Guidance and regulations
This page contains supporting information you need to complete the application process.
For further guidance and support throughout the authorization process, schools are welcome to contact the appropriate IB office:
Application procedure
The following documents are intended to support schools in the process towards becoming an IB World School.
The IB has just completed a revision of its authorization process based on practices that have been developed across the IB world. The changes are aimed at making the processes simpler to understand, consistent over time and across the IB world and most importantly further enabling schools to have the support they need throughout their relationship with the IB.
Transition towards implementing the new processes will take place in 2011.
The following table indicates which documents will be used by schools at which time
Application procedure |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
Candidacy |
Use old documents |
Use new documents |
Use new documents |
Authorization |
Use old documents |
Transition: consult the regional page of appropriate IB office |
Use new documents |
Application procedure - old documents
Application procedure for candidate schools [40KB, PDF]
Guide to school application - Primary Years Programme (PYP) [254KB, PDF]
Guide to school application - Middle Years Programme (MYP) [291KB, PDF]
Guide to school application - Diploma Programme [251KB, PDF]
Application procedure - new documents
Information about the visit is included in the guides mentioned above
Rules for IB World Schools
A legal document that sets out the relationship between the IB Organization and IB World Schools.
The following table indicates which documents will be used by schools at which time:
Rules for IB World Schools |
New document will enter into force on: |
Rules for IB World Schools: Primary Years Programme |
1 September 2011 for PYP schools whose school year begins in August/September, or on 1 January 2012 for PYP schools whose school year begins in January/February |
Rules for IB World Schools: Middle Years Programme |
1 September 2011 for June session schools or 1 January 2012 for December session schools |
Rules for IB World Schools: Diploma Programme |
1 September 2011 for May session schools, for all candidates enrolling in the programme from August/September 2011, or 1 January 2012 for November session schools, for all candidates enrolling in the programme from January/February 2012, |
Rules for IB World Schools - old documents
Rules for IB World Schools - Primary Years Programme (PYP) [68KB, PDF]
Rules for IB World Schools - Middle Years Programme (MYP) [75KB, PDF]
Rules for IB World Schools - Diploma Programme [75KB, PDF]
Rules for IB World Schools - new documents
Rules for IB World Schools - Primary Years Programme (PYP) [68KB, PDF]
Rules for IB World Schools - Middle Years Programme (MYP) [75KB, PDF]
Rules for IB World Schools - Diploma Programme [75KB, PDF]
General regulations
A legal document that sets out the relationship between the IB Organization and IB students and their legal guardians.
The following table indicates which documents will be used by schools at which time:
General regulations |
New document will enter into force on: |
General regulations: Primary Years Programme |
1 September 2011 for PYP schools whose school year begins in August/September, or on 1 January 2012 for PYP schools whose school year begins in January/February |
General regulations: Middle Years Programme |
1 September 2011 for June session schools or 1 January 2012 for December session schools |
General regulations: Diploma Programme |
1 September 2011 for May session schools, for all candidates enrolling in the programme from August/September 2011, or 1 January 2012 for November session schools, for all candidates enrolling in the programme from January/February 2012, |
General regulations - old documents
New documents
General regulations - Primary Years Programme (PYP) [56KB, PDF]
General regulations - Middle Years Programme (MYP) [56KB, PDF]
General regulations - Diploma Programme [56KB, PDF]
Required text for candidate schools
Required text for candidate schools to use in marketing materials [70KB, Word]
{insert name of school} is a candidate school* for the {insert name of programme}. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education—that we believe is important for our students.* Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its three academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) or the Diploma Programme (and in addition the IB Career-related Certificate). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.
For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org
