Introduction
The IB Visual Arts HL course is designed for students who want to explore artistic practices, develop technical skills, and critically engage with art from different cultures and time periods. The assessment combines research, experimentation, and the presentation of final artworks.
To succeed in IB Visual Arts, it’s important to understand the grade boundaries so you can track progress and set clear goals. Below are the official IB Visual Arts HL grade boundaries for 2025 (Timezone 0).
Quick Start Checklist for Visual Arts HL
- ✅ Balance studio practice (art-making) with theoretical research (Comparative Study).
- ✅ Document your process thoroughly in the Process Portfolio.
- ✅ Curate your strongest works with intention for the Exhibition.
- ✅ Engage with diverse artists and cultural contexts to strengthen analysis.
- ✅ Practice time management to avoid last-minute portfolio stress.
IB Visual Arts HL 2025 Grade Boundaries
Comparative Study (out of 42)
- Grade 7: 35–42
- Grade 6: 28–34
- Grade 5: 23–27
- Grade 4: 17–22
- Grade 3: 11–16
- Grade 2: 6–10
- Grade 1: 0–5
Exhibition (out of 30)
- Grade 7: 25–30
- Grade 6: 21–24
- Grade 5: 17–20
- Grade 4: 13–16
- Grade 3: 7–12
- Grade 2: 4–6
- Grade 1: 0–3
Process Portfolio (out of 34)
- Grade 7: 28–34
- Grade 6: 23–27
- Grade 5: 18–22
- Grade 4: 13–17
- Grade 3: 6–12
- Grade 2: 3–5
- Grade 1: 0–2
Final IB Visual Arts HL Grade Boundaries (out of 100)
- Grade 7: 81–100
- Grade 6: 66–80
- Grade 5: 53–65
- Grade 4: 39–52
- Grade 3: 20–38
- Grade 2: 10–19
- Grade 1: 0–9
Tips for Achieving a Level 7 in Visual Arts HL
- Comparative Study: Go beyond description — analyze techniques, cultural context, and meaning.
- Exhibition: Choose fewer but stronger works. Quality, coherence, and personal voice matter more than quantity.
- Process Portfolio: Treat it as a visual diary. Include experiments, reflections, and failed attempts that show growth.
- Critical thinking: Always link your art-making to broader artistic movements, traditions, or social issues.
- Presentation: Pay attention to layout, captions, and clarity in digital submissions.
Conclusion
The 2025 IB Visual Arts HL grade boundaries (Timezone 0) highlight how each component contributes to your final grade. By balancing research, experimentation, and artistic production, you can showcase both technical skills and creative vision — and work towards a Level 7.
