IB vs AP: What's the Difference?

Two very different things

The most common confusion is treating IB and AP as the same kind of qualification. They are not. The IB Diploma is a complete, integrated curriculum: six subjects across groups, plus the three core components (TOK, the Extended Essay and CAS), taken together over two years. AP is a menu of individual college-level courses and exams run by the US College Board. Students pick as many or as few as they like, with no diploma, no core and no fixed structure.

Structure and scoring

The IB is graded out of 45 across the whole programme. Each AP exam is graded 1–5, independently of the others. So an IB result describes a full profile, while an AP transcript is a collection of separate subject scores.

University recognition

AP exams are widely used to earn college credit and placement at US universities. The IB is recognised globally and also earns credit at many US institutions for strong Higher Level scores, while carrying particular weight outside the US. For internationally mobile families, the IB travels more easily; for a US-focused path, AP is the native option.

Which suits your child?

Choose the IB for a structured, internationally recognised diploma that develops research and critical-thinking skills. Choose AP for flexibility, to go deep in chosen subjects and demonstrate college-level rigour, especially within a US system. Our IB specialists focus on the Diploma and its core components.