IBDP Courses

The IB DP Courses, previously referred to as ‘certificates', is a pathway for students choosing the DP who are offered a more flexible and less demanding range of subject choices and levels. 

Unlike the Full Diploma Programme, where students are restricted in their subject choices and levels, and must successfully complete the three core components of the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Community, Activity and Service (CAS), DP Courses students can choose a varied number of individual subjects at any level. Precise requirements vary from country to country.

Universities in a range of countries recognise IBDP Courses which may be used to obtain credits or for Foundation level entry. 

Full details can be found here.

In the UAE, DP Courses are fully recognised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation with the following stipulations:

• Students must complete 6 DP courses at any level
• The DP courses must include English, Maths and a Science
• Students must achieve a minimum of 3 points in each subject
• Students must achieve a minimum of 21 points.

In the UK, there is no minimum requirement to complete a particular range of courses and a student can study just one DP subject. At most schools, students will combine a DP Course/s with other qualifications including A Levels or BTECs; Diploma Courses are also combined with general qualifications such as BTECs in the Career-related Programme.

Universities in the UK will accept Diploma Courses for entry, but this varies by degree course and university. Typically, universities will ask for three full A Level equivalents, such as three IB Higher Levels (HL), two HL + A Level, two HL + BTEC Extended Certificate, one HL + BTEC Diploma, or one HL + two A Levels. 

In Thailand, DP courses are recognised at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi and Assumption University with the following stipulations:

• Students must complete 5 DP courses at any level
• Students must achieve a minimum of 4 points in each subject

In Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam, requirements vary and students should check with their chosen university directly. In general, DP candidates will need to have been awarded the full IB Diploma to meet minimum entry requirements for universities in Hong Kong and Singapore.

1 Singapore School offering IBDP Courses