the following questions as you develop your policy:

  • How are current students who studied in the IB, performing at your institution?
  • Is participation in the Career-related Programme (CP) and/or Diploma Programme (DP), considered for admissions purposes?
  • Are CP and/or DP students eligible for admission based on either completion of the programme or their scores in individual DP courses?
  • Does your university have different IB course requirements for certain faculties?
  • Is performance on the theory of knowledge course or the extended essay considered in admissions decisions?
  • Are there other considerations that your university offers for IB students, such as designated scholarships, honours courses or research opportunities?
  • Does your university have a language proficiency requirement that can be met by an IB language examination?
  • Are anticipated grades for IB examinations submitted by the schools accepted or considered for admissions purposes?
  • Where on your website will the recognition statement for recruitment and admission of IB students sit?
  • Are students offered/granted credit for successfully completing specific IB courses? See the American Council on Education’s credit recommendation.

More information

If you need further information or support on developing a recognition policy, please contact us.