The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme was created in 1968. It is a demanding two-year pre-university course of study designed for highly motivated secondary school students and ends with examinations.

The curriculum is modeled by a hexagon with six academic areas surrounding the three core requirements.

Over the course of the two-year program, students:

• study six subjects chosen from the six subject groups
• complete an extended essay
• take a Theory of Knowledge course
• participate in creativity, action, service

• three of the six subjects are studied at higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours)
• the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (courses representing 150 teaching hours)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme has an international reputation as an academic course that is excellent preparation for university. In Europe, North America, Australasia and elsewhere, the Diploma is regarded as an excellent credential for admission into universities. Most North American universities have an policy especially for International Baccalaureate students that includes advanced placement and college credit.