Applying to Universities in Continental Europe with the IB Diploma
Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.
The IB Diploma is accepted for university entry across continental Europe, but each country reads it in its own way. In some, the total decides. In others, the subjects and their levels decide, and a wrong choice in the first year of the Diploma Programme cannot be repaired later. This page is a summary for students and school counsellors, with a detailed guide for each country.
At a glance
| Country | What counts | The main trap |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | A fixed pattern of six subjects, 24 points, each subject graded 4 or higher | Mathematics at Standard Level closes all STEM degrees |
| Spain | The average of your subject grades, converted to a score from 5 to 10 | Competitive degrees need up to 4 extra points from subject exams |
| Switzerland | 32 of 42 points without bonus points, in set subject categories | A science or mathematics is required at Higher Level; rules differ by university |
| Italy | The diploma itself; grades are not ranked | Admission tests decide where places are limited |
Germany
The diploma gives full access only with two languages, a social science, a natural science and mathematics among the six subjects, and three subjects at Higher Level. Points are converted to the German 1.0–4.0 scale by a published formula; 37 points give 1.8. Read IB Diploma and university admission in Germany.
Spain
IB students are exempt from the national entrance exam. The access grade is, in effect, your average subject grade plus 3, so 36 points in six subjects give 9.000. Degrees such as Medicine admit above 12 out of 14, which is only reachable with two extra subject exams. Read IB Diploma and university admission in Spain.
Switzerland
There is no ranking by grades, only a threshold and a subject list, and the bonus points from the core are ignored. The federal institutes of technology and medicine have their own, stricter rules. Read IB Diploma and university admission in Switzerland.
Italy
Italy recognises the diploma and then looks at admission tests, not at your points. The work is in the test, the pre-enrolment and the documents. Read IB Diploma and university admission in Italy.
France, Portugal and Czechia
We have not yet published IB-specific guides for these countries. The general routes are described in how to get into a university in France, in Portugal and in Czechia.
What to decide in the first year of the Diploma Programme
- Mathematics level. Higher Level keeps Germany's STEM degrees open and satisfies the Swiss requirement for a science or mathematics at Higher Level.
- A natural science. Germany and Switzerland both require Biology, Chemistry or Physics among the six subjects.
- A group 3 subject from the accepted lists. Switzerland names History, Geography, Economics or Business and Management for this category.
- Two languages at level A or B. A language ab initio does not count as one of the two languages in Germany.
- The teaching language. Most bachelor's degrees in these countries are taught in the national language. Our catalogue lists the programmes taught in English separately.
Compare programmes and costs
The catalogue behind these guides covers bachelor's programmes in seven countries, with tuition fees for EU and non-EU students and official entry scores where they exist. Start from the cheapest countries to study in Europe or from the application timeline.
Rules change every year. Each country guide links to the official source, and that source is what counts when you apply.
Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.