Higher Level

In the IB Diploma Programme, students study six subjects drawn from different subject groups. Of these six, three must be taken at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, though students may choose to take four at HL. Higher Level courses require approximately 240 teaching hours over the two-year programme, compared to 150 hours for Standard Level courses.

The additional teaching time at HL means that the curriculum covers more topics and explores concepts in greater depth. For example, HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches includes additional content in calculus, complex numbers, and proof, while HL History requires the study of three prescribed subjects rather than two. The assessment at HL also differs: exams are typically longer, may include additional papers, and the IA may have different requirements or weightings.

HL subject choices are strategically important for university admissions. Many universities, particularly in the UK and Canada, specify HL subject and grade requirements for specific degree programmes. For instance, a student applying for engineering might need HL Mathematics and HL Physics, while a prospective medical student might be expected to have HL Biology and HL Chemistry. Students should research university prerequisites before finalizing their HL choices.

HL grades are scored on the same 1-7 scale as SL grades, and they contribute equally on a per-subject basis to the 42-point maximum from subject grades (plus up to 3 core points for TOK and EE). However, the increased difficulty of HL courses means that grade boundaries are set differently, reflecting the higher expectations for HL candidates.