What is the IB Diploma?
6 min read · updated 2026-09-05
The IB Diploma Programme is the world's most international route to university: six subjects, a core of Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay and service learning, all graded to one global standard. For families who move between countries — a common EagleTeach story — it is often the curriculum that travels with them.
The six subjects and the core
Students choose six subjects, three at Higher Level (240 teaching hours) and three at Standard Level (150), drawn from language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts. Wrapped around them sits the core that makes the Diploma distinctive: Theory of Knowledge (an epistemology course assessed by essay and exhibition), the Extended Essay (a 4,000-word independent research paper) and CAS (creativity, activity, service).
How points work
Each subject is graded 1-7, so subjects contribute up to 42 points; the TOK essay and Extended Essay together add up to 3 bonus points, making 45 the maximum. Around 24 points, with passing conditions in the core, earns the Diploma. Top universities typically want 38-42+ for competitive courses, and HL subject choices matter enormously for specific degrees.
IB Diploma or A-Levels?
The Diploma trades depth for breadth: six subjects plus the core versus three or four A-Levels. It suits broad-able, organised students who want international portability; A-Levels suit students ready to specialise. TOK's critical-thinking training is the Diploma's quiet superpower — and the part our tutors most often support, alongside HL maths and sciences.
FAQs
What is a good IB Diploma score?＋
The global average hovers around 30 points (including failures). 36+ is strong for most universities, 40+ is competitive for the most selective courses, and 44-45 is exceptional. Targets should be set per HL subject, not just the total.
Can tutoring help with the Extended Essay and TOK?＋
Yes — within the rules. Tutors cannot write or edit the work, but they teach research design, source evaluation, argument structure and the assessment criteria, which is where most marks are lost. Planning help early beats rescue editing late.
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