Everything about the IB exam in Vietnam

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is currently offered by 21 international schools in Vietnam as of 2024. IB demands considerable effort from students if they aim to qualify for admission to top universities worldwide.

What is the IB Exam?

The IB exam is a crucial component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). It comprises a series of assessments held at the end of the IB programme, usually towards the end of the academic year. The IB exam includes a range of tests in core subjects and elective subjects that students have chosen. It’s organized and administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The scores from the IB exam, along with other achievements throughout the program, determine whether students are eligible to receive the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Learn more: International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

IB Diploma programme subjects

The subjects in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) include 6 groups of subjects: 

1. Language acquisition (English) 

2. Language and Literature (Vietnamese) 

3. Sciences 

4. Mathematics 

5. Business Management 

6. Visual Arts 

Additionally, students need to complete 3 core subjects: 

1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Develops critical thinking skills about the nature of knowledge and how we can understand the world around us. 

1. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): This is a compulsory part that all IB programme students must complete to receive their diploma. CAS is designed to encourage students to engage in creative activities, physical activities, and community service. The goal is to develop students’ skills and personal identity, including creativity, responsibility, teamwork, and international-mindedness. Students not only develop social skills and critical thinking but also become responsible global citizens. 

1. Extended Essay: This is an individual essay of 4,000 words, delving into a deep investigation of a topic from one of the six subject groups of the IB programme. The aim is to develop independent research skills, promote creativity and critical thinking, demonstrate students’ research abilities, and self-management skills. 

Why Study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)?

Studying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) brings numerous benefits to students, including comprehensive development of knowledge, skills, and critical thinking; it serves as a solid preparation for university studies, offers opportunities for global learning and employment, as well as recognition and high appraisal from universities and organizations worldwide. Universities worldwide highly favor IB programme graduates because of its teaching objectives that have helped develop diverse and balanced skills. With all the subjects studied in the IB programme, students have more diverse options for university programs. In the current societal context, companies also prioritize candidates with flexibility and high adaptability skills-traits that IB students have been nurtured with from their early years of education.

Where to study the International Baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is authorized to be taught at many schools worldwide. Students can participate in this program at international schools or schools that offer the IB programme. To be authorized to teach the IB programme, schools must meet stringent criteria set by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). In Vietnam, there are currently 21 schools recognized by the IB Organization, including: 

1. Tesla Education 

2. Australian International School 

3. British International School 

4. European International School 

5. German International School 

6. Saigon Pearl International School 

7. International School Ho Chi Minh City 

8. North American International School 

9. Renaissance International School Saigon 

10. South Saigon International School 

11. Western Australian International School 

12. Vietnam – Finland International School 

13. Canadian International School 

14. American International School Vietnam 

15. Wisdomland International Preschool – Diamond Campus 

16. British International School Hanoi 

17. Hanoi International School 

18. Olympia Schools 

19. United Nations International School of Hanoi 

20. QSI International School of Haiphong 

21. Reigate Grammar School Vietnam

Where to prepare for the IB Exam?

To prepare well for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma exam, students can participate in exam preparation courses organized by reputable educational centers or attend specialized preparation classes. In addition, there are many online forums and communities for IB students to share experiences, ask questions, and find study materials. Some popular forums include Reddit’s IB subreddit and IB Survival.

How much is the IB exam fee in Vietnam?

Information about IB exam fees in Vietnam may vary from year to year and from school to school. Students should directly contact their school or the managing organizations for specific information about fees. Attending the International Baccalaureate exam has a fee of 172 USD (approximately 4 million VND) and an additional 119 USD for each subject group.

IB exam locations in Vietnam

In Vietnam, some international schools or private schools may be authorized to organize the IB DP exams. However, for detailed and up-to-date information on organizing IB exams at these schools, parents should directly contact the schools.