Two students hanging out on a staircase at school. Two students hanging out on a staircase at school. Two students hanging out on a staircase at school. Two students hanging out on a staircase at school. Two students hanging out on a staircase at school. Two students hanging out on a staircase at school.

Diploma programme

Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an upper secondary school programme (gymnasieprogram) that prepares you for university in Sweden or abroad. IB is internationally recognised in over 160 countries around the globe. Launch your journey to the world’s top universities with our three year IB track!

What is it like to study at The International School of Helsingborg (ISH)?
The IB Diploma isn’t just about memorising facts — it’s about learning how to think for yourself and making sense of the world around you. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Think differently
    You’ll be encouraged to ask good questions, look at things from different points of view, and really think about why things are the way they are — not just accept the first answer you find.
  • Make connections
    Subjects don’t exist in their own boxes. You’ll see how ideas from one class connect to another, and how everything links to the world beyond school.
  • Learn by doing
    From designing experiments to leading projects, giving presentations, or solving real-world problems — the IB is hands-on. You’ll learn by getting involved.

The IB Diploma helps you grow — not just as a student, but as a person. If you’re curious, open-minded, and ready for a challenge, this is the place for you!

There are approximately 140 students enrolled in the ISH Diploma Programme. About half of them usually advanced from ISH’s Middle Years Programme (MYP), while the rest have completed up to grade 9 of Sweden’s school system or its equivalent level of education in another country.

Admission and Application

Students currently in grade 9 of the Swedish school system can apply through Skånegy.

If you are not in the Swedish school system, there are different ways to apply depending on the applicant. Read more on our admission page.

Do you have any questions?

Feel free to contact our career guidance counsellor nina.hedin@helsingborg.se if you have any questions about the Diploma Programme.

Gymnasie curriculum – Year 1

The first year serves as a foundation. It is designed to develop your English proficiency while engaging in a wide range of subjects. Lessons place a strong emphasis on learning key terminology specific to each subject area.

Gymnasie curriculum – Year 2–3

In Years 2 and 3, you follow the IB Diploma Programme by selecting six subjects, so you can study what you enjoy and what you need for your preferred university.

In addition to your chosen subjects, you also complete the three core components of the IB Diploma Programme: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). These core elements are at the heart of the IB’s educational philosophy – helping students develop both academically and personally by encouraging curiosity, reflection, and engagement beyond the classroom.

Build your own Diploma Programme

The IB framework lets you mix and match subjects so you can study what you enjoy – and what you need for your preferred university.

How it works: You are required to choose three subjects at standard level (SL) and three at higher level (HL) from the six subject groups listed. Try picking your subject selections now:

Subject list

Standard level means 150 teaching hours per subject, while higher level means 240 teaching hours per subject.

Examples of subject combinations you can choose for your future profession

The Architect
The Architect

Subject Group 1: English A (SL)
Subject Group 2: Swedish A (SL)
Subject Group 3: History (HL)
Subject Group 4: Physics (SL)
Subject Group 5: Math A.A. (HL)
Subject Group 6: Visual arts (HL)

The Economist
The Economist

Subject Group 1: Swedish A (SL)
Subject Group 2: English A (SL)
Subject Group 3: Economics (HL)
Subject Group 4: Biology (SL)
Subject Group 5: Math A.I. (HL)
Subject Group 6: History (HL)

The Engineer
The Engineer

Subject Group 1: English A (SL)
Subject Group 2: Swedish B (SL)
Subject Group 3: Economics (SL)
Subject Group 4: Physics (HL)
Subject Group 5: Math. AA (HL)
Subject Group 6: Chemistry (HL)

The Lawyer
The Lawyer

Subject Group 1: Swedish A (HL)
Subject Group 2: English A (SL)
Subject Group 3: History (HL)
Subject Group 4: E.S.S. (SL)
Subject Group 5: Math. Al (SL)
Subject Group 6: Economics (HL)

The Doctor
The Doctor

Subject Group 1: English A (HL)
Subject Group 2: Swedish B (SL)
Subject Group 3: Psychology (SL)
Subject Group 4: Biology (HL)
Subject Group 5: Math. AA (SL)
Subject Group 6: Chemistry (HL)

Continuing on to university

Many students choose the IB Diploma Programme because they plan to attend university. We help make that goal a reality – not just through a strong academic curriculum, but with personal support every step of the way.

You’ll get guidance in planning your future studies and applying to universities. That’s why our graduates often go on to study at well-known universities in Sweden and around the world.