IB Schools in Jakarta: International Baccalaureate Options for Expat Families
The International Baccalaureate has become the defining framework of international school education globally, and Jakarta is no exception. The city's most prestigious international schools — JIS, BSJ, ACG, SPH — all use IB programmes at one or more levels. For globally mobile families, the IB offers a clear advantage: a child educated under the IB framework in Jakarta can transfer to an IB school in Singapore, London, Dubai, or Sydney with minimal curriculum disruption.
This guide explains the full IB continuum as it applies in Jakarta, profiles the schools offering each programme, and addresses university application implications.
The Three IB Programmes
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) — Ages 3–12
The PYP is a transdisciplinary framework that develops children as global citizens through six subject areas: language, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and personal, social, and physical education. It is built around six overarching themes (Who We Are; Sharing the Planet; etc.) that recur across all subjects, building conceptual connections.
The PYP does not result in an external exam but concludes with a student-led Exhibition — a collaborative inquiry project — at the end of the primary phase.
Jakarta schools offering PYP:
- Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS)
- ACG School Jakarta
- Sekolah Pelita Harapan (selected campuses)
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) — Ages 11–16
The MYP covers eight subject groups: language acquisition, language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical and health education, and design. It runs for five years (roughly Years 7–11) and emphasises interdisciplinary thinking, global contexts, and the IB Learner Profile attributes.
The MYP culminates in optional Cambridge eAssessments or internal assessments that generate a formal MYP record. Most Jakarta schools use the MYP internally without external examinations, transitioning students directly into the IB Diploma.
Jakarta schools offering MYP:
- Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS)
- British School Jakarta (BSJ)
- ACG School Jakarta (via Cambridge Lower Secondary first, then IB Diploma)
- Sekolah Pelita Harapan (selected campuses)
IB Diploma Programme (DP) — Ages 16–19
The IB Diploma is the capstone qualification. Students take six subjects — three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL) — from six subject groups, plus three core components:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): An interdisciplinary course examining the nature of knowledge
- Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research essay
- CAS: Creativity, Activity, Service — a structured record of activities beyond academic study
The maximum score is 45 points (7 per subject, 3 for core). University offers are expressed in total points and in HL subject requirements. Most competitive UK universities seek 36–40+ points for well-regarded courses; highly competitive courses (Oxbridge medicine) typically require 40–42.
Jakarta schools offering the IB Diploma:
- Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS)
- British School Jakarta (BSJ)
- ACG School Jakarta
- Sekolah Pelita Harapan (Kemang Village and other campuses)
- North Jakarta Intercultural School
- Several other IBO-authorised schools in the Jabodetabek area
Choosing Between Jakarta IB Schools
| School | IB Programmes | Annual DP Fees (IDR approx.) | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| JIS | PYP + MYP + DP | 450–600 million | Large, very international, 60+ nationalities |
| BSJ | MYP + DP (ENC primary) | 350–411 million | British-feel, strong pastoral |
| ACG | PYP + IGCSE + DP | ~200–250 million | Mid-size, full K–13 |
| SPH | PYP / Cambridge + DP | 150–200 million | Faith-based, multiple campuses |
All fees approximate, 2025/26. Verify directly with schools.
IB Diploma and University Applications
UK Universities
UCAS accepts IB Diploma results via a points-equivalence system. Representative benchmarks:
| IB Points | Approximate UK A-Level Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 45 | AAA* |
| 40–42 | A*AA |
| 38–39 | AAA |
| 35–37 | AAB–ABB |
| 32–34 | BBB |
Subject-specific requirements matter: most UK medical schools require HL Biology and HL Chemistry as a minimum. Law, economics, and humanities degrees are broadly accessible from a wide IB subject combination. Science and engineering degrees typically require HL Mathematics and a relevant science at HL.
Students apply through UCAS with their predicted IB scores (provided by the school in the Year 12 autumn term) and receive conditional offers; confirmed offers follow results in July.
US Universities
The IB Diploma is well-recognised by US colleges and universities. Many institutions grant college credit for HL subjects with scores of 5–7, potentially allowing students to waive introductory courses in relevant areas. The Extended Essay is often mentioned positively in US applications as evidence of independent research capacity.
US applications are submitted through the Common Application or Coalition Application in autumn of Year 13, with most Early Decision deadlines in November and Regular Decision in January. JIS, with its American curriculum heritage, provides particularly strong support for US college applications.
Australian Universities
Australian universities accept the IB Diploma with explicit point-to-ATAR conversion systems varying by state. Melbourne, Sydney, and ANU are among the universities publishing clear IB entry score requirements.
Subject Selection: Planning Ahead
The single most important IB planning decision is subject group selection, made at the start of Year 12 (or in Year 11 at schools with pre-DP option periods). Families should:
- Identify target universities and courses before subject selection
- Check HL requirements for those specific courses — do not leave this until Year 12
- Confirm prerequisite languages — the IB requires a Language A (first language) and Language B (second language), which must both be offered by the school
- Discuss Mathematics options: The IB offers Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (more abstract) and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (more applied). Science and engineering routes typically require Analysis and Approaches at HL.
For more detail on university applications specifically, see our university admissions from Jakarta international schools guide.
The IB Learner Profile
Beyond qualifications, the IB framework develops what it terms "Learner Profile" attributes: inquiring, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. For globally mobile families, these attributes — and the cross-cultural skills that IB schools inherently cultivate — are a genuine long-term asset for children growing up internationally.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments works with internationally mobile families across more than 32 years of experience. If a Jakarta posting is part of a broader global career — one that will involve multiple countries, school systems, and eventual university decisions — our advisers can help you plan the financial shape of that journey, including education cost modelling, currency management, and property strategy. Contact us to speak with our team.
This guide is for general information only. IB programme details, school authorisations, and university entry requirements change. Always verify with the IBO, individual schools, and target universities. Investment and property values can fall as well as rise.
Frequently asked questions
How many schools in Jakarta offer the IB Diploma Programme?
As of 2025/26, approximately nine schools in the greater Jakarta area are authorised by the IBO to deliver the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with JIS, BSJ, ACG, and SPH Kemang Village among the most established. The full IB continuum (PYP + MYP + DP) is offered at JIS and some SPH campuses.
What is the minimum IB Diploma score for a UK university?
Typical offers from UK universities range from 28–38+ IB Diploma points for competitive undergraduate programmes. Medicine and law at top universities typically require 38–40 points with specified Higher Level subject combinations. Oxford and Cambridge offers typically fall in the 38–42 range, with Cambridge often at the upper end (40–42 points) and specific Higher Level grades.
Is the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) accepted globally?
Yes. The IB PYP is one of the most internationally recognised primary frameworks in the world, delivered in over 2,400 schools across 100+ countries. Students completing PYP are well-prepared for either the IB MYP or other secondary curricula in most countries.
Does the IB Diploma help with US university applications?
Yes — the IB Diploma is highly regarded by US universities. Most US colleges grant Advanced Placement (AP)-equivalent credit for IB Higher Level subjects with scores of 5–7. The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are seen as indicators of the independent thinking US universities value.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.