International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

Acceptance Policy: IB Credit

Rice University awards transfer credits for International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations for students who have met the following criteria:

  • The student completed and was awarded the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Students who completed IB certificates will not be awarded transfer credit at Rice.
  • The student obtained a score of 6 or 7 on higher level exams. Standard level exams are not eligible to be considered for Rice credit.

Receiving IB Credit

To receive IB credit, you will need to request an official IB score report to be sent to the Office of the Registrar. Rice receives IB transcripts via a secure IB website. Please visit IBO for instructions on ordering your official IB transcript. Generally, scores arrive in early August. Rice will automatically evaluate any eligible IB examinations when the scores arrive. Students will receive an email at their Rice email address if credits are awarded.

If you completed an eligible IB examination, credit will be assigned to your record as indicated on the appropriate list on IB Credit List for Current and Previous Years. IB credit will be applied to a student's record in accordance with IB examination list for that student's matriculation year.

IB Credit FAQs

What if my IB credit does not show up when I log onto ESTHER and view my unofficial transcript?

Check with the IB Organization to be sure your official scores were sent to Rice, and please allow ample time for the credit to be posted. You must also allow at least 6 weeks for us to receive the scores from the IB Organization.

How long should I expect to wait for IB credit to show up on my academic record?

Generally, once you order the scores from the IB Organization, you should allow 6 to 8 weeks. Peak periods may require a longer turnaround time.

I'm not sure I will need my IB credit. Could I have the scores sent to Rice later?

Even if you think you won't need your IB credit, you should have the scores sent to Rice during your first semester.

Will I be able to register for classes even if my IB credit has not yet been posted?

Yes. Your advisor, however, will want to see a copy of your IB scores. You can anticipate specific course credit as indicated on the list above.

Students should be aware that until their IB credits have been articulated to their Rice transcript, they may not be able to register online for some courses that require a prerequisite. In those instances, the student will need to obtain the instructor's approval signature via a Special Registration Form and submit that form to the Office of the Registrar.

What will happen if I take courses at Rice which are equivalent to the IB course credit I received?

Both your IB credit and your Rice enrollment will appear on your transcript, but the IB credit will be excluded from your earned hours. You cannot, for instance, retain IB credit for PHYS 141 and complete Rice enrollment in PHYS 101, PHYS 111, or PHYS 125. The Physics department considers these courses equivalent and does not allow "repeated" credit. If you receive IB credit for the PHYSICS exam (PHYS 141 and 142), and then take PHYS 101 at Rice, your credit in PHYS 141 will be excluded after you receive a final grade for PHYS 101.

What is the maximum amount of IB credit that can be awarded?

Currently, Rice does not limit the amount of IB credit that can be awarded. However, this policy could change in the future. Be sure to check the IB policies for the year of your matriculation at Rice.

Does IB credit for English satisfy the Composition Examination (CE) requirement?

No. All students must take the Composition Examination (CE), even if they receive IB credit for English.

What if I have questions that are not answered on this website?

Please contact registrar@rice.edu.

IB Credit Lists for Current and Previous Years