The International Baccalaureate Organization's Diploma Programme was created in 1968. It is a demanding two-year pre-university course of study designed for highly motivated secondary school students and terminates in examinations.

The curriculum is modelled by a hexagon with six academic areas surrounding the three core requirements.

Over the course of the two-year programme, students:

• study six subjects chosen from the six subject groups
• complete an extended essay
• follow a theory of knowledge course (TOK)
• participate in creativity, action, service (CAS)

• three of the six subjects are studied at higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours)
• the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (courses representing 150 teaching hours)

The IB Diploma Programme has an international reputation as an academic course which is excellent preparation for university. In Europe, North America, Australasia and elsewhere, the Diploma is regarded as an excellent credential for admission into universities. Most North American universities have an IB policy regarding advanced placement and college credit.