IB: International Baccalaureate in France for international students

Among French school standards and curricula, the IB - International Baccalaureate - holds a special place and is one of the most prestigious programs for best schools and colleges in France with IB. The program is known for its high quality and is very popular due to the fact that holders of the diploma according to this standard can continue their studies in any university in the world without any special conditions.

France has always been popular with students and schoolchildren from all over the world as a country with a quality education system. Since education in prestigious institutions is offered in both French and English, the geographical range of visitors is quite wide. In addition, the Ministry of Education and other government agencies are active in attracting and supporting foreign students - which contributes to the prestige and the overall development and progress of the education sector.

The International Education Standard IB - International Baccalaureate - has become popular worldwide (about 1500 schools in total), is taught in English/French/Spanish, and is represented by many private school children and student education institutions in Austria. Most of the country's secondary schools are public and their standards lead to the French diploma, which is not specifically cited outside of France. In contrast, the IB standard diploma is recognized by most countries around the world, including those in the top tier of quality ratings for education systems.

The main benefits of the IB in France include:

• Full-cycle education. Elementary, middle and high school programs + special career development programs
• International standards recognized by most states and universities
• You can get into the best universities in the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, etc.
• If your test scores are high, you can enter a university without passing an entrance exam
• English language instruction
• In-depth study of academic subjects and independent and conscious choice of priority subjects
• Holistic development of the person and personality
• Sports, creativity, moral education
• Serious university-level studies
• Including volunteerism and social work
• Development of independence, individuality, ability to make complex decisions

By far the most popular program based on this standard is the IB Diploma Program (often referred to as Common Name IB). This program is characterized by high intensity, difficult exams, and an international education certificate. The curriculum is offered in prestigious boarding schools, which are known for their high quality educational standards, excellent facilities and conditions for all-round development, individualized education and support system.

Program stages

In most cases, the International Baccalaureate refers to the last two years of schooling, after which the graduate will receive a diploma. However, in fact, the program consists of 4 stages: from kindergarten to entry into university.

Primary School (3-12 years old)

At the primary school level, children are groomed to become researchers. They learn to understand the world around them, become curious, and respect themselves and others. Schoolchildren learn about six interdisciplinary themes of global significance: who are the people, our place in space and time, how the world works, and what society is.

Middle Years (11-16 years old)

In secondary school, learning becomes more difficult, but instead of becoming a memorization of textbooks, it still represents a research activity. Children do a lot of work with their hands, conduct experiments and labs, and learn to apply what they have learned to their lives. At this time, students will understand the basic structures of society, such as their own identity, relationships, personal and cultural expression, spatial and temporal orientation, and sustainability in today's globalized world.

Diploma Program (16-18 years old)

The broad and complex academic curriculum of the Upper School provides not only an in-depth study of school subjects, but also the overall development of the student. Boys and girls learn to think critically and analyze information. They are already able to draw their own conclusions about complex objects of knowledge, have developed emotional intelligence and are well-versed in ethical issues.

Career-related courses (16-18 years old)

As part of the program, students study school subjects and engage in career-related studies. One of the key elements of the education is called personal and professional skills. It prepares students for the personal and professional situations they may encounter in the workplace.

The program is an alternative to the diploma program. After graduation, students can continue their studies at the university or find a job.

• Elementary Languages and Literature

Students can choose to study any language offered by their school. In most cases, it will be the official language of the country of study.

• Additional Languages

Additional foreign languages can be studied from zero to advanced. Students choose their own. In most cases, you will need to choose from German, French, Italian and Chinese.

In some schools, it is possible to study Latin or Classical Greek.

• Social Sciences

The list of subjects includes economics, philosophy, psychology, politics, business, management, history, and geography.

• Applied Sciences

This group includes physics, chemistry, biology, geography, ecology. In the study of these subjects, the emphasis is on practical, laboratory work and hands-on exercises.

• Mathematics

Mathematics is divided into three difficulty levels: from standard to advanced. In addition to this, you can take courses in programming and computer technology.

• Arts and Creativity

Visual arts, music, dance, theater, sculpture, photography. The topics in this group are optional. Instead, you can choose any other subject from the top 5 groups.

Many universities are available after the IB if your child can confirm knowledge of a foreign language. For example, Ivy League schools in the United States are very willing to accept applicants from IB schools. Of course, competition is fierce at Harvard, where applicants must have the highest scores and an impressive portfolio of social initiatives. But it all depends on the quality of the graduate and the school's work. Typically, at IB schools, admissions and submission assistance are taken very seriously.

If you have already chosen a specific university, simply check the admission requirements. It indicates which national, foreign and international exams the university has taken. Many universities accept IB exams. In the system for applying to universities (UCAS), there is a clause about provisional IB results .

All IB schools have entrance exams. The number of exams and requirements depend on the school, but cannot be separated from English. IB schools value the input of the school community and parents and may also want to get to know you and discuss values. 

How much does it cost to study the IB program in France?

As a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization, schools in France for international students  spend a lot of money. In France, most of the schools that operate in the IB system are private. Their tuition fees vary widely; you can pay somewhere by the month or by the semester. You will need to find each school separately.

However, public schools also offer the International Baccalaureate program. They often require an additional fee for the IB as an additional educational service. This is many times cheaper than a full program at a private school.

Remco Weeda

Specialist in international admission of students in Russia and the CIS at Scarborough College

What advice would you give to potential students before enrolling in a British school?

Do your research thoroughly. There's a lot of homework involved in choosing the right school. Look for maximum information and ensure you connect with the people involved in the selection process. Remember, it's the people – teachers, administrators, mentors, coaches – who make a school great. A good school prioritizes investing in its people.