Associations of IB World Schools

These AIBWS are organized in various ways, sizes and constituencies, depending on their local circumstances. They provide a forum for school collaboration, hold periodic meetings,  delivering professional development  and share best practices among members. 

AIBWS are an indispensable resource for schools considering candidacy with IB, offer a wealth of IB experience and support in all  IB programmes. AIBWS are often active at district, state or government level raising awareness of IB within their area of representation. 

The IB works closely with AIBWS, as they provide a collective voice for the school members of the association. The IB communicates regularly with the association and listens to the concerns that they raise on behalf of their members. 

All AIBWS are independent entities that are neither run nor managed by the IB. AIBWS are required to sign an agreement with the IB every three years to maintain their recognized status. 

Benefits of becoming an Association of IB World Schools

AIBWS are listed on the IB’s website and in the  IB World Schools yearbook, published by John Catt.

The IB also developed a distinct logo for recognized associations to showcase their relationship with the IB. You can access the logo here. This logo may be used on websites, publications and other communications to denote their status. You can find brief guidelines on how to use the logo here.[5.8MB] 

The AIBWS can use IB materials in the same way as IB World Schools. AIBWS also attend meetings with and can seek advice from the regional offices. 

These AIBWS also work in partnership with the IB to improve  university and government recognition  for the IB programmes. 

Applying to become a recognized Association of IB World Schools

IB World Schools who wish to be recognized by the IB as an AIBWS must first determine whether they meet the criteria for recognition.

Download Associations of IB World Schools—Criteria for Recognition [1.9 MB] 

Download Guidance for the formation of an Association of IB World Schools [2.0 MB] 

The IB values its relationships with AIBWS, as well as the IB World Schools Manager and IB Development Manager for the region, and therefore has appointed an IB Associations Co-ordinator for dedicated support to AIBWS, who can be contacted at aibws@ibo.org.

If you are interested in establishing an AIBWS, please contact your regional office below.

• Africa, Europe and the Middle East (AEM) – ibaem.development@ibo.org
• Americas (AM) – iba@ibo.org
• Asia-Pacific (AP) – ibapdevelopment@ibo.org

Associations of IB World Schools

Please see below all our recognized AIBWS.

Africa, Europe and Middle East