How Much Time Should You Spend Studying Each Week in IB?
Balancing six IB subjects along with TOK, EE, and CAS requires disciplined time management. Knowing how much time to dedicate weekly—and how to maximize it—can turn stress into success. Here's a practical weekly study plan with direct links to helpful RevisionDojo resources.
1. Recommended Weekly Study Time by Subject Level
RevisionDojo advises:
- Higher Level (HL) subjects: aim for 6–8 hours/week per subject
- Standard Level (SL) subjects: aim for 4–6 hours/week per subject
So with a typical IB workload of 3 HL and 3 SL:
- HL: 3 × 7 hrs ≈ 21 hours
- SL: 3 × 5 hrs ≈ 15 hours
Total for subject study: ~36 hours/week
Discover how this breakdown varies by subject in [How Many Hours Should I Study Per Week in the IB?](https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/how-many-hours-should-i-study-per-week-in-the-ib-a-realistic-guide-by-subject-and-level?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
2. Weekly Time for TOK, EE & CAS
- TOK and Extended Essay: set aside about 1–2 hours/week combined to stay on track
- CAS activities: typically require 3–4 hours/week based on school expectations
Learn realistic pacing from [How Long Should I Revise for Each IB Subject?](https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/how-long-should-i-revise-for-each-ib-subject?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
3. Total IB Weekly Study Hours
Combining subject study and core work:
- Subject-focused revision: ~36 hours
- TOK/EE: ~1–2 hours
- CAS: ~3–4 hours
- Presentation, homework, and IA prep: ~10–12 hours
That gives a weekly total of approximately 30–40+ hours, especially during heavy IA or revision periods. [What Is a Standard IB Schedule or Complete Weekly Breakdown for IB Students?](https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/what-is-a-standard-ib-schedule-or-complete-weekly-breakdown-for-ib-students?utm_source=chatgpt.com) provides an excellent general template.
4. How Hours Evolve Throughout the IB Timeline
As exams approach, your weekly schedule often increases:
- 3–4 months before exams: ~10–15 hrs/week on mock prep and review
- 2 months prior: ~20–25 hrs/week
- Final month: ~30–40+ hrs/week, heavily focused on past papers and revision
Get ideal pacing guidance in [Ultimate IB Study Timeline Guide](https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/how-long-in-advance-should-i-study-for-my-ib-exams-or-ultimate-ib-study-timeline-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
5. Adjust Study Time by Subject Strengths
Different subjects and personal strengths require different investments:
- HL Math or Sciences: lean toward 7–8 hours weekly due to depth and IA work
- SL Humanities or Arts: usually 4–5 hours, but ramp up when working on essays or portfolios
Use [How Long Should I Revise for Each IB Subject?](https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/how-long-should-i-revise-for-each-ib-subject?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for tailored guidance.
6. Study Smart with Efficiency Tools
Focus on quality, not just quantity:
- Use Pomodoro-style blocks (e.g., 50 min study + 10 min break)
- Incorporate active recall (flashcards, quizzes), mind maps, and past papers
- Plan weekly sessions around upcoming perfomances: IA and EE milestones
- Embed wellness breaks and downtime to prevent burnout
See [How Many Hours Should You Study Per Day for IB?](https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/how-many-hours-should-you-study-per-day-for-ib-41-top-scorer-s-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for top-scoring tips and pacing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10–12 hours/week enough to pass IB?
Yes—but to aim for high scores, plan for 16–22 hrs/week minimum, especially across HL subjects. More details at [Minimum Weekly Study Hours](https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/how-many-hours-should-i-study-per-week-in-the-ib-a-realistic-guide-by-subject-and-level?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
Should I study every day?
Absolutely. Daily review (2–3 hours total across subjects) is best. Consistency beats cramming.
Can I stack weekend study?
Yes—but combining small weekday sessions with focused weekend work enhances retention and reduces last-minute pressure.
Conclusion
For a well-rounded IB week, plan around ~6–8 hrs/week per HL subject and 4–6 hrs/week per SL, plus regular TOK, EE, and CAS work. You’ll end up studying around 30–40 hours/week, with increased load near exams.
📘 Need a subject-level study tracker or weekly planner template? Visit RevisionDojo.com to access smart planners, study tools, and expert guides tailored to each IB component.
