International Baccalaureate exams

The University of California awards college credit for International Baccalaureate, or IB, examinations. Higher Level, or HL, examination scores of 5, 6 or 7 earn 8 quarter units of college credit. In some cases, IB examinations may also satisfy lower-division course requirements.

If you complete the IB Diploma with a score of 30 or higher, you will receive up to 30 quarter units of college credit. These units count toward the 180 quarter units required for a bachelor's degree.

Beginning with Fall 2020 applicants, UC Davis awards 4 semester units (6 quarter units) for an International Baccalaureate, or IB, Diploma with a score of 30 or higher. Students also earn 8 quarter units for each Higher Level, or HL, examination with a score of 5, 6 or 7. UC Davis does not award credit for Standard Level, or SL, examinations.

These units count toward the 180 quarter units required for a bachelor's degree.

See International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination Credit under Credit Toward Degree to learn how many units you can earn for each IB examination and which UC Davis lower-division courses may satisfy degree requirements. The guide also explains how each examination category applies toward degree requirements in each college.

In general, you cannot earn duplicate university credit for college courses or Advanced Placement, or AP, transfer credit that overlaps with IB credit. Review the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination Credit chart for exceptions.

If you earn IB credit, speak with an academic advisor in your major department, dean's office or the Biology Academic Success Center, or BASC, before you register for classes. An advisor can help you understand how IB credit applies toward your degree and any restrictions related to breadth requirements or lower-division major requirements.

IB credit cannot replace coursework required to satisfy the UC Davis General Education Requirement.