What Is a Standard IB Schedule? [Complete Breakdown for 2025]

Class Periods and Weekly Time Commitment

• HL classes: ~4–5 hours/week
• SL classes: ~3 hours/week
• TOK: ~1–2 hours/week
• CAS: Ongoing weekly activities
• EE: Research time typically built into study periods or weekends

Example of a Typical IB Weekly Schedule

Here’s what a standard Monday–Friday schedule might look like:

Monday

• Morning: English HL
• Midday: Spanish SL
• Afternoon: History HL

• Tuesday
  • Morning: Biology HL
  • Midday: TOK
  • Afternoon: Math SL
• Wednesday
  • Morning: History HL
  • Midday: Free Block (CAS)
  • Afternoon: Visual Arts SL
• Thursday
  • Morning: English HL
  • Midday: Math SL
  • Afternoon: Biology HL
• Friday
  • Morning: Spanish SL
  • Midday: Visual Arts SL
  • Afternoon: Study / EE Research

Weekends often include homework, IA progress, and CAS projects.

How Much Time Does IB Take Per Week?

• Class hours: 25–30 hours/week
• Homework and study: 10–20 hours/week
• TOK, EE, and CAS: Additional 5–8 hours/week
• Total weekly load: 40–55 hours

Time investment varies based on school support, personal discipline, and subject difficulty.

Standard IB Schedule by Year

IB Year 1 (DP1 – 11th Grade)

• Subject introductions
• Core coursework begins
• EE topic selection
• Light CAS activities

IB Year 2 (DP2 – 12th Grade)

• Final IAs and EE submission
• TOK essay and presentation
• Mock exams and revision
• More intense academic focus

Managing Your IB Schedule Effectively

• Use digital planners (like Notion, Google Calendar)
• Break down tasks weekly to avoid last-minute stress
• Integrate EE and CAS into your weekly routine
• Schedule breaks to prevent burnout

Common Variations in IB Schedules Across Schools

• Block scheduling: 90-minute classes twice a week
• Traditional: 45–60 minutes daily
• Flex periods: For EE research, TOK seminars, or CAS meetings
• Subject rotations: HL options alternate by year in some schools

FAQs About IB Scheduling

Can I drop an HL to SL mid-year?

Yes, with coordinator approval and before the internal deadlines.

Is there time for sports or clubs?

Yes. CAS even encourages extracurriculars.

Can I double up on one subject group?

Yes. For example, take a second science instead of Group 6.

What if my school doesn’t offer all options?

You can substitute or sometimes study an online IB subject.

Are free periods part of IB?

Yes, many schedules include study blocks or flex time.

Can my schedule change in Year 2?

Slightly—some schools reallocate blocks for EE writing or review.

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