What Is the IB Program? A Parent's Guide to PYP, MYP and DP Pathways The IB program is a widely recognised international education pathway designed for students aged 3 to 19. Beyond providing a continuous learning framework, the IB shapes how students explore knowledge, develop critical thinking, become more independent learners, and make connections across subjects. This guide explains how each IB programme works, how it differs from Cambridge, AP, and bilingual pathways, and what defines an officially authorised IB school, giving parents a clearer basis for assessing whether the programme aligns with their child’s learning needs and future direction. What is the IB program? The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a global education framework developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). It consists of four programmes designed for students aged 3 to 19, and schools must be officially authorised by the IBO to offer them. Rather than following a single national syllabus, IB schools work within shared international standards for curriculum, teaching, and assessment. Founded in Geneva in 1968, the IB now operates in more than 160 countries, with over 9,100 programmes offered across more than 6,200 schools. The IB defines the overall framework and assessment standards, while individual schools design their own units within those requirements. This allows IB schools to offer different learning experiences while still following the same core expectations. In official programme names, the IB uses the British spelling “programme”, such as Diploma Programme. The IB program provides a globally recognised framework for students aged 3 to 19. Benefits of Studying the IB Program The IB program combines academic learning with personal development, helping students build skills that support both school success and future study. Develops critical and independent thinking: Students learn to ask questions, evaluate information, and explain their reasoning rather than simply memorising facts. Prepares students for university: Research, academic writing, time management, and long-term projects help students build skills commonly expected in higher education. Supports international mobility: With the IB framework used in more than 160 countries, students can transition between schools with greater continuity in learning and assessment. Strengthens multilingual communication: Language learning is embedded across the IB pathway, while students are also encouraged to continue developing their home language. Promotes growth beyond grades: Projects, Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and other experiences help students develop independence, responsibility, and broader life skills. The IB program develops academic and life skills for future study. The four IB programmes by age The IB program is designed as a continuum. A child can start at age 3 and continue to 19, or join at any stage. Each programme builds on the skills developed in the one before. Primary Years Programme (PYP): ages 3–12 The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for children aged 3 to 12. Learning is organised around six transdisciplinary themes, such as "How the world works" and "Sharing the planet". Language, maths, science, social studies, arts and physical education are taught through these themes and as separate subjects. Children learn by asking questions, investigating and presenting what they find. In their final PYP year, students complete the PYP Exhibition. This is a group inquiry into a real-world issue, shared with the whole school community. At Westlink, the PYP runs from Grade 1 to Grade 5. Families can learn more about the IB Primary Years Programme at Westlink. IB program at Westlink helps PYP students build curiosity through hands-on science learning. Middle Years Programme (MYP): ages 11–16 The Middle Years Programme (MYP) covers ages 11 to 16. Students study eight subject groups. These are language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical and health education, and design. Work in each subject is assessed against published criteria. Each criterion is marked on a scale of 1 to 8. Students therefore know what excellent work looks like before they start a task. In the final year, each student completes a Personal Project. They choose a topic they care about, plan it over several months and reflect on the process. At Westlink, the MYP runs from Grade 6 to Grade 10. See the IB Middle Years Programme page for details. MYP students develop inquiry and critical-thinking skills through learning subject areas. Diploma Programme (DP): ages 16–19 The Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year course for students aged 16 to 19. Students take six subjects from six subject groups. Instead of an arts subject, they may choose a second subject from another group. Three or four subjects are studied at Higher Level (HL), with about 240 teaching hours each. The others are studied at Standard Level (SL), with about 150 hours each. Alongside their subjects, every DP student completes the DP core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK): a course that asks how we know what we claim to know. Extended Essay (EE): an independent research paper of up to 4,000 words. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): projects and experiences beyond the classroom. Each subject is graded from 1 to 7. TOK and the Extended Essay together can add up to 3 more points, so the maximum score is 45. Students who successfully complete the full DP requirements can earn an International Baccalaureate certificate known as the IB Diploma. Westlink's plans for the IB Diploma Programme are explained on its DP page. IB pathway at Westlink supports students across PYP, MYP, and the developing DP stage. Career-related Programme (CP) The Career-related Programme (CP) is also for students aged 16 to 19. Students combine at least two DP courses with a career-related study and a CP core. It suits students who already have a clear professional direction. Fewer schools offer the CP than the DP. What does IB learning look like in the classroom? In an IB classroom, students take a more active role in learning. Teachers guide the process by setting questions and learning conditions, while students investigate, discuss, and develop their own understanding through inquiry-based activities. At Westlink, this can be seen in projects such as the Grade 4 Market Day, where students researched customer needs and created small business ideas. In Grade 8, students explored the question “What should we eat?” by studying nutrition and designing balanced daily menus. IB encourages learning through inquiry, collaboration, and hands-on activities. As students progress through the MYP, projects become more independent. In Grade 10, the Personal Project allows students to explore a topic over several months, document their decisions and challenges in a process journal, and present their work at a final exhibition. Assessment also reflects this broader approach to learning. Rather than depending on a single final test, teachers evaluate students across different tasks and criteria, including research, communication, and reflection, giving families a more detailed view of their progress. IB vs Cambridge vs AP vs a bilingual pathway No curriculum is best for every child. The useful question is which one fits your child's learning style and future plans. The table below compares upper-secondary options, where the differences are clearest. IB Diploma Programme Cambridge (IGCSE / A Level) AP (US) Bilingual (MOET-based) Structure Six subjects plus TOK, EE and CAS Usually three or four specialised subjects at A Level Individual courses added to a high school diploma Vietnamese national curriculum, with some subjects taught in English Assessment Final exams plus internally assessed coursework Mainly final exams One exam per course, scored 1–5 National assessments and the graduation exam Moving between countries Same framework in more than 160 countries Widely available, especially in British-system schools Mainly offered in US-style schools Designed for the Vietnamese system University recognition Widely recognised internationally Widely recognised, especially in the UK Strongest in the US and Canada Recognised by Vietnamese universities; overseas applications usually need extra English or entrance tests Often suits students who… Are curious and enjoy connecting subjects Want depth in a few subjects early Are aiming for the US and want flexibility Need strong Vietnamese foundations alongside growing English Some schools offer more than one pathway. Westlink, for example, runs an IB pathway taught fully in English. It also runs a bilingual pathway that combines the Vietnamese MOET curriculum with US core subjects. This gives families a second option on the same campus if the IB program is not the right fit. How to check if a school is a genuine IB World School Many schools describe themselves as "IB-inspired" or "following the IB approach". Only authorised IB World Schools can officially teach an IB programme. In the DP, only they can register students for IB exams. Checking takes a few minutes and is worth doing before any school tour. Candidate vs authorised: what the difference means Authorisation is granted programme by programme. A school can be authorised for the PYP while still working towards the MYP or DP. Candidate school: the school has been accepted into the IB's authorisation process. It is preparing to teach the programme but is not yet authorised. Candidate status does not guarantee that authorisation will be granted. A candidate school cannot award IB qualifications. Authorised IB World School: the IB has evaluated the school and confirmed it meets IB standards. The school continues to be reviewed regularly after authorisation. For parents, the key question is simple. Will the programme your child enters be authorised by the time your child needs it? This matters most for the DP, because the diploma itself depends on it. Verify any school in three steps Search the IB directory. Look up the school in the "Find an IB World School" tool on ibo.org. Note which programmes are listed and the status of each. Compare with the school's website. The status should match, programme by programme. If it does not, ask why. Updates can take time to appear on either site. Ask admissions directly. When was each programme authorised? For candidate programmes, what is the expected timeline? What happens if that timeline changes? A well-run school will answer these questions clearly, and ideally in writing. A real example: Westlink's IB journey Westlink International School Hanoi opened in 2022 and is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP). Its IB status, programme by programme, is as follows: PYP (Grades 1–5): authorised IB World School since 2024. MYP (Grades 6–10): authorised by the IB in December 2025, after a multi-year evaluation (VnExpress International). DP (Grades 11–12): candidate school, with the full programme planned to launch in August 2027. As with any candidate programme, DP authorisation is not guaranteed until the IB grants it. Westlink's admissions team shares progress updates with interested families along the way. Is the IB program right for my child? The IB program is not only for top students. It suits a wide range of children, but it asks for certain habits. With the right support, most of those habits can be developed over time. Students who tend to thrive in IB Children often do well in the IB if they: ask "why" and enjoy finding things out; are comfortable sharing ideas and working in groups; can manage longer projects with guidance; enjoy several subject areas rather than just one. A child who prefers clear right answers and fixed routines can still succeed. They may simply need more structure early on, especially with open-ended projects. It is worth asking each school how it supports students who find inquiry learning unfamiliar. What if English isn't my child's first language? Many IB students around the world learn in a language that is not their first. The IB also encourages students to keep developing their home language. This makes it a common choice for multilingual families. The key is support. Look for a structured English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme, not just extra lessons. At Westlink, students from more than 30 nationalities learn together, and EAL support is personalised to each learner. As one PYP parent, Mr. Greg, puts it: "My child now understands much more English and communicates more with us" (Westlink School Reviews). Families can read more about Westlink's English as an Additional Language support and multilingual approach. Westlink supports multilingual learners through personalised EAL within the IB program. Joining or switching IB schools mid-way Because the framework is shared worldwide, moving between IB schools is usually smoother than switching systems. A child leaving an MYP school in Singapore or Seoul will recognise the subject groups. The assessment criteria and learner profile language will feel familiar too. Timing still matters. Joining the DP after Grade 11 has started is difficult, because the course runs over two years. Moving into the PYP or MYP from another system is generally more flexible, especially with good transition support. When comparing schools, ask how they handle new arrivals. Westlink, for example, accepts applications all year round. Before an offer is made, students join a trial day in class. This lets both the family and the school check the fit. How much does an IB education cost? IB fees vary by country, school, and grade level, so families should consider the total cost of the full learning pathway, not tuition alone. Common expenses may include: Tuition: Typically increases as students progress from PYP to MYP and DP. Application, enrolment, and deposit fees: Usually charged at the beginning of the admissions process. DP examination and registration fees: Generally paid through the school during the final years. Learning support: EAL or individual learning support may involve additional fees. Daily expenses: Transport, meals, uniforms, school trips, and extracurricular activities. Scholarships and sibling discounts: These may significantly reduce the overall cost. At Westlink, annual IB tuition for 2026–2027 ranges from 525 million VND for Grades 1–3 to 636 million VND for Grades 9–10 when paid in full upfront. Additional admissions-related fees may also apply. Families can review the full 2026–2027 tuition fees and explore available scholarships to plan their education budget more effectively. Frequently asked questions about the IB program Is the IB harder than A Levels or AP? It is broader rather than simply harder. DP students take six subjects plus TOK, the Extended Essay and CAS, so the workload is spread across more areas. A Level students go deeper into fewer subjects. AP students choose individual courses. The right choice depends on how your child likes to learn. Does the IB Help with University Admission? Yes. The IB Diploma is widely recognised by universities worldwide and develops skills such as independent research, academic writing, and time management. However, admission still depends on factors such as IB scores, subject choices, essays, and extracurricular activities. What is the difference between the IB Diploma and IB courses? Students earn the IB Diploma by completing six subjects plus TOK, the Extended Essay and CAS. They must also meet the pass conditions. Students who take individual DP subjects receive separate course results instead. Not every school offers a course-only option. Does my child need fluent English to start the IB? Not always. Many students start the IB while still learning English, particularly in the PYP and early MYP. What matters most is the quality of the school's English language support and how it is built into daily lessons. Choosing the IB program is an important step in finding a learning environment that aligns with your child’s abilities, learning approach, and long-term development. At Westlink, the PYP and MYP form a continuous learning pathway that develops critical thinking, independence, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. Parents can book a tour of Westlink to experience the learning environment firsthand, see how the programmes are implemented, and speak with the school team about the most suitable pathway for their child.
