IB to UCAS Points Converter

IB to UCAS Points Converter | International Baccalaureate
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IB to UCAS Points Converter

Enter your IB Diploma total score to see your UCAS Tariff Points, A Level equivalent, and UK university entry comparison.

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Enter a score between 24 and 45
24 (min)2832364045 (max)
The minimum score to receive the IB Diploma is 24. The maximum is 45. Average global score is around 29-30.
UCAS Points
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tariff points
A Level Equiv.
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approximate
IB Score
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out of 45
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Your score on the IB scale
2427303336394245
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How your IB score compares internationally
UK university entry requirements (IB score)
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How IB to UCAS Points Conversion Works

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is scored on a scale of 24 to 45 points. UCAS has a fixed tariff table that maps each IB total score to a UCAS Tariff Point value. The conversion is a direct lookup, not a formula. There is one UCAS points value for each possible IB Diploma score.

// IB to UCAS conversion is a fixed tariff lookup
UCAS Points = Tariff table lookup(IB Total Score)

// Official tariff values (selected examples):
IB 45 = 168 pts | IB 40 = 128 pts | IB 35 = 96 pts | IB 30 = 72 pts

// A Level approximate equivalents:
IB 45 ≈ A*A*A* | IB 40 ≈ ABB | IB 35 ≈ CCC | IB 30 ≈ DDD
UCAS points are not the only factor: UK universities often specify IB score requirements directly, not just UCAS points. A university might say “IB 36 or above” rather than “120 UCAS points.” Always check the specific IB requirement in the university’s entry requirements, not just the points total.

Complete IB Diploma to UCAS Points Table

IB ScoreUCAS PointsA Level Approximate Equiv.Context
45168A*A*A*Perfect score; extremely rare
44168A*A*A*Top globally
43160A*A*AOxbridge / top medical schools
42152A*AAHighly competitive
41144AAATop Russell Group
40136AABStrong Russell Group
39128ABBMid-tier to pre-92
38120BBBMost pre-92 universities
37112BBCMany universities
36104BCCSixth form typical minimum
3596CCCLower-tariff universities
3488CCDPost-92 entry level
3380CDDPost-92 entry level
3272DDDFoundation year entry
3164DDEFoundation year entry
3056EEEMinimum diploma
24-2924-48Below EEEDiploma pass threshold
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What UK Universities Typically Require from IB Students

Most UK universities have specific IB score requirements, and many of the more selective ones specify minimum scores in Higher Level subjects as well as the total score. Here is what to expect at different tiers.

Oxford, Cambridge, and medical schools

Entry requirements at the most competitive institutions typically start at 38 to 40 total points, with at least 6 or 7 in relevant Higher Level subjects. Medicine at competitive London schools often requires 38 to 40 points plus HL Biology and Chemistry at grade 6 or above. Oxford and Cambridge usually require 38 to 40 or above, varying by course, alongside admissions tests and interviews.

Russell Group universities

Most Russell Group courses set IB requirements between 34 and 38 total points, with Higher Level subject requirements specified for sciences, mathematics, and languages. A typical offer might be “IB 36 with 6,6,6 at Higher Level” for a science course.

Pre-1992 and newer universities

Entry typically requires between 28 and 36 points, with less emphasis on specific Higher Level grades. Many courses at these institutions are happy to accept IB Diplomas without specifying HL minimums beyond subject relevance.

Check subject-specific HL requirements: Total score is only part of the picture. A student with 38 total points but only a grade 4 in HL Chemistry may not meet a medical school’s requirements. Universities often require specific HL grades in subjects relevant to the course. Always read the full entry requirements, not just the total score or UCAS points threshold.

IB vs A Levels: What UK Universities Think

The IB Diploma is widely regarded and accepted at all UK universities. It is considered academically rigorous, and many admissions tutors view a strong IB score favourably. However, the scoring system creates complexity when comparing to A Level grade requirements.

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A student with an IB score of 40 (136 UCAS points) has the same tariff as A Level AAB, but the way their application is assessed depends on whether the university uses tariff thresholds or IB-specific score requirements. Some courses at Russell Group universities specify both: “AAB at A Level or IB 37.”

Table of Truth: IB Score Sanity Check

IB ScoreUCAS PtsA Level Equiv.Typical University Tier
45168A*A*A*Top globally; meets any UK offer
42152A*AACompetitive Russell Group
38120BBBMost pre-92 universities
36104BCCTypical strong sixth form
3272DDDFoundation year entry

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum IB score accepted by UK universities?▼
The minimum score to receive the IB Diploma is 24 points. Most universities accept IB Diploma students with any passing score, but the entry requirement varies by course and institution. Post-92 universities may accept 24 to 28 for some courses. The majority of pre-92 universities set minimums of 28 to 32 for less competitive courses and 34 to 40+ for highly competitive programmes. Always check the specific course requirement.
Does the IB Extended Essay or TOK count toward UCAS points?▼
The Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) contribute to your overall IB Diploma score through a matrix that can add up to 3 bonus points. Those bonus points are already included in your total score out of 45, so they are automatically reflected in the UCAS points conversion. You do not separately add them. The bonus points are: A/A = 3 bonus, A/B or B/A = 2 bonus, B/B or C/A or A/C = 1 bonus.
What does an IB score of 38 mean for university entry?▼
An IB score of 38 converts to 120 UCAS points, equivalent to approximately BBB at A Level. This meets the entry requirements for most pre-1992 universities and many Russell Group programmes for courses outside the most competitive subjects. It is below the typical threshold for Oxbridge and medical schools, which generally require 38 to 40+ plus strong HL grades. It is a solid result that gives access to a wide range of courses across the UK.
Does Oxford or Cambridge accept IB students?▼
Yes. Both universities actively recruit IB students and set IB-specific entry requirements for all their courses. Oxford typically requires 38 to 40 points depending on the course, with specific Higher Level grades required for science and mathematics subjects. Cambridge requirements are similar. IB students also sit admissions tests and are interviewed in the same way as A Level applicants. The IB is considered on equal terms with A Levels at Oxbridge.
Can I add my IB points to A Level or BTEC points?▼
No. The IB Diploma is assessed as a whole qualification; you cannot split it up and add IB points to points from other qualifications. You either apply with your IB Diploma as your primary qualification or you do not. Universities set entry requirements for the IB as a complete diploma. If you have additional qualifications alongside the IB, include them in your application but they will not typically add to your IB total for entry purposes.
What is a good IB score for the UK?▼
The global average IB score is typically around 29 to 30 points. In the UK context, where most applicants to competitive universities have strong academic records, 35 to 38 points is generally considered good, 38 to 40 is considered strong, and above 40 is excellent. For the most competitive courses (Medicine, Law, PPE at Oxbridge), scores of 38 to 40+ are typically required. For most other courses at good universities, 32 to 38 is the working range.

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