IB vs A-Level: Comparing International Curricula
The IB Diploma Programme and A-Levels represent two fundamentally different philosophies of pre-university education. The IB emphasises breadth, requiring students to engage with six subject areas and develop skills in research, critical thinking, and community service. A-Levels, by contrast, are built around deep specialisation, with students typically studying three or four subjects in intensive detail over two years. This distinction matters significantly for university applications. UK universities, which dominate A-Level recognition, often make offers based on specific A-Level grades in relevant subjects, reflecting the depth of knowledge expected. International universities, particularly those outside the UK, tend to value the IB's broader preparation and holistic assessment model. Both programmes are academically rigorous and well-respected. At ++tutors, we work with students in both systems, providing specialist tutoring from experienced IB and A-Level teachers and examiners who understand the specific demands of each qualification.
Programme Overviews
Understanding each programme at a glance
IB Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year international curriculum for students aged 16 to 19, requiring study across six subject groups alongside the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service. It is recognised by universities worldwide and emphasises both academic breadth and personal development.
A-Level
A-Levels are a UK-originated qualification taken over two years by students aged 16 to 18. Students typically study three or four subjects in depth, chosen to align with their intended university course. Offered by exam boards such as Cambridge International (CAIE), Edexcel, AQA, and OCR, A-Levels are the standard university entry qualification in the UK and are widely recognised internationally.
Detailed Comparison
How IB and A-Level differ across key dimensions
| Dimension | IB | A-Level |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | A unified two-year diploma requiring six subjects (three Higher Level, three Standard Level) plus three mandatory core components: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service. | Students choose typically three or four independent subjects to study in depth over two years. There are no mandatory core components or breadth requirements beyond the chosen subjects. |
| Assessment | A mix of external examinations and internally assessed coursework. Most subjects include two or three exam papers plus an Internal Assessment component. The Extended Essay and TOK are also assessed, contributing up to 3 bonus points. | Primarily assessed through terminal examinations at the end of the two-year course. Some subjects include a coursework or practical component, but the majority of the grade depends on final exam performance. |
| Grading | Subjects are graded 1 to 7 with up to 3 additional points from the Extended Essay and TOK, giving a maximum score of 45 points. A minimum of 24 points is required for the diploma. University offers are typically based on total point scores. | Graded A* to E (with U for ungraded). Each subject receives an independent grade. University offers are typically expressed as specific grades, such as A*AA, and converted to UCAS tariff points for comparison purposes. |
| Subject Breadth | Mandatory breadth across six disciplinary groups ensures students study languages, humanities, sciences, and mathematics simultaneously. This is non-negotiable within the diploma framework. | No breadth requirement. Students select subjects entirely based on their interests and university aspirations. A student applying for medicine might take Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics exclusively. |
| Depth vs Breadth | Prioritises breadth, with Higher Level subjects providing greater depth in three chosen areas. The breadth requirement means students cannot dedicate all their time to their strongest or most relevant subjects. | Prioritises depth. With only three or four subjects, students develop extensive knowledge and sophisticated understanding in their chosen fields, which is particularly valued by UK universities for specialised degree programmes. |
| University Recognition | Widely recognised globally, with strong acceptance in the UK, Europe, North America, Asia, and Australasia. UK universities accept IB scores alongside A-Levels, with published equivalency tables. Particularly valued for international applications. | The gold standard for UK university admissions. Also widely recognised internationally, particularly in Commonwealth countries, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Some US universities accept A-Levels for credit or advanced standing. |
| Geographic Popularity | Offered at over 5,700 schools in more than 150 countries. Strong presence in international schools worldwide and growing adoption in state and private schools in the UK, US, and elsewhere. | Offered extensively in the UK and at British international schools globally. Cambridge International A-Levels alone are available in over 160 countries. Dominant in the UK, widely available in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. |
| Cost | Exam registration fee of approximately $172 plus roughly $119 per subject. The full diploma examination typically costs $800 to $900 in fees, separate from school tuition. | Exam fees vary by board and region. In the UK, fees are typically covered by schools. International candidates pay approximately $100 to $170 per subject through Cambridge International, with total costs depending on the number of subjects taken. |
Structure
A unified two-year diploma requiring six subjects (three Higher Level, three Standard Level) plus three mandatory core components: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service.
Students choose typically three or four independent subjects to study in depth over two years. There are no mandatory core components or breadth requirements beyond the chosen subjects.
Assessment
A mix of external examinations and internally assessed coursework. Most subjects include two or three exam papers plus an Internal Assessment component. The Extended Essay and TOK are also assessed, contributing up to 3 bonus points.
Primarily assessed through terminal examinations at the end of the two-year course. Some subjects include a coursework or practical component, but the majority of the grade depends on final exam performance.
Grading
Subjects are graded 1 to 7 with up to 3 additional points from the Extended Essay and TOK, giving a maximum score of 45 points. A minimum of 24 points is required for the diploma. University offers are typically based on total point scores.
Graded A* to E (with U for ungraded). Each subject receives an independent grade. University offers are typically expressed as specific grades, such as A*AA, and converted to UCAS tariff points for comparison purposes.
Subject Breadth
Mandatory breadth across six disciplinary groups ensures students study languages, humanities, sciences, and mathematics simultaneously. This is non-negotiable within the diploma framework.
No breadth requirement. Students select subjects entirely based on their interests and university aspirations. A student applying for medicine might take Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics exclusively.
Depth vs Breadth
Prioritises breadth, with Higher Level subjects providing greater depth in three chosen areas. The breadth requirement means students cannot dedicate all their time to their strongest or most relevant subjects.
Prioritises depth. With only three or four subjects, students develop extensive knowledge and sophisticated understanding in their chosen fields, which is particularly valued by UK universities for specialised degree programmes.
University Recognition
Widely recognised globally, with strong acceptance in the UK, Europe, North America, Asia, and Australasia. UK universities accept IB scores alongside A-Levels, with published equivalency tables. Particularly valued for international applications.
The gold standard for UK university admissions. Also widely recognised internationally, particularly in Commonwealth countries, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Some US universities accept A-Levels for credit or advanced standing.
Geographic Popularity
Offered at over 5,700 schools in more than 150 countries. Strong presence in international schools worldwide and growing adoption in state and private schools in the UK, US, and elsewhere.
Offered extensively in the UK and at British international schools globally. Cambridge International A-Levels alone are available in over 160 countries. Dominant in the UK, widely available in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Cost
Exam registration fee of approximately $172 plus roughly $119 per subject. The full diploma examination typically costs $800 to $900 in fees, separate from school tuition.
Exam fees vary by board and region. In the UK, fees are typically covered by schools. International candidates pay approximately $100 to $170 per subject through Cambridge International, with total costs depending on the number of subjects taken.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IB vs A-Level
The IB is generally considered more demanding in terms of overall workload because students must manage six subjects plus the Extended Essay, TOK, and CAS. However, A-Levels can be equally or more challenging at the subject level, as the depth of content in a single A-Level subject often exceeds that of an IB Standard Level course. The perceived difficulty depends on whether a student prefers breadth or depth.