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What Is the Minimum IB Score Required for a University? [Global Guide] | RevisionDojo
Home / Blog / What Is the Minimum IB Score Required for a University? [Global Guide] What Is the Minimum IB Score Required for a University? [Global Guide] RevisionDojo • 7/15/2025 • 5 min read The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a two-year academic curriculum for students aged 16–19. It consists of six subjects plus three core components.
Each subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7 . Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE) contribute up to 3 bonus points .Total maximum score : 45 pointsCAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is mandatory but not graded.Students must complete internal assessments , final exams, and core projects to receive the diploma. Elite Universities (Harvard, Stanford, MIT): 40–45 pointsCompetitive Schools (UC Berkeley, NYU, Michigan): 36–40Average Selective Colleges : 30–35Most schools evaluate subject rigor and HL choices alongside total score. Oxford & Cambridge : 38–42, with 7-7-6 in HL subjectsRussell Group Universities : 34–38All offers typically specify both
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Istanbul International School
total points
minimum HL scores
Top universities (Toronto, UBC, McGill): 33–36Less competitive programs may accept scores as low as 28–32
IB accepted across all major universities Typical entry scores range from 30 to 36 , depending on country and course Medicine, Law, and Engineering require 37–42+
To receive the IB diploma, you must:
Score at least 24 points overall Earn at least 12 points across HL subjects Earn at least 9 points across SL subjects Complete EE, TOK, and CAS requirements
A score of 1 in any subject Less than 3 points from TOK and EE Not completing CAS Failing HL or SL minimum thresholds
Harvard, Princeton, Yale Stanford, MIT, Columbia Oxford, Cambridge (UK) UCL, LSE, Imperial College University of Toronto University of Melbourne Each university sets its own IB requirement based on course competitiveness , and some require specific HL grades.
Some schools may convert IB scores into GPA equivalents:
IB 7 ≈ A+ (4.0) IB 6 ≈ A (3.7) IB 5 ≈ B+ (3.3)
45 = 720 points 40 = 611 points 35 = 501 points These help compare IB applicants with A-Level or other qualification holders.
Many universities issue conditional offers based on predicted IB grades submitted by your school.
Course difficulty (STEM vs. Humanities)Applicant pool competitiveness HL subjects required (e.g., HL Math for Engineering)University location and global reputation
Yes, but mostly for non-selective or foundation programs . Competitive universities expect 30+ .
Often 38–42 , with HL Biology and Chemistry at level 6 or 7.
Yes. Many offers require specific HL performance , not just total points.
You can apply with individual subject certificates , but some universities may not accept them without the full diploma.
While not always a standalone factor, strong EE/TOK performance contributes to bonus points and showcases critical thinking and research skills .
In many global contexts, yes. IB is often seen as more holistic and globally standardized .
At RevisionDojo , we help students meet and exceed their target IB scores:
Personalized subject strategies and time management tools Model IAs, EE outlines, and TOK frameworks Real practice exams with expert feedback Tailored guidance for university-specific requirements Boost your IB success with RevisionDojo — your one-stop resource for high performance and stress-free IB results.
Learn how IB schools use the official exam timetable internally and what it means for students during exams.
