IB subjects · by major
Which IB subjects for which major?
The IB subjects, levels and grades that 16 universities in the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia require or recommend for ten majors, and which combination meets them all, so you can check a choice before picking subjects in Grade 10. Every line comes from the university's own pages.
Updated regularlyLast updated 19 October 2026
This guide is updated whenever new official data comes out. Bookmark it and check back.
16Universities in four countriesUK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia; US advice below
8 of 12Medical courses that require ChemistrySeven of them at HL
4 of 14Engineering courses that require HL PhysicsAll four in the UK
0 of 12Law courses that require a subject other than EnglishEnglish grades count at NUS, SMU, CUHK and Monash
In short
Four things to know
Medicine: Chemistry, and usually Biology, at HL
Eight of the 12 school-leaver medical courses here require Chemistry, seven of them at HL, and the UK and Singapore courses add Biology (or Physics or Maths) at HL. Hong Kong asks for Biology or Chemistry at HL; only Sydney and UNSW name no subject.
UK engineering and physics want HL Maths and HL Physics
Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial and UCL require both at HL for engineering and physics. NUS engineering needs only Maths AA HL (with a bridging course if you have no Physics), and Hong Kong and Australian courses accept any science.
Maths level matters most for computing, economics and business
Every UK course here in these subjects except King's Business Management needs HL Maths at 6 or 7, and several accept only Maths AA. In Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia SL Maths is often enough. Our requirements guide covers AA versus AI course by course.
Law, psychology and architecture: few fixed subjects
No law or architecture course here requires an HL subject other than English, and psychology asks at most for one or two sciences or Maths at HL (in the UK). NUS, SMU, CUHK and Monash set English grades for law.
By major
Subject requirements by major
Choose a major. The box shows a combination that meets every course listed; the table shows each university's rule, grouped by country.
Major
Computer Science
A combination that meets every course listed
Maths AA HL with Physics HL meets the subject rules of every course listed. Computer Science HL works almost as well, but Melbourne's Bachelor of Science needs Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Cambridge | Computer Science | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL | TMUA. Colleges may ask for 7 in Chemistry or Physics if taken; 84% of recent entrants took Physics. |
| Oxford | Computer Science | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 (AA or AI) | TMUA. |
| Imperial | Computing | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 (AA or AI) + 7 in another relevant HL subject | TMUA. Computer Science and Physics are highly recommended. |
| UCL | Computer Science | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 (AA preferred) | TARA. |
| King's College London | Computer Science | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL 6 | Maths AI not accepted. Computer Science is a preferred subject. |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Computer Science | Subjects or grades (SL can count)One of HL Computer Science, HL Maths AA or HL Physics; or a good pass in Maths AA SL or Maths AI HL | – |
| NTU | Computer Science | Specific HL subjectsHL Maths, or HL Physics or HL Computer Science | Maths AA and AI both accepted. |
| SMU | Computer Science | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Good pass in Maths (HL or SL) | Shortlisted applicants are interviewed. |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Computing and Data Science | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths (AA or AI) HL 6 or SL 7 + one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, CS at HL 5 or SL 6 | – |
| HKUST | Computer Science and Engineering (School of Engineering) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths (AA HL, AA SL or AI HL) + one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, CS (HL or SL) | Physics or CS preferred. Maths AI SL not accepted. |
| CUHK | Computer Science and Engineering | No subject requirementNone formally | Preferred: Maths HL plus Biology, Chemistry, CS or Physics at HL. |
| Australia | |||
| Melbourne | Bachelor of Science (Computing and Software Systems) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths AA (SL/HL) or AI HL 4 + Biology, Chemistry or Physics 4 | No separate CS degree. Maths AI SL not accepted. |
| Sydney | Advanced Computing | No subject requirementNone for an IB taken outside Australia | The maths prerequisite applies only to an IB taken in Australia. Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Extension 1. |
| UNSW | Computer Science | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Extension 1. |
| Monash | Computer Science | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English SL 4 + Maths AA SL 4 (or AA/AI HL 3) | Maths AI SL not accepted. |
No such course for school leavers LSE (No Computer Science degree (nearest: Data Science))
Engineering
A combination that meets every course listed
Maths AA HL with Physics HL meets every course listed. Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial and UCL require both at HL; elsewhere any science, or none, is enough.
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Cambridge | Engineering | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL + Physics HL | ESAT. Colleges often ask for 7 in Physics or another science. |
| Oxford | Engineering Science | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 + Physics HL 7 (Maths AA or AI) | ESAT. |
| Imperial | Mechanical Engineering | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 6 + Physics HL 6 (AA preferred) | ESAT. Typical offer: 7 in both. |
| UCL | Mechanical Engineering | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL + Physics HL, 7 and 6 | TARA. Preferred third HL: Design Technology, Economics, Geography, Chemistry or Biology. |
| King's College London | General Engineering | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL 6 | Physics not required. Maths AI not accepted. |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Mechanical Engineering | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL | Physics not required, but students without it may have to take a bridging course. Maths AI HL not accepted. |
| NTU | Mechanical Engineering | Specific HL subjectsHL Maths + one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or CS at HL | Maths AA and AI both accepted. |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Mechanical Engineering | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths (AA or AI) HL 5 or AA SL 6 + Biology, Chemistry or Physics HL 5 or SL 6 | – |
| HKUST | Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (School of Engineering) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths (AA HL, AA SL or AI HL) + one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, CS (HL or SL) | Physics preferred. |
| CUHK | Mechanical and Automation Engineering | No subject requirementNone formally | Preferred: any Maths except AI SL, plus Biology, Chemistry, CS or Physics. |
| Australia | |||
| Melbourne | Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering Systems) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths AA (SL/HL) or AI HL 4 + Biology, Chemistry or Physics 4 | To work as an engineer you add the two-year master's. |
| Sydney | Engineering Honours (Mechanical) | No subject requirementNone for an IB taken outside Australia | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Extension 1; Physics recommended. |
| UNSW | Engineering (Honours) | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Extension 1 and Physics. |
| Monash | Engineering (Honours) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English SL 4 + Maths AA SL 4 (or AA/AI HL 3) + Chemistry or Physics SL 4 / HL 3, or Biology SL 5 / HL 4 | – |
No such course for school leavers LSE, SMU
Mathematics
A combination that meets every course listed
Maths AA HL meets the maths rule everywhere. HKU, HKUST and Melbourne also want a science (HKUST: Physics or Chemistry), and Imperial a 6 in a second HL subject.
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Cambridge | Mathematics | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL | TMUA to apply; STEP in the offer. |
| Oxford | Mathematics | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 (AA or AI) | TMUA. |
| Imperial | Mathematics | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 + 6 in another HL subject (AA preferred) | TMUA. |
| LSE | Mathematics with Data Science | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL 7 | No single-honours Mathematics. TMUA recommended. |
| UCL | Mathematics | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL 7 | Maths AI not accepted. Preferred third HL: Physics, Chemistry, CS, Biology, Economics or English. |
| King's College London | Mathematics | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL 7 | Maths AI not accepted. |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Mathematics | Specific HL subjectsGood pass in Maths AA HL | Major chosen in the first two years; without the prerequisite you take a bridging course. |
| NTU | Mathematical Sciences | Specific HL subjectsHL Maths | Maths AA and AI both accepted. |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Bachelor of Science (Mathematics major) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths (AA or AI, SL or HL) 4 + Biology, Chemistry or Physics 4 | – |
| HKUST | Science (Group A): Mathematics | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths + Physics or Chemistry | The page does not say HL or SL. |
| CUHK | Science (broad-based): Mathematics major | No subject requirementNone formally | Preferred: two of Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Economics or Geography, Physics at HL; Enrichment Maths prefers Maths AA HL. |
| Australia | |||
| Melbourne | Bachelor of Science (Mathematics majors) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths AA (SL/HL) or AI HL 4 + Biology, Chemistry or Physics 4 | – |
| Sydney | Mathematical Sciences | No subject requirementNone for an IB taken outside Australia | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Extension 1. |
| UNSW | Advanced Mathematics (Honours) | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Extension 1. |
| Monash | Bachelor of Science (Mathematics major) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English SL 4 + one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Psychology, ESS (SL) or Maths (AA, or AI at HL): SL 4 / HL 3 | – |
No such course for school leavers SMU
Sciences
Physical sciences (Physics, Natural Sciences)
A combination that meets every course listed
Maths AA, Physics and Chemistry at HL meets every physical-science course listed: Cambridge Natural Sciences needs Maths plus two sciences at HL, and Imperial a third HL at 6.
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Cambridge | Natural Sciences (physical) | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL + two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics at HL | ESAT. The Maths-plus-two-sciences rule is new; most entrants took Physics and Chemistry. |
| Oxford | Physics | Specific HL subjectsPhysics HL + Maths HL (AA or AI) | ESAT. |
| Imperial | Physics | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 + Physics HL 7 + 6 in a third HL (AA preferred) | ESAT. |
| UCL | Physics | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL + Physics HL, 7 and 6 | – |
| King's College London | Physics | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL 6 + Physics HL 6 | – |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Physics | Specific HL subjectsGood pass in Maths AA HL | HL Physics is not a prerequisite. |
| NTU | Physics / Applied Physics | Specific HL subjectsHL Physics + HL Maths | – |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Bachelor of Science (Physics major) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths (AA or AI, SL or HL) 4 + Biology, Chemistry or Physics 4 | – |
| HKUST | Science (Group A): Physics | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths + Physics or Chemistry | – |
| CUHK | Science (broad-based): Physics major | No subject requirementNone formally | Theoretical Physics stream prefers Maths AA HL and Physics HL. |
| Australia | |||
| Melbourne | Bachelor of Science (Physics major) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths AA (SL/HL) or AI HL 4 + Biology, Chemistry or Physics 4 | – |
| Sydney | Bachelor of Science (Physics major) | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Advanced. |
| UNSW | Bachelor of Science (Physics major) | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths and one or more sciences. |
| Monash | Bachelor of Science (Physics major) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English SL 4 + one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Psychology, ESS (SL) or Maths (AA, or AI at HL): SL 4 / HL 3 | – |
No such course for school leavers LSE, SMU
Biological sciences (Biology, Biomedical Sciences)
A combination that meets every course listed
Biology and Chemistry at HL, with Maths AA at least at SL, meets every biology course listed except Cambridge Natural Sciences, which also needs Maths at HL.
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Cambridge | Natural Sciences (biological) | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL (AA recommended) + two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics at HL | ESAT. Most entrants took Biology and Chemistry. |
| Oxford | Biology | Specific HL subjectsBiology HL + one of Chemistry, Physics or Maths at HL | No admissions test. |
| Imperial | Biological Sciences | Specific HL subjectsBiology HL 6 + Chemistry, Maths or Physics HL 6 | ESAT. |
| UCL | Biological Sciences | Specific HL subjectsBiology HL 6 + Chemistry, Maths or Physics HL 5 | Higher English requirement than most science courses. |
| King's College London | Biomedical Science | Specific HL subjectsBiology HL 6 + Chemistry HL 6 | – |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Life Sciences | Specific HL subjectsGood pass in HL Biology and HL Chemistry | Students without them can take bridging courses. |
| NTU | Biological Sciences | Specific HL subjectsSL Maths + one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at HL | – |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Biomedical Sciences | Specific HL subjectsBiology or Chemistry HL 6 | Biology is also a major in the Bachelor of Science (Maths 4 + a science 4). |
| HKUST | Science (Group B): Biochemistry and Cell Biology | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths + Chemistry or Biology | – |
| CUHK | Biomedical Sciences | No subject requirementNone formally | Preferred: two subjects, at least one of Biology, Chemistry or Sports, Exercise and Health Science. |
| Australia | |||
| Melbourne | Bachelor of Science (biology majors) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths AA (SL/HL) or AI HL 4 + Biology, Chemistry or Physics 4 | – |
| Sydney | Bachelor of Science (biology majors) | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Advanced. |
| UNSW | Bachelor of Science (biology majors) | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths and one or more sciences. |
| Monash | Bachelor of Science (biology majors) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English SL 4 + one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Psychology, ESS (SL) or Maths (AA, or AI at HL): SL 4 / HL 3 | – |
No such course for school leavers LSE, SMU
Medicine
A combination that meets every course listed
Chemistry and Biology at HL meets the subject rules of every medical course listed, except Cambridge Colleges that ask for a third HL (Physics or Maths). Monash adds an English grade, HKU Chinese, and most add an admissions test.
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Cambridge | Medicine | Specific HL subjectsChemistry HL + one or two of Biology, Physics, Maths at HL (by College) | UCAT. 22 places for overseas students; you must be 18 by 1 November of the first year. |
| Oxford | Medicine | Specific HL subjectsChemistry HL + one of Biology, Physics or Maths at HL | UCAT. At most 14 international students a year, shared with the graduate-entry course. |
| Imperial | Medicine | Specific HL subjectsBiology HL 6 + Chemistry HL 6 | UCAT and interview. Typical offer: 6 and 7. |
| UCL | Medicine | Specific HL subjectsBiology HL + Chemistry HL, 7 and 6 | UCAT. |
| King's College London | Medicine | Specific HL subjectsBiology HL 6 + Chemistry HL 6 | UCAT and interview. |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Medicine | Specific HL subjectsHL Chemistry + HL Biology or HL Physics | With predicted grades: UCAT (or SAT/ACT with AP). Assessment and interview. |
| NTU | Medicine | Specific HL subjectsHL Chemistry + HL Biology or HL Physics | UCAT and interview. Predicted IB scores not accepted. |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Medicine | Specific HL subjectsBiology or Chemistry HL 4 | A good working knowledge of Chinese is required; interview. |
| CUHK | Medicine | Specific HL subjectsChemistry or Biology HL; at least 42 points with HL grades of 7, 7, 6 | Both Chemistry and Biology recommended. |
| Australia | |||
| Sydney | Science and Doctor of Medicine | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Biology, Chemistry and Maths Advanced. About 10 international places a year. |
| UNSW | Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine | No subject requirement | ISAT or UCAT ANZ and interview; Chemistry recommended. No offers on predicted results. |
| Monash | Medical Science and Medicine | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English SL 5 / HL 4 (English B SL 6 / HL 5) + Chemistry SL 5 / HL 4 | ISAT and interview. |
No such course for school leavers LSE, SMU (Graduate-entry pathway for Singapore citizens and PRs only), HKUST (New graduate-entry MBBS from 2028/29), Melbourne (Graduate entry; Biomedicine is the pathway (English, Chemistry, Maths 4))
Economics
A combination that meets every course listed
Maths AA HL meets the maths rule of every economics course listed. UK universities want a 6 or 7 at HL; in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia SL is often enough, sometimes with an English grade (NTU, HKU).
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Cambridge | Economics | Specific HL subjectsMaths AA HL | TMUA. |
| Oxford | Economics and Management | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 6 or 7 (AA or AI) | TARA. No single-honours Economics; PPE is the other route. |
| Imperial | Economics, Finance and Data Science | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 (AA or AI) + 6 in two other HL subjects | TMUA. |
| LSE | Economics | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 (AA preferred) | TMUA. |
| UCL | Economics | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 (AA or AI) | TMUA. |
| King's College London | Economics | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 6 (AA or AI) | No admissions test. |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Economics | No subject requirement | Major chosen in the first two years. Data Science and Economics needs a very good pass in Maths AA HL. |
| NTU | Economics | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Good grades in SL Maths and SL English | – |
| SMU | Economics | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Good pass in Maths (HL or SL) | Shortlisted applicants are interviewed. |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Economics / Economics and Finance | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths AA HL 5 or SL 6 (AI HL 6 or SL 7) + English A 5 or English B 6 | – |
| HKUST | BBA in Economics | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths HL or Maths AA SL | – |
| CUHK | Economics | No subject requirementNone formally | Preferred: any Maths or Physics. |
| Australia | |||
| Melbourne | Commerce (Economics major) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English 4 + Maths AA (SL/HL) or AI HL 4 | – |
| Sydney | Economics | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Advanced. |
| UNSW | Economics | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Advanced. |
| Monash | Economics | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English SL 4 + Maths AA SL 4 (or AA/AI HL 3) | – |
Business
A combination that meets every course listed
Maths AA HL meets the maths rule of every business course listed; King's College London also wants a 6 in an HL humanities or social science subject such as Economics or History.
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Oxford | Economics and Management | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 6 or 7 (AA or AI) | Oxford's only management degree (same course as Economics). |
| Imperial | Economics, Finance and Data Science | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 (AA or AI) + 6 in two other HL subjects | The Business School's main degree (same course as Economics). |
| LSE | Management | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL (within 7, 6, 6 at HL) | Traditional academic subjects preferred over business or accounting subjects. |
| UCL | Management Science | Specific HL subjectsMaths HL 7 (AA or AI) | An HL science or social science preferred. |
| King's College London | Business Management | Specific HL subjects6 in an HL humanities or social science subject (not a modern language) | HL Maths not required. |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Business Administration | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths AA (HL or SL) or Maths AI HL | – |
| NTU | Business | Subjects or grades (SL can count)SL Maths + good grade in SL English | – |
| SMU | Business Management | No subject requirement | Shortlisted applicants are interviewed. |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Business Administration | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Maths (AA or AI) HL 5 or SL 6 + English A 5 or English B 6 | – |
| HKUST | Business and Management | No subject requirement | Quantitative programmes such as Economics and Finance need Maths. |
| CUHK | Integrated BBA | No subject requirement | – |
| Australia | |||
| Melbourne | Commerce | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English 4 + Maths AA (SL/HL) or AI HL 4 | – |
| Sydney | Commerce | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Standard or higher. |
| UNSW | Commerce | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Advanced. |
| Monash | Commerce | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English SL 4 + Maths AA SL 4 (or AA/AI HL 3) | – |
No such course for school leavers Cambridge
Law
A combination that meets every course listed
No law course listed requires any subject except English. A good grade in English A meets the English rules at NUS, SMU, CUHK and Monash; HKU asks for at least 6 in every subject, and UK courses use the LNAT.
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Cambridge | Law | No subject requirement | LNAT. |
| Oxford | Law (Jurisprudence) | No subject requirement | LNAT. An essay subject is helpful. |
| LSE | Laws (LLB) | No subject requirement | LNAT. A broad mix of traditional academic subjects is recommended. |
| UCL | Law | No subject requirement | LNAT. |
| King's College London | Law | No subject requirement | LNAT. |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Law | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English (A or B, SL or HL) 5 or higher | Selection test and interview. |
| SMU | Law | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English A (SL or HL) 6 or 7 | Writing test and interview. |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Law | No subject requirementNo specific subject; at least 6 in every subject | English A improves the chance of shortlisting; interview. |
| CUHK | Law | Subjects or grades (SL can count)At least 38 points; English HL 5 or SL 6 (English B SL not accepted); 4 in every other subject | – |
| Australia | |||
| Sydney | Arts and Laws (combined degree) | No subject requirement | Law is studied only in a combined degree. Assumed knowledge: HSC English Advanced. |
| UNSW | Arts / Laws (combined degree) | No subject requirement | No offers on predicted results for law. |
| Monash | Laws (Honours) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English A SL 5 / HL 4 (English B SL 6 / HL 5) | – |
No such course for school leavers Imperial, NTU, HKUST, Melbourne (Graduate Juris Doctor only)
Architecture
A combination that meets every course listed
No architecture course listed requires an HL subject. SL Maths AA, Physics or Chemistry meets NUS's rule; Cambridge recommends Maths, Visual Arts and Physics; Cambridge, UCL, HKU and CUHK ask for a portfolio.
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Cambridge | Architecture | No subject requirementNone (six Colleges ask for specific subjects) | Recommended: Maths, Visual Arts, Physics. Portfolio and assessment. |
| UCL | Architecture | No subject requirement | Portfolio and online interview. |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Architecture | Subjects or grades (SL can count)One of SL Chemistry, SL Maths AA, SL Physics or HL Maths AI | Aptitude test and interview. |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Architectural Studies | No subject requirement | Portfolio and interview. |
| CUHK | Architectural Studies | No subject requirementNone formally | English preferred. Portfolio encouraged; drawing test and interview. |
| Australia | |||
| Melbourne | Design (Architecture major) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English 4 | To register as an architect you add the Master of Architecture. |
| Sydney | Design in Architecture | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC English and Maths Advanced. |
| UNSW | Architectural Studies | No subject requirement | – |
| Monash | Architectural Design | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English SL 4 / HL 3 | No folio. |
No such course for school leavers Oxford, Imperial, LSE, King's College London, NTU, SMU, HKUST
Psychology
A combination that meets every course listed
Biology or Chemistry at HL plus a second HL from Maths, Physics or Psychology meets every UK rule; NTU also wants good SL Maths and English. Cambridge does not count Psychology for its HL rule.
| University | Course | Required subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |||
| Cambridge | Psychological and Behavioural Sciences | Specific HL subjectsAt least one HL from Maths, Biology, Chemistry, CS or Physics | – |
| Oxford | Psychology (Experimental) | No subject requirement | TARA. A science (Psychology counts) or Maths at HL is highly recommended. |
| LSE | Psychological and Behavioural Science | Specific HL subjectsAt least one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology at HL | – |
| UCL | Psychology | Specific HL subjectsTwo of Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology at HL, 7 and 6 | – |
| King's College London | Psychology | Specific HL subjectsOne of Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology at HL 6 | – |
| Singapore | |||
| NUS | Psychology | No subject requirement | Major chosen in the first two years. |
| NTU | Psychology | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Good grades in SL Maths and SL English | – |
| SMU | Social Science (Psychology major) | No subject requirement | – |
| Hong Kong | |||
| HKU | Psychology | No subject requirement | – |
| CUHK | Psychology | No subject requirementNone formally | Preferred: any Maths. |
| Australia | |||
| Melbourne | Arts or Science (Psychology major) | Subjects or grades (SL can count)Arts: English 4; Science: Maths 4 + a science 4 | – |
| Sydney | Psychology | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Advanced. |
| UNSW | Psychology (Honours) | No subject requirement | Assumed knowledge: HSC Maths Advanced. |
| Monash | Psychology | Subjects or grades (SL can count)English SL 4 / HL 3 | – |
No such course for school leavers Imperial, HKUST
Requirements are for 2027 entry where published. HL means Higher Level and SL Standard Level; grades are out of 7. AA is Maths: Analysis and Approaches and AI Maths: Applications and Interpretation. HKU's requirements are those for applicants at a school in Singapore. Australian 'assumed knowledge' is advice, not an entry requirement, and is given in New South Wales (HSC) subject names. Total points and typical offers are not shown here; check each course page.
Sources: each university's course and admissions pages, checked October 2026.
University rules
Rules that apply to every course at a university
These rules change which subjects count, whatever the major.
- Oxford
- Maths AA and AI are both accepted at HL wherever Maths is required (Chemistry also accepts Maths AA at SL).
- Cambridge
- Natural Sciences now requires Maths plus two sciences at HL.
- King's College London
- Science, maths and engineering courses that require HL Maths accept only Maths AA.
- NUS
- Only Maths AA HL counts as equal to H2 Maths; Maths AI HL counts only where a course names it.
- NUS
- English must be one of your IB subjects.
- NTU
- Maths AA and AI are both accepted wherever Maths is required. Offers are made on final results, not predicted grades.
- HKU
- Subject requirements shown on HKU's admissions site depend on where your school is; this page uses those for a school in Singapore.
- Melbourne
- Maths AI SL does not meet the maths prerequisite (except for Agriculture).
- Sydney
- The maths prerequisite does not apply to an IB taken outside Australia.
- UNSW
- No formal subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge is advice only.
- Monash
- Environmental Systems and Societies counts as a science for the Bachelor of Science (SL only); Maths AI SL is not on the maths list.
United States
US universities: recommended, not required
US universities rarely set subject requirements. Caltech is the exception; the others publish recommendations.
- Caltech
- Required: four years of maths including calculus, one year each of physics and chemistry; IB students must take HL Maths.
- MIT
- No required courses. Recommended: maths through calculus, and physics, chemistry and biology.
- Stanford
- No required courses. Recommended: four years each of English and maths (with calculus), three or more of history, science and one language.
- Harvard
- No required courses. Recommended: four years each of English, maths, science (one at an advanced level) and one language; calculus is not required.
- Princeton
- No required courses. Engineering (B.S.E.) applicants are advised to take calculus, physics and chemistry.
Sources
Official pages used
Show all sources
- Cambridgewww.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/computer-science-ba-hons-meng
- Cambridgewww.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/engineering-ba-hons-meng
- Cambridgewww.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/mathematics-ba-hons-mmath
- Cambridgewww.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/natural-sciences-ba-hons-msci
- Cambridgewww.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/medicine-mb-bchir
- Cambridgewww.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/economics-ba-hons
- Cambridgewww.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/law-ba-hons
- Cambridgewww.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/architecture-ba-hons-march
- Cambridgewww.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/psychological-behavioural-sciences-ba-hons
- Oxfordwww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/computer-science
- Oxfordwww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/engineering-science
- Oxfordwww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/mathematics
- Oxfordwww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/physics
- Oxfordwww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/biology
- Oxfordwww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/medicine
- Oxfordwww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/economics-and-management
- Oxfordwww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/law-jurisprudence
- Oxfordwww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/psychology-experimental
- Oxfordwww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/admissions-requirements/international-qualifications
- Imperialwww.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/computing-meng/
- Imperialwww.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/mechanical-engineering/
- Imperialwww.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/mathematics-bsc/
- Imperialwww.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/physics-bsc/
- Imperialwww.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/biological-sciences/
- Imperialwww.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/medicine/
- Imperialwww.imperial.ac.uk/business-school/undergraduate/economics-finance-data-science/how-to-apply/
- LSEwww.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/undergraduate/bsc-mathematics-with-data-science
- LSEwww.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/undergraduate/bsc-economics
- LSEwww.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/undergraduate/bsc-management
- LSEwww.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/undergraduate/llb-bachelor-of-laws
- LSEwww.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/undergraduate/bsc-psychological-and-behavioural-science
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/computer-science-bsc
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/mechanical-engineering-meng
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/mathematics-bsc
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/physics-bsc
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/biological-sciences-bsc
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/medicine-mbbs-bsc
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/economics-bsc-econ
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/management-science-bsc
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/law-llb
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/architecture-bsc
- UCLwww.ucl.ac.uk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate/courses/psychology-bsc
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/computer-science-bsc/entry-requirements
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/general-engineering-meng/entry-requirements
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/mathematics-bsc/entry-requirements
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/physics-bsc/entry-requirements
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/biomedical-science-bsc/entry-requirements
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/medicine-mbbs/entry-requirements
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/economics-bsc/entry-requirements
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/business-management-bsc/requirements
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/law-llb/requirements
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/psychology-bsc/entry-requirements
- King's College Londonwww.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/entry-requirements
- NUSnus.edu.sg/oam/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ibdp-sp.pdf
- NUSchs.nus.edu.sg/?p=11423
- NUSwww.nus.edu.sg/oam/admissions/ib-diploma/admission-requirements
- NTUwww.ntu.edu.sg/media/docs/default-source/undergraduate-admissions/msr/emsr_ib.pdf?sfvrsn=22f65e0e_3
- NTUwww.ntu.edu.sg/medicine/education/bachelor-of-medicine-and-bachelor-of-surgery-(mbbs)/entry-requirements
- NTUwww.ntu.edu.sg/admissions/undergraduate/admission-guide/international-baccalaureate-diploma
- SMUadmissions.smu.edu.sg/admissions-requirements/ib-diploma
- HKUadmissions.hku.hk/apply/international-qualifications
- HKUSTseng.hkust.edu.hk/academics/undergraduate/faq-info-for-non-jupas-and-non-local-students
- HKUSTjoin.hkust.edu.hk/admissions/international-qualifications?general_requirement=All
- HKUSTbmundergrad.hkust.edu.hk/admissions/admission-information/international-qualifications
- CUHKwww.cuhk.edu.hk/adm/intl/adm_guide/IB.pdf
- CUHKwww.med.cuhk.edu.hk/study/prospective-students/undergraduate-study/programme-and-admission/mbchb-and-gps/admissions/non-jupas
- CUHKwww.law.cuhk.edu.hk/app/study-with-us/bachelor-of-laws-llb/
- Melbournestudy.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/undergraduate-study/recognised-vce-equivalent-qualifications/qualifications/general-international-qualifications-international-baccalaureate-ib-diploma
- Melbournestudy.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/major/architecture/
- Melbournestudy.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/major/psychology/
- Melbournestudy.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/undergraduate-study/recognised-vce-equivalent-qualifications
- Sydneywww.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/undergraduate/mathematics-prerequisite.html
- Sydneywww.sydney.edu.au/dam/corporate/documents/study/guides/usyd-international-guide.pdf
- Sydneywww.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/guides/admission-guide-domestic-stduents-applying-for-2027-entry-.pdf
- Sydneywww.sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/uc/bachelor-of-science-and-doctor-of-medicine.html
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/study/undergraduate/bachelor-of-computer-science?studentType=International
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/study/undergraduate/bachelor-of-engineering-honours?studentType=International
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/study/undergraduate/bachelor-of-science-advanced-mathematics-honours?studentType=International
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/study/undergraduate/bachelor-of-science?studentType=International
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/medicine-health/study-with-us/undergraduate/applying-to-medicine/international-applicants
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/study/undergraduate/bachelor-of-economics?studentType=International
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/study/undergraduate/bachelor-of-commerce?studentType=International
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/content/dam/pdfs/future-students/2027-int-ug-entry-table.pdf
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/study/undergraduate/bachelor-of-architectural-studies?studentType=International
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/study/undergraduate/bachelor-of-psychology-honours?studentType=International
- UNSWwww.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/undergraduate/entry-requirements/assumed-knowledge
- Monashwww.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/computer-science-c2001?international=true
- Monashwww.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/engineering-e3001?international=true
- Monashwww.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/science-s2000?international=true
- Monashwww.monash.edu/medicine/som/direct-entry/international/entry-requirements
- Monashwww.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/economics-b2031?international=true
- Monashwww.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/commerce-b2001?international=true
- Monashwww.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/laws-l3001?international=true
- Monashwww.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/architectural-design-f2001?international=true
- Monashwww.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/psychology-m2018?international=true
- Caltechwww.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/academic-requirements-for-first-year-applicants
- MITmitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/highschool/
- Stanfordadmission.stanford.edu/apply/first-year/prepare.html
- Harvardcollege.harvard.edu/resources/faq/are-there-secondary-school-course-requirements-admission
- Princetonadmission.princeton.edu/apply/before-you-apply
- Caltechwww.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/international-applicants
Checked on official university pages in October 2026. Requirements change every year; check each course page before you apply.
Choosing IB subjects?
In the IB Pathway Diagnostic (90 minutes, S$500), we look at your interests, current grades and target universities, and check your subject choices against their requirements.
This is an independent summary by Math with Alex of official university pages. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate or any university. Requirements change every year, so check each university's official course page before you choose subjects or apply.
All guides