Why do universities value IB students?
- IB students are prepared for academic success.
- IB students are more likely than others to enrol in and graduate from selective higher education institutions.
- Based on their experiences, IB students possess a broader range of skills that enhance their ability to adapt and contribute to university life.
- IB students demonstrate a level of emotional and intellectual maturity for managing the demands of challenging coursework and they make meaningful contributions.
- They have extensive experience doing independent research and presenting what they have learned through presentations, papers and other projects.
- They think critically and draw on diverse perspectives that reflect an international outlook.
- Participation in the IB Diploma Programme shows that students have excelled in multiple and diverse academic challenges which is a strong predictor for success in university.
A selection of quotes from leading universities
“IB is well known to us as excellent preparation. Success in an IB programme correlates well with success at Harvard. We are pleased to see the credential of the IB Diploma Programme on the transcript.”
Harvard University
"Durham University recognises the International Baccalaureate (IB). Our academic departments have noted the excellent preparation that the Diploma provides for university study, and we value the depth and breadth of study that it offers."
Durham University
"Newcastle University welcomes applications from candidates who have studied the International Baccalaureate. We believe that IB candidates are well-prepared for university study. Not only have they studied a good range of subjects, but they have studied some in depth and have developed independent learning skills which are helpful skills at degree level."
Newcastle University
"Each year the University of Manchester receives many outstanding applications from IB students across the UK and beyond. These go on to be successful students at the University. Our institutional knowledge of the IB has been, and remains, excellent. We recognise the many strengths of this qualification: for example its breadth, commitment to global awareness, and research skills."
Manchester University
"We have always recognised the strength of the IB qualification. As many of our degree programmes are offered as dual honours, there is a particular link between the breadth of education offered by the IB and the opportunities at Keele."
Keele University
"Universities have always held the IB in high regard and recognise the academic rigour, breadth and depth of this qualification. Indeed, the skills obtained by students undertaking the International Baccalaureate are widely considered excellent preparation for the transition into higher education; and this view is certainly endorsed here at Leeds."
Leeds University
“Diploma Programme students are well-rounded, multifaceted, multiskilled and have studied in depth. They have good time-management skills. They score higher than students in other national systems, and the IB score is worldwide the same measure.”
London School of Economics, UK