How to find the right guide
An IB subject name is not enough to identify the right guide. Match the exact course, HL or SL level, and the examination session in which the student will be assessed. A newly published guide can describe a future course while current candidates are still completing the earlier version.
This page explains how to verify the official reference. For StudyIB's syllabus-organised notes, topic pages and practice, use the separate IB Subjects & Courses catalogue.
| Reference | Use it for | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
| IB subject brief | Public overview of aims, curriculum outline and assessment model. | That a short brief contains every syllabus or assessment requirement. |
| Applicable subject guide | Detailed course content, teaching and assessment requirements for the relevant version. | That the newest guide applies to every current student. |
| StudyIB course hub | Independent study notes, topic navigation and available practice for a supported course. | That it replaces official documents, school teaching or registration advice. |
Open all supported StudyIB course hubs
Studies in language and literature
Individuals and societies
- IB Business Management HL study guide
- IB Business Management SL study guide
- IB Economics HL study guide
- IB Economics SL study guide
- IB Geography HL study guide
- IB Geography SL study guide
- IB Global Politics HL study guide
- IB Global Politics SL study guide
- IB History HL study guide
- IB History SL study guide
- IB Philosophy HL study guide
- IB Philosophy SL study guide
- IB Psychology HL study guide
- IB Psychology SL study guide
Sciences and interdisciplinary ESS
- IB Biology HL study guide
- IB Biology SL study guide
- IB Chemistry HL study guide
- IB Chemistry SL study guide
- IB Computer Science HL study guide
- IB Computer Science SL study guide
- IB Environmental Systems and Societies HL study guide
- IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL study guide
- IB Physics HL study guide
- IB Physics SL study guide
Mathematics
DP core
This is StudyIB's current supported catalogue, not the complete list of subjects offered by the IB.
- Confirm the assessment session: the May or November session and year in which the student will take the final assessment.
- Match course and level: check the registered subject name and HL or SL level; do not infer them from a similar-looking course.
- Check the update cycle: compare first-teaching and first-assessment dates, then confirm the applicable guide with the school.
Common confusions
Assumptions that cost students marks or planning time.
Frequently asked questions
Where can students find official IB subject guides?
The public IB Diploma Programme curriculum pages provide subject briefs and course overviews. Schools and educators use the applicable detailed subject guide and Programme Resource Centre materials. Students should ask their teacher or coordinator to confirm the exact guide for their registered course and assessment session.
What is the difference between an IB subject brief and a subject guide?
A public subject brief is a concise overview of a course, including its aims, curriculum outline and assessment model. A full subject guide contains the detailed syllabus and assessment requirements used for teaching. A brief is useful for orientation but should not replace the applicable guide.
How do students know which IB syllabus version applies?
Start with the examination session in which the student will be assessed, then match the exact subject and level. Check the official curriculum-update page for first-teaching and first-assessment dates, and confirm the result with the school rather than choosing a guide only because it was published most recently.
Do IB Higher Level and Standard Level use the same subject guide?
Many IB courses describe HL and SL within one guide, but their content, depth, teaching hours, assessment components or weights can differ. Students must follow the requirements for their registered level and should not treat the other level's StudyIB page as a substitute.
Are StudyIB subject pages official IB subject guides?
No. StudyIB is an independent learning platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. StudyIB course hubs organise study notes and practice; official documents and the student's school remain authoritative for registration and assessment requirements.
Sources checked
Every claim on this page is checked against the IB's own publications. Where the two disagree, the IB is right and this page is wrong. Tell us and we will fix it.
Using StudyIB tools?
Once the official guide is confirmed, open the matching StudyIB course hub for syllabus-organised notes and practice.