Curriculum Guide · Ages 16–19

The IB Diploma Programme (DP)

How the two-year Diploma works: choosing six subjects, Higher and Standard Level, the core, how points are awarded and what universities expect.

Read time: 10 min

The Short Answer

The Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year IB course for ages 16 to 19, taught in schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate organization.
Students study six subjects, one from each of six groups, with three or four at Higher Level and the rest at Standard Level.
Every student also completes the core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
The Diploma is scored out of 45 points, and students need at least 24 points and must meet other conditions to be awarded it.
It is demanding but broad. It suits motivated students who want to keep studying a wide range of subjects up to 18 or 19.

What Is the IB Diploma Programme?

The Diploma Programme (DP) is the final stage of the International Baccalaureate, a two-year programme for students aged 16 to 19 that prepares them for university and adult life. It balances depth and breadth: students study a range of subjects across languages, sciences, mathematics and humanities, and also complete independent research and service. It is recognized by universities in many countries.

Students who have followed the IB since primary school will usually move into the DP after the Middle Years Programme, but students from other curricula, such as IGCSE, also join it, and schools generally have ways to help newcomers settle in.

Key Features of the DP

What defines the DP

Academic rigor: Students are challenged to think critically, analyze evidence and apply knowledge to real situations.
Breadth: Students keep studying languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities and, usually, the arts, instead of narrowing down at 16.
Independent research: The Extended Essay lets students explore a topic of their own choosing in depth.
Whole-person development: CAS and Theory of Knowledge encourage creativity, service, reflection and ethical thinking.

The DP Curriculum: Six Subject Groups

Students choose one subject from each of six groups. Many schools offer a range of courses in each group, but the exact list depends on the school, so check what your child's school offers.

The six groups

Studies in language and literature: Study of literature and language, usually in the student's best language.
Language acquisition: Learning a second or additional language, such as Chinese, English, French or Spanish, depending on the school.
Individuals and societies: Subjects such as history, geography, economics, psychology and business management.
Sciences: Subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and environmental systems.
Mathematics: Courses that differ in focus: one emphasizes analysis and approaches, and another applications and interpretation, so students can match mathematics to their future plans.
The arts: Subjects such as visual arts, music, theatre and film. Students can choose a second subject from another group instead of an arts course.

Higher Level and Standard Level

Students take three or four subjects at Higher Level (HL) and the rest at Standard Level (SL). According to the IB, HL courses are taught for 240 hours and SL courses for 150 hours, so HL subjects go into more depth and take up more time. Students usually choose HL for the subjects they plan to study at university, and universities often ask for particular HL subjects and grades in their entry requirements.

The DP Core

Three required components

All Diploma students complete the core, and TOK and the Extended Essay also count toward the points.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course in which students ask how we know what we claim to know. It explores how knowledge works across different subjects and encourages students to question evidence, assumptions and bias.
Extended Essay (EE): An independent research project of up to 4,000 words on a topic the student chooses, usually linked to one of their subjects. It builds the research and writing skills used at university.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Experiences in the arts, sport and community service, with reflection, completed over an extended period of the two years. CAS is required but is not graded with points.

Assessment and Scoring

Internal assessment. Work marked by teachers, such as coursework, lab reports, oral work or portfolios, and checked by the IB.
External assessment. Final examinations taken at the end of the two years and marked by IB examiners, usually in May.
Subject grades. Each of the six subjects is graded from 1 to 7, with 7 the highest, for up to 42 points.
Core points. TOK and the Extended Essay together can add up to 3 bonus points, so the maximum is 45.
Passing. Students need at least 24 points to be awarded the Diploma, and the IB also sets other conditions, for example about minimum results at Higher and Standard Level and very low grades. Ask the school for the full rules.

Students who do not receive the Diploma still receive results for the individual courses they sat.

The IB Learner Profile in the DP

Like all IB programmes, the DP aims to develop the attributes of the IB Learner Profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. These attributes shape how students approach their studies and the wider community.

The DP Classroom Experience

Active participation. Students often lead discussions and work on group projects.
Depth and breadth. Students gain deep knowledge in their subjects and connect ideas across disciplines.
Critical thinking. Lessons emphasize questioning, analysis and problem-solving.
Independent work. Students manage long-term tasks such as internal assessments and the Extended Essay, so time management is essential.

The DP and University Admissions

Universities in many countries recognize the DP and often value the research, writing and time-management skills it develops. Requirements differ by university and course. They usually specify a total Diploma score and sometimes particular HL subjects and grades. In some countries, such as the UK, universities commonly make conditional offers based on grades the school predicts, so ask the school how it predicts grades. Some universities also give advanced standing or credit for strong HL results, but policies vary, so confirm with each university.

Benefits and Challenges

What the DP offers and asks

University preparation: Research, writing and independent study skills help the transition to higher education.
Global outlook: Studying languages, TOK and CAS builds international-mindedness.
Balance: The programme supports academic study alongside creativity, activity and service.
Workload: Six subjects, the core and activities add up to a demanding schedule. Students need good organization and wellbeing support.
Less early specialization: Students who want to concentrate on three subjects may find the breadth frustrating, and may prefer A-Levels.

DP, A-Levels or AP?

How the main senior-school pathways compare

IB Diploma Programme: Six subjects plus a core, with broad coverage and a total score out of 45.
A-Levels: Three or four subjects studied in depth. See the British curriculum guide.
American high school with AP: Flexible course choice with optional college-level courses. See the American curriculum guide and the AP guide.
IB Career-related Programme: A shorter academic load combined with a career pathway. See the IBCP guide.

Accreditation and Quality

Only schools authorized by the IB can offer the Diploma Programme and call themselves IB World Schools. Authorization means the school meets the IB's standards, and it is reviewed from time to time. Before applying, ask the school to confirm that it is authorized for the DP and ask for recent results.

The Role of Parents

Support time management. Help your child plan across subjects, internal assessments and deadlines, and protect time for rest.
Encourage the Extended Essay. Ask about the topic, encourage steady progress and avoid last-minute pressure.
Back CAS. Encourage activities your child enjoys, and talk about what they learn from them.
Stay in touch. Use parent-teacher conferences and updates to follow progress, and raise concerns early.

The DP for Families Moving to Guangzhou

Check the school is authorized. Only IB World Schools authorized for the Diploma can enter students, so confirm this with the school and ask how many students take the full Diploma.
Plan the timing. The DP runs for two years, usually Grades 11 and 12. Moving in the middle of the programme is hard, so check how the school treats students who join in Grade 11, and how it handles subject choice.
Compare subject availability. Higher and Standard Level subject lists differ between schools, so check that your child can take the combination they need for their target courses.
Ask about Chinese. Check which language options the school offers, and whether your child can study Chinese as a first or additional language.
Ask where graduates go. Request recent university destinations and typical results, and check what the school's counselors do to support applications.

Questions to Ask a DP School

How many students take the full Diploma, and what are your recent results?
Which subjects can students choose at Higher and Standard Level?
How do you support students with the Extended Essay, TOK and CAS?
How do you help students balance workload and wellbeing?
What university counseling do you offer, and where do graduates go?
How do you predict grades, and how do you support students who join the DP from another curriculum?

Is the DP Right for Your Child?

The DP suits motivated, organized students who enjoy a broad range of subjects and are ready for a heavy workload. It is a good fit for students who want an international outlook and who like linking ideas across subjects. Students who already know what they want to study and prefer to concentrate on a few subjects may prefer A-Levels. For help comparing schools, read Choosing an International School in Guangzhou: Parent Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IB Diploma

What is the IB Diploma Programme?: The Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year IB course for students aged 16 to 19, with six subjects and a core of Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS.
How is the IB Diploma scored?: Each of six subjects is graded from 1 to 7, and TOK and the Extended Essay add up to 3 bonus points, for a maximum of 45. Students need at least 24 points and must meet other conditions.
What is the difference between Higher Level and Standard Level?: Higher Level courses go into more depth and have more teaching time (240 hours, against 150 for Standard Level). Students take three or four subjects at Higher Level.
Can a student take the DP if they did not study the IB before?: Yes. Many students join from other curricula such as IGCSE. Ask the school how it supports new students, especially with subjects and the core.
What is the Extended Essay?: An independent research project of up to 4,000 words on a topic the student chooses, completed as part of the core.
Do universities accept the IB Diploma?: Yes, in many countries, but each university sets its own entry requirements, often a total score and specific Higher Level grades.
Is the IB Diploma harder than A-Levels?: It is different. The DP asks for breadth across six subjects and the core, while A-Levels ask for depth in three or four. Which is harder depends on the student.
Can students get university credit for IB results?: Some universities give advanced standing or credit for strong Higher Level results. Policies vary, so check each university.
What happens if a student does not achieve the Diploma?: They still receive results for the individual courses they sat, which can be used for applications, and schools can advise on next steps.
Which schools in Guangzhou offer the IB Diploma?: Ask each IB school whether it is authorized to teach the Diploma Programme, and use the IB's school search to confirm. Our school profiles list curricula where available.