The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. The programme is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities.

Programme information & authorization*

Schools wishing to offer the Diploma Programme must be authorized by the IB. The general guide to school application will provide an overview of the process. The first step is to read the sections found here and then to submit an Interested School Form. In the IBAEM Guide to DP Authorization you will find all the needed information.

Phase 1: Feasibility Study: Schools interested in the DP.  

During phase one of the application process, the school examines the DP philosophy and curriculum, together with the programme standards and practices, to determine how they may be interpreted and applied in the school, and how the needs of the students may be met

The school feasibility study should include all of the following:

• Participation of the educational leadership of the school in the relevant DP category one workshops. Information about workshops is available in the professional development calendar. It is highly recommended that the Head of School attends a Diploma Programme introductory  "Administrator"  workshop.
• Purchase and study of the relevant guides available from the IB Store.

During this stage the school may also request the regional office to organize a consultation visit tailored to the school's needs. Such a visit may be requested at any stage in the authorization process.

Once this phase has been completed, schools can proceed to applying for Diploma Programme candidate status and to phase 2 of the application process.

Phase 2: Trial implementation period: Diploma Programme candidate status 

Schools wishing to continue with application process to become an IB World School should complete the application form part A and the supporting documents. Only applications supported by all the required documentation can be processed.                                       

 Deadlines for this phase are as follows:

• Schools planning to begin implementation of the Diploma Programme in September of any given year should submit application form part A and the supporting documentation between 15 August and 1 October or 15 February and 1 May of the previous year.
• Schools beginning school year in January and intending to offer examination sessions annually in November, please consult with the regional office.

Phase 3: Authorization visit

Provided the previous stages have been completed successfully, the regional office arranges for the school to be visited by an IB team. The school will normally be asked to submit application form part B and the supporting documents two months before the confirmed dates for authorization to ensure up to date information. 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 will submit a final decision in granting, postponing or denying authorization and only 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.

*Please note that from September 2010 changes will be taking place to the authorization process, including dates for submission of forms. More information will soon be available.

Diploma Programme evaluation:

To ensure that the educational standards of the programme are being maintained and developed, the IB regional office will periodically conduct evaluations of the programme.

Schools must submit a CAS programme questionnaire (CASPQ) after the end of the first term of the first year of the programme. The handbook on procedures for the Diploma Programme provides the required information to submit the CASPQ. In addition the school will asked from time to time in later years to submit documentation for the further monitoring of the school's CAS programme.

The regional office carries out unannounced inspection visits to schools each examination session.

The regional office will contact schools one year in advance of the programme evaluation being due. If you have any queries about your school's programme evaluation due dates, please contact the regional office. The DP guide to programme evaluation and the DP self-study questionnaire provide the required information on the process.