Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is for students aged 16-19.

Find out more about the Diploma Programme (DP), including information on pathways to university, employment and on who can offer the programme.

What is the DP?

Research suggests that there are many benefits to choosing the Diploma Programme (DP). The programme aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge—students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

Find out more about the DP.

The DP curriculum

The Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay.

Through the Diploma Programme (DP) core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service.

Read about the DP curriculum.

Online Diploma Programme pilot

In March 2022 the IB launched our online Diploma Programme pilot. This delivers a fully online Diploma Programme together with a small number of selected partners.

Assessment and exams

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) assesses student work as direct evidence of achievement against the stated goals of the Diploma Programme (DP) courses.

Read about assessment and exams.

There is information on getting results, including information on how to request that an exam is remarked.

Who is the DP for?

The Diploma Programme (DP) is open to any student aged 16 to 19, at schools that have been authorized to implement the programme.

Learn more about students in the DP.

Resources for DP schools

Educators are given access to a range of resources that help them to teach and develop.

Explore resources for educators.

Start your journey

Are you ready to start your journey of becoming an IB World School? We invite you to express your interest or simply request more information about IB education.