The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is widely recognised for its academic rigour and its ability to prepare students for higher education. But once the exams are over and the diploma is in hand, many students and their families are left wondering—what comes next after the IB Diploma?

Whether your child plans to go to university, explore professional training, improve their language skills, or enter the workforce, there are a wide range of opportunities to consider.

At TEMS, we support our students every step of the way—from choosing the right IB subjects – if they choose that option from our three pathways (IBDP, A Levels and Spanish Bachillerato) to mapping out their future after graduation. In this post, we’ll look in depth at what you can do after earning the IB Diploma.

Access to University

For many IB students, the most common next step is university. The IB Diploma is accepted by universities around the world, including top institutions in Spain, the UK, the US, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, and beyond. The breadth and depth of the IB curriculum give students a competitive edge in the university admissions process.

In Spain, IB graduates can access university through the Acceso a la Universidad (University Entrance) system. They may need to take the PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) exams, especially if they wish to study at a public university. However, many private universities in Spain already recognise the IB Diploma directly.

Universities in the UK often make conditional offers based on IB scores, while US colleges may offer course credits for high scores in Higher Level subjects. The flexibility of the IB means students can apply almost anywhere with a strong academic foundation.

We offer tailored university preparation at TEMS to help students identify the best fit for their interests, strengths, and future aspirations—whether that’s Medicine at a UK university, Business in the Netherlands, or Engineering in Spain.

International Baccalaureate and university

One of the IB’s greatest advantages is how well it prepares students for university-level study. IB graduates are often praised for their critical thinking skills, time management, and research abilities.

Subjects including in the IBDP Core such as Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay encourage independent thinking and intellectual curiosity—skills that are essential in higher education.

Moreover, the IB’s emphasis on global awareness and intercultural understanding makes students more adaptable to international university environments. In fact, many university admissions officers view the IB Diploma as a strong indicator of a student’s ability to succeed in a demanding academic setting.

TEMS students benefit from the school’s international focus and bilingual curriculum, which align perfectly with the values of the IB and the expectations of global universities.

Professional Training

While university is a popular choice, it’s not the only path after the IB Diploma. Some students are ready to pursue professional training or vocational courses that lead directly to employment. Options include higher vocational education (FP Superior in Spain), which offers practical training in fields such as healthcare, hospitality, technology, or design.

This pathway can be ideal for students who prefer hands-on learning or who already have a clear idea of their career goals. Many professional training programmes are well-regarded and lead to stable, rewarding careers.

In Spain and across Europe, there are also dual education systems that combine classroom learning with real-world work experience. These programmes often provide a quicker route to employment and valuable industry connections.

Improving Language Skills

For students considering a gap year or still exploring their future plans, dedicating time to improving language skills can be a smart and rewarding choice. Learning additional languages not only enhances employability and cross-cultural communication but can also strengthen university and job applications.

For those new to Spain, the country offers excellent opportunities for students to refine their Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Others may choose to study English abroad in countries such as the UK, Ireland, or the United States, or immerse themselves in new linguistic environments in places like France, Germany, or around the world.

Being multilingual is increasingly valuable in today’s globalised world, helping students stand out in competitive academic and professional environments. Whether to support future studies or career plans, investing in language development is always a worthwhile step forward.

At TEMS, students graduate with a strong foundation in English and Spanish, and many also take French as a third language. This multilingual advantage opens doors around the world.

Work opportunities

Part-time jobs, internships, and volunteering all provide opportunities to develop skills, build a CV, and explore career interests. Employers often value the maturity and work ethic of IB graduates, especially those who have completed the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component of the diploma.

Gap year work experiences—whether at home or abroad—can also enhance university applications by showing initiative, independence, and a willingness to learn outside of the classroom.

At TEMS, we encourage students to reflect on their goals and values when considering work opportunities and to choose experiences that align with their long-term aspirations.

Finishing the IB Diploma is a significant achievement—but it’s also just the beginning. Whether your path leads to university, professional training, language development, or work, the skills you’ve gained through the IB will serve you well.