IB vs University: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

April 5, 2023

IB vs University

Students’ tendency to compare the IB education framework to other study options always comes down to one thing: complexity.

So when it comes to IB vs University, it’s highly likely you want to know which one is simpler between the two.

Our team spent over 72 hours on research to determine which program between IB and University requires a lot of work. We unpacked information collected from online community and anywhere else where we could find information for the two subject matters.

In this guide, we look at the differences between IB and University from a student’s perspective, so you can have the right information.

What You Need to Know About IB and University

People have differing opinions on which one is easier, better, or more engaging. These views are valid since they come from students’ personal experiences.

However, considering the subjectivity of these points of view, it's important to note that we do not claim that IB is superior to university, or vice versa.

Ultimately, after reading this guide, the decision to study IB before college or going to college without earning the IB diploma is u to you to make.

IB vs University: The Complete Comparison

The following table is a summary of the comparison between IB and University:

Aspect

International Baccalaureate (IB)

University

Age range

16-19 years old

18+ years old

Duration

2 years

3 to 5+ years

Admission Requirement

High school diploma, meet IB requirements

High school diploma, meet university requirements

Curriculum

Pre-university level, high school diploma

Specialized degree programs

Focus

Broad-based education

In-depth knowledge and specialization

Assessment

Exams, coursework, internal assessment

Exams, coursework, dissertations

Recognition

Recognized worldwide, often used for university admissions

Recognized worldwide, provides advanced degrees for career advancement

Cost

Varies by school and country

Tuition fees and additional expenses

1. Workload

When considering educational options, students often have concerns about the workload teachers will expect them to handle.

The IB program typically requires more work over the two-year period than the workload you might expect in your first year of college.

In the IB program, you must:

While this is a significant workload, it's important to dedicate yourself to working hard if you wish to earn an IB diploma.

In comparison, college coursework is generally only slightly more difficult, but offers more complexity and depth, particularly from your second through to the final year. 

2. Free Time

Attending school comes with a lot of work, and it's essential to schedule enough time to complete the different types of assignments as instructed by your teacher.

In the IB program, it's unlikely that you'll have much free time, especially during your second year.

The workload can be overwhelming in the final year, and many students drop out of the IB program because of this.

However, it's important to choose subjects that interest you, as this can help you to get the most out of the IB’ framework despite the lack of free time.

Your first year in college won't be as intense and demanding as the second year of the IB program. You'll have significantly more free time because the first year involves a lot of review work.

While IB students may not have a lot of free time, being in the program prepares them for college and helps them handle the challenges that they will encounter beyond the first year.

Your second year in college won't be as difficult as the first, but it will be more challenging than the two years of the IB program because you'll be learning completely new materials.

However, if you've been through the IB diploma program, you should manage even the most technical subject or topic in college.

3. Type of Course

The International Baccalaureate program requires students to study subjects from six subject groups, with three subjects at Standard Level and three at Higher Level.

Despite its rigid structure, IB prepares students for college, which means IB is an important education framework that provides a strong foundation for higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do IB Students Perform Well at Universities?

Enrolling in the IB curriculum helps you to become a knowledgeable and compassionate individual, while also fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills both inside and outside of the classroom.

Research from the National Student Clearinghouse indicates that students who earn the IB diploma are more likely to excel in university compared to those who pursue A-levels, with a 38% higher likelihood of graduating with a degree from a university.

2. Do Universities Prefer A-Levels or IB?

Although the A-levels and IB courses have different approaches, universities do not exhibit a preference for one over the other.

Both A-levels and IB are academically rigorous qualifications according to many universities. Consequently, the course itself doesn’t matters.

Choosing the appropriate subjects within the A-level or IB curriculum does.

3. Do Universities Care About IB?

While some universities in the United States care about IB, others may consider your application based on the diploma earned.

What’s more?

Some colleges are even willing to go the extra mile to give you credit for the diploma if you earned a score above the limit they set.

4. Is IB More Difficult than University?

The IB diploma is more demanding than most courses in the university.

Irrespective of its difficulties, the outcome of taking part in the program is that you become a critical thinker who can solve challenging problems at the college or university level.

Closing Thoughts

When students compare the IB program to university, they are often attempting to discern which one is more or less challenging.

However, the answer isn’t something we can simplify into a clear-cut determination, as the difficulty of each is subjective.

While some students may assert that IB is more arduous than college or university, others contend that university is considerably more demanding than the IB program.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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