Diploma Programme (DP)

Academic learning with depth and breadth that develops research, critical thinking, and self-management, preparing students for university study.

ABOUT DP

What is the DP?

The Diploma Programme (DP) is the IB’s two-year pre-university programme for students aged 16 to 19. Students study courses from six subject groups and complete three core elements: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

The DP values academic depth, interdisciplinary thinking, and independent research, and asks students to reflect continuously on their learning and actions. The grades, classes, subjects offered, and course levels for the DP at LUYA follow the school’s approved curriculum plan and annual announcements.

Authorization

LUYA International High School is an authorized IB World School offering the Diploma Programme. The school announced its DP authorization on 10 April 2026 (school announcement date).

SUBJECT GROUPS

Six Subject Groups

Students choose subjects from six groups, taking some at Higher Level (HL) and others at Standard Level (SL). HL and SL courses are both graded 1–7, with HL covering a broader and deeper body of content. The subjects available depend on the courses offered by the school each year.

Studies in Language and Literature

Language Acquisition

Individuals and Societies

Sciences

Mathematics

The Arts

THE DP CORE

The Three Core Elements

TOK

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Reflecting on how we know what we know, comparing the methods and perspectives of different areas of knowledge, and developing critical thinking.

Extended Essay (EE)

An independent research project on a self-chosen topic, written as an academic paper, building skills in research questions, analysis, and academic writing.

CAS

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Experiences in creativity, physical activity, and service that connect growth beyond academics, with ongoing records and reflection.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment

ASSESSMENT

Internal and External Assessment

For most courses, written examinations at the end of the programme form the main basis of assessment, together with in-school tasks marked by teachers and moderated by the IB, or coursework assessed externally by the IB.

All subjects are assessed against the same grade descriptors, with grades from 1 to 7 (7 is the highest).

DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for the IB Diploma

Six subjects graded 1–7, plus up to 3 points from the combined TOK and EE grades, for a maximum of 45 points.
At least 24 points in total, together with the IB’s other conditions, including HL and SL point requirements.
TOK and the EE are graded A–E; CAS is not graded but must be confirmed as completed by the school.

Detailed rules follow the IB’s latest official publications.

PATHWAYS

Pathways

The DP is one of the internationally recognised pre-university programmes, and its research, writing, and independent-learning training helps students prepare for university. However, each university and course sets its own requirements for the IB Diploma, subject combinations, and scores, so students should check the latest information with their target universities.

Students planning to apply to universities in Taiwan should also confirm the eligibility, recognition, and examination or review requirements of each programme. IB authorization does not guarantee admission to any university or any credit transfer.

Explore Further

Learn about the MYP, IB authorization, and senior high school admissions.