Diploma Programme

Our Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous, university-preparatory course of study for students aged sixteen to nineteen. It is a broad-based, two-year course that aims to cultivate knowledgeability and inquiry, but also caring and compassion in our students. They are encouraged to develop intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and the attitudes necessary for them to respect and value a range of viewpoints. The DP equips students with the learning and communication skills necessary for success in higher education and employment. At the end of grade 12, students face a set of external examinations. Graduating with the IB Diploma, they have access to the world’s leading universities.

International Baccalaureate Diploma is recognized as German Abitur

Students who take certain courses and achieve certain exam scores can have their International Baccalaureate Diploma recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur. Details about the German recognition of the IB Diploma can be found at the website of the Kultusministerkonferenz.

Reassuringly independent and rigorous, the IB DP is recognised for its academic integrity, range, and the high level of study skills each student must develop to succeed. Made up of the three required components, the DP core aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills. Most students at DIS take the full IB Diploma, studying six subjects along with the three compulsory core areas.

A successful completion of the two year IB Diploma Program leads automatically to the award of a DIS High School Diploma, especially for graduates studying in US or Canada. Students with two languages at a native speaker or near mother tongue level qualify for a bilingual diploma.

German recognition of the IB Diploma

In Germany, the International Baccalaureate Diploma is officially recognized by the Kultusministerkonferenz (the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs) as a valid university entrance qualification. All requirements for an IB Diploma to be recognized in Germany are listed in the Agreement on the Recognition of the "International Baccalaureate Diploma" last amended by the Kultusministerkonferenz in 2023.

Curriculum

The course curriculum is presented as six academic areas - language acquisition, language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts - encompassing the following core disciplines: theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay (EE). The DP core aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

Language Acquisition - The acquisition and use of language in a range of contexts and for different purposes, while promoting an understanding of other cultures. We offer German and Spanish.

Language and Literature - Through studies in language and literature, the DP aims to develop a student’s lifelong interest in language and literature, and a love for the elegance and richness of human expression. We offer English and German Mothertongue Level. 

Individuals and Societies - Fosters the capacity to identify, analyse and evaluate theories, concepts and arguments relating to the nature and activities of individuals and societies. We offer History, Geography and Economics.

Sciences - Students explore the concepts, theories, models and techniques that underpin each subject area and develop their understanding of the scientific method. We offer Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

Mathematics - Courses enable students to develop knowledge of concepts and principles, logical and critical thinking, and refine their powers of abstraction.

The Arts - Fosters critical, reflective and informed practice, helps students understand the dynamic nature of the arts, and express themselves with confidence. We offer Visual Arts and Performing Arts. 

Semperoper Partner School

We are a partner school of the Semperoper Dresden. The partner school program enables our Primary and Secondary students to gain insights into the operations of the Semperoper. Through workshops, guided tours of the opera house and the backstage area, as well as rehearsal or performance visits, the students get a glimpse of the professional performing arts world up close. The partner school project is integrated into the subjects of music and performing arts. Our students also benefit from the cooperation in the language subjects, as some workshops and performances are in German. 

 

Programme Grade 11 and 12

For further information about our programme in Grade 11 and 12, please click on the link. 

More Information

IB Diploma Results 2026

28 IB Graduates

  • DIS average total points
    = 32
  • DIS Diploma pass rate
    = 89.3 % (worldwide = 81 %*)
  • DIS highest score
    = 41 (German Abitur 1.1)
  • DIS students scoring 35+
    =  25 %
  • DIS bilingual Diploma rate
    = 64 % (worldwide = 28 %*)
  • Average Core Points (TOK / EE)
    = 1.7 (of 3)
  • Extend Essay pass rate
    = 100 %
  • TOK pass rate
    = 100 %

* 2025

University Destinations

Students graduating from DIS have the academic knowledge required to succeed in some of the most sought after universities across the world as well as the interpersonal skills that ensures a seamless integration into the higher education system.

A majority of our students continue their studies in Germany, the UK, the USA and the Netherlands. We also have students studying in Austria, Poland, Japan, India, South Korea, and a range of European countries.

 

Austria - Medical University of Vienna, University of Graz, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Universität Wien, Karl Landsteiner University, Krems, Universität Innsbruck

Canada - Bishop’s University, Toronto Metropolitan University

Czech Republic - Charles University

France - Sorbonne University Paris

Germany - Bauhaus Universität Weimar, Berlin Business School, BSB Hamburg, Charité Berlin, Constructor University (Jacobs), Duale Hochschule Sachsen, EBS/European Business School, ESMOD Berlin, Frankfurt School of Medicine, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, FU Berlin, Health and Medical University Potsdam, HTW Dresden, Hochschule der Künste Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Leuphana Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Macromedia University München, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle, Munich Business School, OTH Amberg, Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, SRH Berlin Uni of Applied Sciences, TU Dresden, TU München, TU of Applied Sciences Wildau, Universität Bayreuth, Universität Freiburg, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Universität Greifswald, Universität Heidelberg, Universität Koblenz, Universität zu Köln, Universität Leipzig, Universität Passau

Greece - The American College of Greece

India - Jain University

Lithuania - Vilnius University

Malta - L-Università ta' Malta

Netherlands - Design Academy Eindhoven, Eindhoven University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Hotelschool The Hague, Leiden University, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Tilburg University, Technical University of Delft, University of Groningen, University Amsterdam, University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, University Maastricht, University Rotterdam, University of Twente, Utrecht University College, Vrije University Amsterdam, Zeeland University of Applied Sciences

Norway - Kristiansand University (Global Development), Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Poland - Wroclaw Medical University, Pomerian University Stettin

Singapore - National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Social Sciences

Spain - Universidad Europea Madrid Spain, European University Business School, Barcelona

Switzerland - César Ritz Colleges, ETH Zurich, Universität Zürich

UK - Arts City University London, Exeter University, HULT London, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, King's College London, Manchester university, Strathclyde University Glasgow, UCL London, University College London, University of Bath, University of Birmingham, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Nottingham, University of Oxford, University of Salford, University of St. Andrews, University of Stirling, University of Sunderland, University of Sussex, University Warwick, University of Westminster, London

USA - Arizona State University, Boston University, California State University, Monterey Bay; Colorado College, Columbia University, Depaul University in Chicago, Florida International University, James Madison University, San Diego State University , Santa Clara University, State University of New York, Stony Brook; Texas A&M University, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Massachusetts, Amherst; University of Rhode Island, University of South Carolina, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wake Forest University 

 

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