Become an International Baccalaureate® World School
Our Programme authorization process is designed to support schools in making the decision to become IB World Schools and to fully understand the nature and requirements of our programmes. Schools will find this a challenging but rewarding process that takes 2-3 years to complete.
Schools wishing to offer any of the three IB programmes - the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme or the Diploma Programme - must be authorized by the IB. The authorization process is the same for all schools, even though it is administered slightly differently in each IB region.
To become eligible for authorization, schools must successfully complete the three key stages described below.
Click on our step by step application guide for more information
The first step towards becoming an IB World School
About this stage:
To take the first steps in becoming an IB World School, authorized to offer any of the IB programmes, schools must complete the 'Interested schools form' and submit it to their regional office.
This begins a process that requires a considerable investment of time and effort from the school, during which schools will undertake a variety of tasks requiring assistance from the regional IB office for your area of the world.
Please note the submission of this form:
- does not mean that the IB has agreed to collaborate with the school.
- gives no guarantee that candidate status or authorization will be granted.
Essential reading:
Before completing the form, acquaint yourself with as much of the available guidance as possible to avoid having to resubmit information.
For information about required activities during this phase that are specific to your IB regional office, please select from the list below:
Download:
Interested schools (intent to apply) form [113 kb, Word]
Feasibility study and identification of resources
About this stage:
After completing the Interested schools form, schools will work towards the submission of Application form part A (application for candidate status).
Schools should acquaint themselves thoroughly with the programme by:
- obtaining the relevant publications by purchasing them from the IB store
- examining the programme’s philosophy and curriculum to determine whether these meet the needs of its students
- conducting a feasibility study on the possible consequences of implementing the programme
- arranging for key administrative staff to undertake IB-approved professional development
Essential reading:
For more information and to download supporting documentation, view the section on Guidance and regulations
For information about the costs at this stage and beyond, view the section on Fees and services
For information about required activities during this phase that are specific to your IB regional office, please select from the list below:
Download:
Primary Years Programme - Application form part A (application for candidate status) [323 kb, Word]
Middle Years Programme - Application form part A (application for authorization) [245 kb, Word]
Diploma Programme - Application form part A (application for authorization) [245 kb, Word]
Candidate school phase
About this stage:
Following acceptance of application form part A the school is designated an IB candidate school.
During this period, which leads to the submission of application form part B with the regional office, schools may describe themselves as an 'IB Candidate school'.
A pre-authorization/ consultation visit may be organized by the regional office to support and assist the school through the application process (refer to regional office pages for more details). For PYP and MYP schools, this stage begins a trial implementation period where the school teaches the programme for at least one year.
The school will be granted access to the Online Curriclum Centre (OCC) and will begin to prepare itself administratively and educationally for implementation of the programme.
Tasks undertaken by the school in this stage include:
- Arranging for teachers to undertake IB-approved professional development
- Developing curriculum planning documentation
- Organizing teacher collaborative planning and teaming
Essential reading:
For more information and to download supporting documentation, view the section on Guidance and regulations
For information about required activities during this phase that are specific to your IB regional office, please select from the list below:
Download:
Primary Years programme - Application form part B (application for authorization) [245 kb, Word]
Middle Years Programme - Application form part B (application for authorization) [245 kb, Word]
Diploma Programme - Application form part B (application for authorization) [245 kb, Word]
Authorization visit by an IB visiting team.
Provided previous stages have been completed successfully, the school submits application form part B and the regional office arranges for the school to be visited by an IB team. The purpose of this visit is to:
- consult those who will be involved in the implementation of the programme
- evaluate the school’s preparedness to implement the programme
- complete a report on the school’s commitment and ability to deliver the programme
The IB director general makes the final decision in granting or denying authorization.
Authorized schools acquire the status of IB World School.
Following authorization, schools may receive further visits from IB teams to ensure that the educational standards of the programme are being maintained and developed, as published in Rules for Authorized Schools.