Study in Australia with the IB Diploma
This guide explains how the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is used for university admission in Australia, using only official admissions-centre, university, and IB Australasia sources. It is written exclusively for IB Diploma students and IB Coordinators.
Last updated for the 2027 intake
Recognition
How Australia Recognizes the IB Diploma
Australia recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma as an accepted senior secondary qualification for entry to Australian universities.
Admission decisions are made by universities, often using state-based admissions centres that compare IB results with ATAR-based applicants.
ATAR Equivalent
Do IB Students Get an ATAR in Australia?
No.
IB students do not receive a standard ATAR. Instead, their IB results are converted into an ATAR-equivalent rank (often called a combined rank or notional ATAR) for selection purposes.
Grade Conversion
How IB Scores Are Converted in Australia (IBAS–ATAR)
What is IBAS?
IBAS (IB Admissions Score) is a fine-grained score derived from the IB Diploma result to allow fair comparison with ATAR-based applicants. It adds decimal places to your diploma score based on where your marks fall within each grade, so a diploma score of 41 might become an IBAS of 41.75.
The IBAS applies to students who sat the IB in Australia from November 2022. If you sat the IB outside Australia, your ATAR-equivalent rank is based on your whole-number diploma score instead. The current conversion tables apply to offers made from August 2026, which covers entry in 2027.
Example Conversions to an ATAR Equivalent (2027 Entry)
The following are examples only. Admissions centres use the full official conversion tables.
IB sat in Australia
| IB Admissions Score (IBAS) | ATAR equivalent |
|---|---|
| 45.75 | 99.95 |
| 45.00 | 99.85 |
| 43.00 | 99.00 |
| 40.00 | 96.35 |
| 38.00 | 94.15 |
IB sat outside Australia
| IB Diploma score | ATAR equivalent |
|---|---|
| 45 | 99.95 |
| 42 | 98.65 |
| 40 | 96.85 |
| 38 | 94.65 |
| 35 | 90.75 |
| 30 | 79.30 |
| 24 | 64.60 |
Admission System
University Admission System in Australia
Australia does not have a single national admissions authority.
Admission is handled through:
Universities may also apply prerequisites, adjustment factors, or program-specific criteria.
Official Source
Entrance Exams
Entrance Exams and Restricted Programs
Usually no.
Most undergraduate programs in Australia do not require national entrance exams. Some programs may require additional selection steps such as interviews, portfolios, auditions, or tests, depending on the course.
Official Source Example
Language Requirements
Language Requirements for IB Students
Yes, English language requirements may apply.
Universities decide individually whether IB English satisfies English requirements or whether another test is required.
University Types
Public vs Private Universities for IB Students
Public Universities
- Main destination for IB students
- Use IBAS–ATAR or IB-based assessment
- Program prerequisites and English rules apply
Private Universities
- Independent admission processes
- Requirements vary by institution
- Tuition fees usually apply
Documentation
Required Documents for IB Students
Typical requirements include:
- IB Diploma results or predicted grades
- Academic transcripts
- Passport or ID
- Evidence of meeting prerequisites (if required)
- Evidence of English proficiency (if required)
Official Source Example
Timeline
Application Timeline for IB Students
Key dates for study starting in early 2027. Dates vary by admissions centre and university; these are from UAC (NSW and ACT) and VTAC (Victoria):
28 September 2026
VTAC (Victoria) closing date for timely applications
17–18 December 2026
November-session IB results released on 17 December; admissions centres send IBAS and ATAR equivalents the next day
23 December 2026
Main December offer rounds at UAC (NSW and ACT) and VTAC
January 2027
Further offer rounds (UAC: 8 and 21 January 2027)
⚠️ Always check the admissions centre or university calendar.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (IB Only)
How is the IB diploma recognized in Australia?
It is accepted as a senior secondary qualification and assessed via IBAS–ATAR or IB-based selection rules set by universities and admissions centres.
Source: IB Schools Australasia
Do IB students get an ATAR in Australia?
No. Their IB result is converted to an ATAR-equivalent rank. Students who sat the IB in Australia are ranked on their IB Admissions Score (IBAS); students who sat it elsewhere are ranked on their whole-number diploma score.
Source: UAC
How is the IB converted to an ATAR equivalent for 2027 entry?
Using the national conversion agreed by the tertiary admissions centres for offers made from August 2026. A diploma score of 38 earned outside Australia converts to 94.65; an IBAS of 38.00 earned in Australia converts to 94.15.
Source: UAC
Are entrance exams required in Australia for IB students?
Usually no, but some programs require additional selection steps.
Source: Curtin University
Is English required for university in Australia for IB students?
Yes. English requirements depend on the university's policy.
Source: University of Sydney
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