I can confidently state that the International Baccalaureate curriculum is not a picnic, having been through its ups and downs. Nonetheless, many students wonder: Is IB hard? In my view, your study habits, attitude, and degree of dedication are three of the most critical aspects in determining the program’s difficulty.
So, I will explain the challenges of the IB program, draw on my own experience, and provide suggestions on how to overcome them.
What Is the International Baccalaureate Program?
First, let’s take a quick look at what IB is before discussing its difficulty. There is an internationally acclaimed two-year curriculum for high school students called the Diploma Programme (IBDP). Students must study six courses and complete three key components as part of its well-rounded curriculum:
- A course that promotes analytical and critical thinking is Theory of Knowledge.
- The 4,000-word Extended Essay is an independent research paper.
- Students are expected to participate in extracurricular and community service activities as part of the Creativity, Activity, and Service or CAS requirement.
But how hard is IB program? Unlike other programs, the IB requires students to maintain a balance between many disciplines rather than allowing them to specialize. For many students, the distinctive structure of the IB makes the course quite challenging.
Why Do Students Choose IB?
If the IB is challenging, why do so many students enroll? In my view, the International Baccalaureate program fosters independence, good study habits, and access to prestigious colleges.
College and professional preparedness are among the main benefits of the IB. Universities worldwide see IB diploma holders as students ready for more challenging work. Students may save time and money throughout their undergraduate education by taking advantage of the many colleges that offer college credits or advanced placement for IB results.
Essential life skills for college are also honed, including:
- The capacity to think critically or to assess claims rather than merely accept them at face value.
- Writing and research are skills developed by the EE and other course assessments.
- Efficient time management and organizing skills are essential for completing internal evaluations, CAS activities, and various topics.
I believe IB also fosters a thirst for knowledge and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Graduates often exhibit more self-assurance and flexibility when joining a college or building a career. Among the many distinguishing characteristics of IB graduates is their capacity for original thought, multitasking, and problem-solving.
Therefore, the advantages of the IB curriculum far outweigh the disadvantages for students seeking a purposeful and comprehensive education that prepares them for future achievement.
More Helpful Articles:

How Hard Is the IB Program Compared to Other Programs?
When comparing the challenges of the International Baccalaureate (IB) to those of other high school programs, it becomes apparent that IB stands out. Many students ask, “Are IB classes hard?” The difficulty is undoubtedly more incredible than other programs, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or A-Levels. This is because the IB curriculum includes more diverse courses and prioritizes research, analysis, and self-reflection as academic abilities.
Also, the IB program has a lot of work. You are supposed to do more than simply cram for examinations; you are to make connections, assess material critically, and apply what you have learned in real-world scenarios. Because of this, the IB program is unlike any other.
A common question from students is: “Is the IB diploma hard compared to A-Levels, Advanced Placement (AP), or national curricula?” From my experience, the answer isn’t straightforward. IB is challenging but not necessarily more complicated—just different.
- A-Levels Focus heavily on a few subjects, while IB requires six. If you love specializing, A-Levels might feel more manageable.
- AP Allows students to choose individual subjects without a core program. The flexibility makes it less intense than IB.
- National Curricula vary by country, but most don’t require extended essays or CAS, making them less demanding in some ways.
Striking a balance between all of your core topics and subjects while still performing at a high level is the actual test of an IB student.
Why Is IB So Hard? The Biggest Challenges
So, what precisely makes IB so tricky? Let’s examine the most significant challenges that students encounter.
The Heavy Workload
As I found early in my tenure in the IB program, managing the massive quantity of work is more challenging than the actual complexity of the subject matter. In my observation, the ongoing workload is a common reason students see the IB program as challenging. When you have six classes, homework, and projects, it can seem like you never have time for anything else.
Internal Assessments, research initiatives, tests, and the usual workload cause additional stress. Many students initially feel overwhelmed by these. Time management skills and self-control are needed to complete all of these duties.
Theory of Knowledge and Its Complexity
Another reason IB is challenging is the Theory of Knowledge course. TOK pushes you to think critically about knowledge, including what it is, how we learn it, and how it can be limited. While TOK can be interesting, it can also be challenging because it makes you question what you know and consider things differently.
I found TOK to be one of the most complex parts of the training. It’s not a typical subject where you just remember and repeat information on a test. Instead, you’re asked to think critically in real-life situations, which many students find hard initially.
Extended Essay: A Mini Thesis at School
Another problematic part of the IB program is the EE, a research paper. From what I’ve seen, the EE is a big project. You need to study a topic you choose in detail and share what you find in an organized way. It may seem overwhelming to put in the time and effort needed, but it’s a great way to build study and writing skills that will help you in college.
Buy IB IA with Full Confidentiality!
Grab your IB IA with full privacy guaranteed.
Our no-leak policy keeps your details 100% secure.

Internal Assessments and Their Role
Internal Assessments add to the stress in the IB program. These assessments are specific projects related to a topic and contribute to your final score. They usually need new study, writing, and good time management. I think these can be as tough as the final tests because you have to handle many IAs for different topics simultaneously. The need to do well in both IAs and tests can make it seem like the IB is always a tough challenge.
The Pressure of the IB Exams
Finally, the IB exams aren’t exactly straightforward. Some classes feature essays, while others combine multiple-choice and short-answer questions, which may make test day a real challenge. Extensive knowledge and the capacity to use it efficiently and effectively under time constraints are prerequisites for these tests.
How Hard Is the IB Program If You Have Good Study Habits?
The IB curriculum might be manageable with the right approach to studying. In my view, time management, organization, and the absence of procrastination are the most essential traits of an IB student. Active recall, spaced repetition, and frequent review are practical study approaches that may help with the program’s demands.
After reviewing some obstacles, we may discuss strategies for beating the “how hard is the IB program?” issue while maintaining your sanity.
How IB Students Manage Their Time?
The IB program does not tolerate sloppy time management. Making time to study and unwind should be a daily priority. To avoid burnout and stay motivated while studying, create a schedule incorporating breaks and social time.
Optimal Usage of IB Resources
According to the IB criteria, textbooks, online forums, and peer support groups are just a few tools for International Baccalaureate students. However, the support of instructors, peers, and even virtual communities may be invaluable, so don’t hesitate to ask for it.
Maintain Your Motivation
Maintaining motivation throughout the two years of the IB program is one of the most complex parts of the curriculum. In my opinion, the best way to keep momentum is to establish short-term objectives and reward oneself for small successes.
Are IB Classes Hard? What Students Say
Is International Baccalaureate hard, then? Alright, let’s check out the student feedback. From my experience and my classmates’ opinions, I can say that IB courses are challenging, but not to the same extent as other types of classes. The substance isn’t the only thing that complicates them; the presentation style and assumed knowledge also play a role.
Some topics may be easier to tackle than others; for instance, you may discover that some courses are more challenging. The scientific method and mathematics were tough for me. However, other students could feel the same regarding languages and the humanities. The actual test is in juggling all of these topics while maintaining uniformly high standards.
Final Verdict – Is IB Diploma Hard?
It’s undeniable that the IB program is challenging, but it’s not impossible. The difficulties will be manageable if you have good study habits, a focused attitude, and are ready to adjust. Instead of asking if IB is challenging, ask whether you are prepared to commit and learn from the experience.
If you have trouble with your Internal Assessments, you don’t have to face it alone. BuyInternalAssessment.com links you with leading pros in the IB field who can assist you in creating high-quality work.

Nick Radlinsky
Nick Radlinsky is a passionate educator, marketer, and management expert with over 15 years of experience in the education sector. After graduating from business school in 2016, Nick embarked on a journey to earn his PhD, fueled by his dedication to making education better for students everywhere. His extensive experience, beginning in 2008, has made him a trusted authority in the field.
Nick's groundbreaking article, published in Routledge's "Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization," showcases his keen insights and commitment to improving the educational landscape. Guided by his motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to simplify students' lives and promote efficiency in learning. His innovative ideas and leadership have helped transform countless educational experiences, setting him apart as a true pioneer in his field.