Is the IB Diploma recognised internationally?

Yes. Thousands of universities worldwide accept the IBDP. Students should always check the admissions pages for programme-specific requirements.

Is the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma recognised internationally?

Yes. The BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma open doors to universities across the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and Asia, including Hong Kong. Subject prerequisites differ by course, university and country. Students should always check the admissions pages for programme-specific requirements.

What should students check before applying internationally?

Before applying internationally, students should verify: Application deadlines (which differ significantly by country) Subject prerequisites (e.g. HL Maths, specific sciences) English (or other) language requirements Additional entrance tests or portfolio/interview requirements Visa regulations and timelines

How do students apply to universities in the UK?

Applications to UK universities are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Students complete one online application that can include up to five course choices. Students submit a structured personal statement explaining their academic interests, motivation for the course, and relevant experiences. The school provides predicted grades and an academic reference commenting on the student’s suitability for the chosen course. After receiving conditional offers, students select a “Firm” and “Insurance” choice. Once final IB or BTEC results are released, places are confirmed if conditions are met.

How are predicted grades decided?

IBDP students sit internal examinations at the end of Year 12; these results, together with data regarding their performance throughout the year and any completed Internal Assessments, inform the students’ predicted grades. For BTEC students, assessment is on-going, and their predictions reflect their attainment to date and projected outcomes.

University Destinations | BIS Abu Dhabi

BIS ABU DHABI STUDENTS ARE ACCEPTED BY SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITIES

Preparing students for life beyond school is central to our mission to empower every learner for future success. At BIS Abu Dhabi, a dedicated team - including our University & Careers Guidance Counsellor, Head of Senior School, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, Assistant Head for Curriculum (including BTEC), and Heads of Year 12 and 13 - guides students as they explore pathways to leading universities worldwide, providing expert advice on UK, US, European and international higher education systems.

From Year 10, students receive personalised support on university research, admissions expectations, and future careers, helping them reflect on strengths, explore options, and understand opportunities available through both the IBDP and BTEC routes. The University & Careers Guidance Counsellor meets regularly with students and parents, offering thoughtful advice, encouragement, and challenge, and also supports families during the Year 9 and Year 11 options processes, highlighting how subject choices influence future academic and career pathways.

School Profile incl. University Destinations

BIS ABU DHABI STUDENTS SECURE PLACES AT TOP GLOBAL UNIVERSITIES

OUR UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Preparing students for life beyond school is central to our mission to empower every learner for future success. Graduates from BIS Abu Dhabi go on to study a wide range of subjects at respected universities across the globe. With a strong academic foundation and a wealth of experiences through our enrichment programme, arts, sports, STEAM, MUN and leadership, our students leave BIS Abu Dhabi fully prepared to thrive in the most competitive environments.

BIS Abu Dhabi graduates secure places at some of the world’s most respected universities, including:

United Kingdom:
University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL, University of Edinburgh
United States & Canada:
New York University, UCLA, University of Toronto, McGill University
Europe:
University of Amsterdam, Bocconi University, EPFL, Trinity College Dublin
Asia & Middle East:
Hong Kong University, HKUST, NYU Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, MBZUAI
Australia and New Zealand:
Monash University, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Auckland, University of Otago.

These institutions represent only a small selection of the diverse Higher Education journeys our students pursue. With individualised guidance and a nurturing school culture grounded in Kindness, Honesty and Respect, every BIS Abu Dhabi learner is empowered to step confidently into their future.

University and Careers Guidance Counsellor BIS Abu Dhabi

UNIVERSITY RECOGNITION OF IBDP & BTEC

Global Recognition of the IBDP:
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is accepted by universities in more than 75 countries. Each institution sets its own entry requirements, so students are encouraged to check the specific expectations for their chosen degree. IBDP students stand out for their research abilities, academic independence and global perspective, and are often competitive applicants for demanding undergraduate programmes.
IB Admission to UK Universities:
All UK universities recognise the IBDP. The qualification is highly regarded, with universities recognising the challenging nature of its curriculum and the advanced academic skills and independent learning habits that Diploma Programme students bring to their undergraduate studies. Institutions typically publish minimum point ranges and subject requirements for different programmes.
BTEC University Pathways:
A continuously growing number of universities worldwide, including in the UAE, are accepting the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma qualifications, especially for programmes in sport, business, IT, creative media and technical disciplines. Originally developed in the United Kingdom, BTEC qualifications are widely recognised and well established across UK universities. Entry criteria differ between institutions.

University Destinations The British International School Abu Dhabi

THE ADVANTAGES OF OUR POST-16 PATHWAYS

Students in both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma develop the knowledge, skills and personal attributes that prepare them exceptionally well for university study around the world. Through inquiry led learning, practical application and sustained academic challenge, students typically gain:

Effective time management skills and organisation
Independence, initiative and self-motivation
Strong communication, academic writing and research techniques
Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
A commitment to community engagement and leadership
A broad international outlook motivation solving abilities

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Is the IB Diploma recognised internationally?
Yes. Thousands of universities worldwide accept the IBDP. Students should always check the admissions pages for programme-specific requirements.
Is the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma recognised internationally?
Yes. The BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma open doors to universities across the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and Asia, including Hong Kong. Subject prerequisites differ by course, university and country. Students should always check the admissions pages for programme-specific requirements.
What should students check before applying internationally?
Before applying internationally, students should verify:
- Application deadlines (which differ significantly by country)
- Subject prerequisites (e.g. HL Maths, specific sciences)
- English (or other) language requirements
- Additional entrance tests or portfolio/interview requirements
- Visa regulations and timelines
How do students apply to universities in the UK?
Applications to UK universities are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Students complete one online application that can include up to five course choices. Students submit a structured personal statement explaining their academic interests, motivation for the course, and relevant experiences. The school provides predicted grades and an academic reference commenting on the student’s suitability for the chosen course. After receiving conditional offers, students select a “Firm” and “Insurance” choice. Once final IB or BTEC results are released, places are confirmed if conditions are met.
How are predicted grades decided?
IBDP students sit internal examinations at the end of Year 12; these results, together with data regarding their performance throughout the year and any completed Internal Assessments, inform the students’ predicted grades. For BTEC students, assessment is on-going, and their predictions reflect their attainment to date and projected outcomes.