International Baccalaureate (IB) Recognition Scheme

In a first for South Australia, this scheme recognises the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme’s (IBDP) rigorous academic assessment, extended learning opportunities, and learning and teaching format.

It also acknowledges IBDP graduates’ international perspective, academic preparedness, critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills; and recognises that many Year 12 IBDP subjects have equivalent content to some of our first-year courses. Through this scheme, IB students can now apply for credit or exemption from those courses based on their academic achievement.

Multiple IB subjects apply

We now recognise equivalence between more than 20 IB subjects and many of our first-year courses. These IB subjects include:

  • languages and literature
  • geography, politics and history
  • philosophy and anthropology
  • film, music and theatre
  • sports science and psychology
  • computer science
  • biology, chemistry and physics
  • business and economics.

Explore the full list of equivalencies.

Credit or exemption - how to choose?

It all depends on your priorities. If you’d like a to reduce your overall study load, you might want to seek credit for one or more IB-equivalent courses. They’ll simply be marked as complete in your academic schedule, leaving you with more time to focus on your other subjects or commitments. 

But if you’d like the flexibility to study a wider range of topics, exemption(s) could be the way to go. This will allow you to replace exempted courses in your schedule with others that appeal to you. You could potentially take a double major, additional electives or study overseas*.

Alternatively, if you have more than one subject equivalency, you might want to go for a mix of both! 

*International travel restrictions permitting.

Explore all IB equivalencies

What are the benefits?

Less repetition

You’ll gain new knowledge here from day one, rather than going over what you’ve already learnt.

More flexibility

Course exemptions free up space in your degree so you can add others you’re passionate about.

More time

Course credits can lighten your academic load, giving you more free time to study, work or play.

Frequently asked questions

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a senior school qualification equivalent to the SACE in South Australia. It is usually completed in Year 12 as an alternative to the SACE.

In order to be eligible for this recognition scheme, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Complete the IDBP at an eligible school
  • Achieve a selection rank (IB combined rank plus adjustment factors)
  • Achieve a 6 or above in SL and/or a 5 or above in HL in an equivalent IB subject
  • Meet the pre-requisites for the degree program entry

Credit is where a number of units, up to a specified limit, may be granted towards a University of Adelaide degree (reducing the number of courses needing to be completed). 

In an Exemption there is no reduction in the total number of units required to satisfy degree requirements however the students do not have to complete some specified courses that may be core requirements of the degree.  Students can elect to take other course/s in lieu of the credit in areas that they have an interest in, allowing for greater flexibility with study plans

Under this scheme, exemption /credit is excluded from competitive programs, as listed below:

  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
  • Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-registration)
  • Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons)
  • Bachelor of Oral Health
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons)
  • Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Hons)
  • Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience).
  • Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in High Performance Computational Physics

All of this information can be found on Degree Finder. Please view the ‘Degree Structure’ tab on degree finder to learn more about which courses make up a degree.

After you have received and accepted your offer, you will need to submit an application to the University for exemption/credit for the IB subject you have completed. Your application will be processed internally and the exemption/credit will be reflected on your university student record. At this time, you will also meet with a Program Advisor to map an appropriate study plan.

Read our article about submitting a credit application.

Our faculty teams will be able to help you and guide you through the process. 

The new IBDP scheme is effective from Semester 2, 2021 onwards. If you commenced your studies in Semester 1, 2021, please contact the Student Support Team from your faculty for advice.

Applying for credit under the new IBDP scheme may reduce your overall study load, which may affect payments that are based on a full time student study load. Please contact the individual government agency for advice regarding your personal circumstances.

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