What’s the Difference Between HL and SL in IB? | Key IB Levels Explained

What’s the Difference Between HL and SL in IB?

In the IB Diploma Programme, subjects are offered at two levels: Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). Students typically take three of each, and your choice affects depth of study, assessment expectations, and university recognition.

If you're choosing your HL/SL subjects, RevisionDojo’s library of subject comparisons is the perfect starting point. Let’s break down the core differences.

1. Depth of Content and Class Time

HL subjects involve about 240 teaching hours, covering both the core and additional content. SL subjects require 150 hours, focusing only on the core syllabus.

For example, in IB Economics, HL includes quantitative elements like elasticity equations and cost-revenue analysis, while SL does not.
👉 Understanding the Differences Between IB Economics SL and HL

2. Assessment and Exam Differences

HL students usually face more exam papers, with additional question types or longer essays. Internal assessments may also have slightly different criteria or higher expectations.

This is especially noticeable in IB Business Management, where HL students tackle more complex case studies.
👉 IB Business Management SL vs HL: What You Need to Know

3. HL and SL Point Value: Are They Equal?

Yes. Each HL and SL subject contributes up to 7 points toward your total IB score. However, HL courses may carry more weight with universities, particularly in competitive majors.

Curious if English A Language & Literature is worth taking at HL? This guide helps:
👉 Should I Take English A: Lang & Lit SL or HL?

4. Should You Take 4 HLs?

Some students choose 4 HLs to boost their academic profile. But unless you're confident in managing the extra workload, 3 strong HLs are usually enough. Universities often prefer quality over quantity.

5. Subject-Specific SL vs HL Guides

Here’s how HL vs SL looks across more IB subjects, with RevisionDojo’s expert analysis:

• IB Psychology: HL adds more approaches, research methods, and essay depth.
  👉 Psychology SL vs HL Comparison
• IB Global Politics: HL involves the extension topic and in-depth engagement activity.
  👉 Global Politics SL vs HL Breakdown
• IB Geography: HL has additional options and more complex data analysis.
  👉 Geography SL vs HL Differences
• IB Philosophy: HL includes an extra paper and more advanced topics.
  👉 Philosophy SL vs HL Guide

FAQs

Q: Is HL harder than SL in every subject?
Generally, yes. HL courses dive deeper, with more content and tougher assessments.

Q: Will HL subjects improve my university chances?
For competitive majors—like engineering, medicine, or law—universities expect HLs in relevant subjects.

Q: Can I switch levels during IB?
Yes, but only within the first few months. Always consult your coordinator and plan based on university requirements.

Conclusion

The decision between HL and SL impacts your IB journey significantly. HL offers more depth and academic challenge, while SL provides balance and flexibility. Make your choices based on interest, strengths, and future plans.

🎯 Use RevisionDojo’s full library of HL vs SL articles to make confident decisions:
👉 Explore All SL vs HL Comparisons on RevisionDojo