Introduction
The International Baccalaureate (IB) has long been recognized as one of the most rigorous and globally respected pre-university programmes. Until recently, completing the entire IB Diploma Programme (DP) required attendance at a brick-and-mortar IB World School. However, in March 2022, the IB launched an innovative initiative known as the Online Diploma Programme Pilot (DP Pilot). This project allows students around the world to pursue the full IB Diploma entirely online through a select group of partner schools, maintaining the same academic standards and assessment methods as traditional IB programmes.
What Is the IB Online DP Pilot?
The Online DP Pilot is a global educational initiative designed to make IB learning accessible to students who cannot attend traditional schools due to geographical, personal, or logistical reasons. Through this model, the IB collaborates with a small group of accredited schools to deliver the entire Diploma Programme virtually, including all required subjects, internal assessments, and core components like Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Students enrolled in the online DP pilot experience a complete IB curriculum, taught by IB-trained educators through digital platforms that enable real-time classes, collaborative projects, and personalized learning support. Importantly, while their classes are delivered online, the examinations remain standardized and are taken in physical IB testing centers associated with the partner schools. This ensures that online candidates are assessed under identical conditions to their in-person peers.
Partner Schools and Global Reach
As of 2025, the IB is working with seven major educational organizations to offer the Online DP Pilot. These include:
- Aoba-Japan International School (Aoba)
- Dwight Global Online School
- Eastwood Global
- King’s InterHigh
- OnWorld – Nazaret Global Education and Montserrat School in Barcelona
- Scotch Global
- SEK Education Group
Each institution brings unique strengths to the initiative, from Aoba’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning to Dwight’s strong record in international education. Together, these schools represent a global collaboration between digital innovation and IB academic excellence.
Why the IB Created the Online DP
The IB’s decision to create an online version of the Diploma Programme was motivated by a desire to increase accessibility and equity in education. Many capable students face barriers to attending IB schools—whether due to illness, relocation, financial constraints, or professional commitments in fields such as athletics, music, or the arts.
By removing geographical limits, the Online DP allows these students to engage with IB learning from anywhere in the world while maintaining the programme’s high academic standards. The pilot also reflects broader educational trends toward hybrid and online learning models, accelerated by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
How It Works: Learning and Assessment
Online DP students follow the same subject structure and assessment system as those in traditional IB schools. This includes six subject groups (Languages, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, the Arts, and Electives) along with the DP core. Lessons are delivered through interactive virtual platforms featuring live instruction, discussion forums, and digital collaboration tools.
Despite the online format, academic integrity and authenticity remain central. Students complete coursework under strict supervision and submit internal assessments electronically. At the end of the two-year cycle, all external examinations are conducted in physical testing centers linked to the partner institutions. As a result, online DP graduates receive the exact same IB Diploma as any other candidate worldwide.
Growth and Future Prospects
The online DP pilot began with approximately 60 candidates in the May 2024 session. This number grew to around 140 candidates in May 2025, spanning three partner schools. Projections for the May 2026 session estimate approximately 200 enrolled students. The IB anticipates continued expansion as more schools join the pilot and as online education becomes increasingly mainstream.
This measured growth reflects the IB’s commitment to quality assurance and careful evaluation of how digital learning can best serve diverse student populations. The programme’s long-term success will depend on maintaining rigorous standards while exploring new opportunities for global collaboration.
Benefits of the Online DP Model
The Online DP offers multiple advantages for both students and educators:
- Flexibility: Students can manage their schedules more independently, allowing balance with travel, extracurriculars, or personal obligations.
- Accessibility: Learners from remote or underserved areas can now access IB education.
- Global Community: Students engage in cross-cultural discussions and projects with peers from different countries.
- Future Skills: The digital nature of the course enhances technological literacy, self-discipline, and global awareness—key competencies for university and career success.
Conclusion
The IB Online Diploma Programme Pilot represents a major step toward educational innovation and inclusion. By combining the rigour of the IB curriculum with the flexibility of online learning, the pilot redefines what it means to pursue a world-class education in the digital age. With continued growth and refinement, it could become a permanent, transformative model for international learning.
FAQs
1. What is the IB Online DP Pilot?
It is a fully online version of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, offered through selected partner schools since 2022.
2. Is the online IB Diploma the same as the regular one?
Yes. Students complete the same subjects, assessments, and exams, and earn the identical IB Diploma.
3. Can I complete all my courses online?
Yes, the entire Diploma Programme—core and subjects—is delivered digitally through IB-accredited online schools.
4. How do I apply for the Online DP?
Students apply directly to one of the partner schools offering the online DP pilot.
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