IB Diploma and UCAS

IB requirements for top UK universities

5 min read · updated 2026-10-03

UK universities state IB offers as a total out of 45 plus grades in Higher Level (HL) subjects. Offers at the most selective universities run from 37 to 42 points, and the HL grades and subjects often matter as much as the total.

Typical IB offers by university and course

✓ Cambridge Medicine, Engineering and Economics: 41-42 points, with 776 at HL
✓ Oxford Engineering Science: 40 including core points, with 776 at HL and 7s in HL Mathematics and Physics
✓ Oxford Mathematics: 39 including core points, with 766 at HL and a 7 in HL Mathematics
✓ Oxford History: 38 including core points, with 666 at HL
✓ Imperial Mathematics BSc: at least 39 points, with 7 in HL Mathematics and 6 in another HL subject
✓ LSE: 37 points (666 at HL) to 39 points (766 at HL), depending on the programme

What admitted students actually score

Offers are minimums. Cambridge reports that most IB students admitted to Medicine achieved at least 44 points and/or 777 at HL, and most admitted to Economics achieved at least 44 points.

HL subjects matter

Science, engineering and mathematics courses usually name the HL subjects and grades they need, most often HL Mathematics at 7. Oxford Mathematics accepts either HL Mathematics course (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) without preference; other courses may specify one, so check each course page.