Curriculum Guide · Ages 3–19

What Is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The four IB programmes, how the Diploma works and is scored, how universities see it, and whether it fits your child.

Read time: 9 min

The Short Answer

The IB is a framework of four programmes for students aged 3 to 19, run by the International Baccalaureate organization, not by any single country.
Its best-known programme is the Diploma Programme (DP), a two-year course for ages 16 to 19 with six subjects plus a required core.
The Diploma is scored out of 45 points, and students need at least 24 points, as well as meeting other conditions, to be awarded it.
The IB is global. The IB reports more than 6,200 schools in over 160 countries and territories, so students can move between IB schools with little disruption.
It is demanding and broad. Students keep studying languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities and the arts to the end, and add research, reflection and service.

What Is the IB?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational framework that aims to develop students who are knowledgeable, curious and caring, and who can think critically and act responsibly in a global community. It is not tied to one country's education system. Instead, schools authorized by the IB teach the same frameworks and assess to the same standards worldwide.

Unlike curricula that focus mainly on content and exams, the IB puts a lot of weight on how students learn: asking questions, researching, connecting subjects to each other and to real life, and reflecting on their own learning.

Who Is the IB For?

The IB attracts curious students who enjoy making connections between subjects, and families who value an international outlook. Because it is taught in so many countries, it is a popular choice for families who move often. According to the IB's own figures (May 2026), there are more than 6,200 IB schools in over 160 countries and territories, with more than 1.95 million students aged 3 to 19.

It is not only for expatriates. Many local students also join IB programmes to gain a global perspective and a qualification recognized by universities around the world.

The Four IB Programmes

From age 3 to 19

Not every IB school offers all four programmes, and some offer only one, so always check what a school is authorized to teach.

Primary Years Programme (PYP), ages 3 to 12: Learning through inquiry: students ask questions, explore and learn by doing, developing social and emotional skills alongside academics. Read the PYP guide.
Middle Years Programme (MYP), ages 11 to 16: Students connect classroom learning to the world outside and see how subjects such as mathematics, history and science relate to each other. Read the MYP guide.
Diploma Programme (DP), ages 16 to 19: The IB's best-known programme: six subjects plus a core of Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service. Read the DP guide.
Career-related Programme (CP), ages 16 to 19: Combines academic IB courses with career-related study and a core focused on personal and professional skills. Read the IBCP guide.

The IB Diploma Programme in Detail

Most families who ask about the IB are thinking of the Diploma Programme, which prepares students for university.

Six subject groups

Students choose one subject from each group. Three or four are studied at Higher Level (HL), and the rest at Standard Level (SL).

Studies in language and literature: Study of literature and language in the student's best language.
Language acquisition: A second or additional language.
Individuals and societies: History, geography, economics, psychology and similar subjects.
Sciences: Biology, chemistry, physics and related courses.
Mathematics: Different mathematics courses depending on the student's strengths and future plans.
The arts: Visual arts, music, theatre and similar subjects. Students may choose another subject from the groups above instead.

The DP core

All Diploma students complete the core.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course that asks how we know what we know, and encourages students to question evidence and assumptions.
Extended Essay (EE): An independent research project of up to 4,000 words on a topic the student chooses.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Experiences outside the classroom in the arts, sport and community service, with reflection.

How the IB Diploma Is Scored

Each of the six subjects is graded from 1 to 7, with 7 the highest, giving up to 42 points. Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay together can add up to 3 bonus points, for a maximum of 45. Assessment includes final exams, but also coursework, essays, oral presentations and practical work, so students show what they know in several ways.

To be awarded the Diploma, students need at least 24 points, and there are additional conditions, such as minimum results at Higher and Standard Level and limits on very low grades. A student can therefore score 24 points and still not meet every requirement, so ask the school about the full rules.

How the IB Helps with University Admissions

The IB Diploma is recognized by universities in many countries, and students often say that the research, writing and time-management skills it builds make the transition to university easier. For many courses universities ask for a total score and for particular grades in Higher Level subjects. Requirements differ by university and by course, so always check the specific entry requirements of every university you are considering.

Benefits and Trade-offs

What the IB offers and asks

Breadth: Students continue with languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities and the arts to age 18 or 19, which keeps options open.
Skills for university: The Extended Essay, TOK and CAS build research, critical thinking and independent study skills.
Continuity: The same frameworks are taught in IB schools around the world, which helps families who move.
Workload: The Diploma is demanding, and balancing six subjects, the core and activities takes organization and resilience.
Less early specialization: Students who are sure of their path and want to focus on three subjects may find the breadth frustrating.

IB, American or British?

How the main curricula compare

All three are respected by universities. The right choice depends on where your child may study and how they learn best.

International Baccalaureate: Broad and inquiry-based, with six subjects and a required core in the Diploma Programme.
American: Flexible, with electives and optional AP courses. See the American curriculum guide and the AP guide.
British (IGCSE and A-Levels): Broad at 14 to 16, then deep in three or four A-Level subjects. See the British curriculum guide.

Is the IB Right for Your Child?

The IB tends to suit students who are curious, organized and motivated, who enjoy connecting ideas across subjects, and who are comfortable with a demanding workload. It is particularly attractive for families who expect to move between countries.

It may be less suitable for students who already know exactly what they want to study and prefer to concentrate on a few subjects, or who find a heavy, varied workload overwhelming. In either case, the quality of teaching and student support at the school matters as much as the curriculum.

Questions to Ask a School

Which IB programmes are you authorized to teach?
How many students take the full Diploma, and what is your average Diploma score?
Which Higher Level and Standard Level subjects can students choose?
How do you support students with the Extended Essay, TOK and CAS?
What university results can you share, and where do graduates go?
What support is there for students who join the IB part-way through?

The IB in Guangzhou

Only schools authorized by the IB can offer its programmes and call themselves IB World Schools. The IB provides a search tool on its website where you can check which programmes a school is authorized to teach. Not every school in Guangzhou offers every programme, so ask which programmes are taught and for which ages.

The IB is not only offered by British-style or other schools. For example, the American International School of Guangzhou (AISG) is an American school that is also an IB World School. According to its website, it teaches across the IB continuum from the Early Years to the IB Diploma, and it does not offer AP. Ask any school exactly which programmes it teaches and for which grades.

For comparisons by age group, see EYFS vs IB PYP in Guangzhou and IB MYP vs American Middle School. For advice on comparing schools, read Choosing an International School in Guangzhou: Parent Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IB

What does IB stand for?: IB stands for International Baccalaureate, an educational framework run by the International Baccalaureate organization and taught in schools around the world.
What are the four IB programmes?: The Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3 to 12, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11 to 16, the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16 to 19 and the Career-related Programme (CP) for ages 16 to 19.
Is the IB harder than other programmes?: The IB Diploma is demanding because students study six subjects and complete a core of research, reflection and service. Whether it is harder than A-Levels or AP depends on the student, since those programmes ask for depth in fewer subjects.
How is the IB Diploma scored?: Each of six subjects is graded from 1 to 7, and Theory of Knowledge 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 to be awarded the Diploma.
What is the Extended Essay?: The Extended Essay is an independent research project of up to 4,000 words on a topic chosen by the student, completed as part of the Diploma Programme.
What are TOK and CAS?: Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a course about how we know what we know, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) involves experiences in arts, sport and community service. Both are part of the Diploma core.
Can IB students switch schools easily?: Often yes, because IB schools around the world teach the same frameworks, though transfers go more smoothly between programme stages and subject choices should be checked in advance.
Do universities accept the IB?: Yes. Universities in many countries recognize the IB Diploma, although each sets its own entry requirements, often a minimum total and specific Higher Level grades.
Can students with Chinese citizenship take the IB?: It depends on the type of school. Some schools in China that offer international curricula admit only students with a foreign passport, while others, such as certain government-owned international schools, are open to Chinese citizens. Confirm eligibility with each school.
How do I find IB schools in Guangzhou?: Use the IB's school search to check which schools are authorized and which programmes they teach, then confirm details such as admissions and eligibility with each school.
Can an American school offer the IB instead of AP?: Yes. For example, the American International School of Guangzhou (AISG) is an American school and an IB World School that teaches across the IB continuum, and its website does not mention AP. Ask any American-style school whether it offers the IB, AP or both.