Key differences between the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Spanish Bachillerato

At The English School of Asturias, our International Baccalaureate (IB) students are not only preparing for academic challenges, but also for access to the best universities in the world, both in Spain and the rest of the world. In this article, we clarify the university access process for IB students, comparing it with the Spanish Bachillerato system and explaining the main differences between the two.

Can I go to university with the International Baccalaureate (IB)?

Yes, students who complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) can directly access Spanish public universities, as the IB is recognised as equivalent to the Spanish Baccalaureate. This means that it is not necessary to take any additional exams if your aim is to gain access to a university in Spain. In addition, the IB is recognised worldwide, which facilitates access to international universities without the need for extra exams.

How do IB students gain access to university in Spain?

IB students have two main options for accessing university in Spain:

1. Direct access with the grade obtained: IB students obtain a university entrance grade, calculated on the basis of the subjects taken during the programme. This grade is sufficient for gaining access to Spanish public universities, much like students who complete the Spanish Bachillerato.
2. Improve the grade with the specific exams of the EBAU: If students wish to improve their grade to access degrees with higher requirements, such as Medicine, Psychology or Architecture, they can take the specific exams of the EBAU. These exams are optional, but they allow students to increase their entry grade, with a maximum mark of 14 points (instead of the usual 10 points). In this way, IB students can improve their grade and compete for a place in a high-demand degree programme.

Key differences between the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Spanish Bachillerato

Although both programmes allow access to Spanish public universities, there are some key differences between the IB and the Spanish Baccalaureate:

• Curriculum: The International Baccalaureate offers a broader and more holistic approach, with six subjects from a variety of subject areas, including Language and Literature, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies. It also includes core components such as Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Monograph (an independent research paper) and the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programme, which encourages critical thinking and research. In contrast, the Spanish Bachillerato has a more specialised curriculum, adapted to the chosen pathway (Science, Humanities, etc.).
• Assessment: The IB assessment system is more varied and comprehensive, including written examinations, research papers, oral presentations and continuous assessments.On the other hand, the EBAU (Evaluación de Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad) is based mainly on written exams on subject-specific content, assessing memorisation and application of knowledge.

Access to Private and International Universities

The International Baccalaureate not only facilitates access to Spanish public universities, but also opens many doors to private universities and, especially, to international universities:

• Spanish private universities: The IB is fully valid for access to private universities in Spain. In fact, some universities offer specific conditions for international students coming from the IB system, which facilitates their integration into the university environment.
• International universities: One of the biggest advantages of the International Baccalaureate is its global recognition. The IB diploma is accepted by universities all over the world, which allows students to access prestigious international institutions,such as those in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, among others. Many universities value the IB’s comprehensive academic approach, which increases the chances of being accepted into some of the best universities in the world.

In a nutshell:

International Baccalaureate (IB) students can gain direct access to Spanish public universities thanks to the homologation of their degree. In addition, they have the option of taking the specific EBAU exams to improve their entry grade. The IB also opens up many opportunities to access private universities in Spain and prestigious international institutions. At Colegio Inglés de Asturias, we prepare our students not only for Spanish universities, but also to compete and be accepted into universities internationally.

If you have any questions about the university entrance process or need further information about the IB programme, please feel free to contact us – we are here to help you make the best decisions for your academic future!