IB Exam Scoring Changes Explained – Pre-2022 vs Post-2022
Since 2022, the way the International Baccalaureate (IB) is scored has changed. This has sparked a lot of questions from students and parents about how it will affect academic outcomes, rankings and university offers.
Students put a huge amount of work into their final years of school, and results can seriously impact further study opportunities. This is especially true for those who have specific academic or career goals. So, it’s no wonder the new IB exam scoring is raising questions about the impact on final grading and offers.
The good news is, the scoring changes have been made to ensure IB and HSC results are more aligned, and that those who excel in either program will be recognised for their efforts. Here, we break down the differences in scoring and how it’s impacted both HSC and IB scoring so students and parents can make informed decisions when it comes to each program.
Understanding Pre-2022 IB Scoring
The IB Diploma is scored on a range from 24 to 45 points, with each subject contributing up to 7 points and the possibility of earning additional bonus points. In contrast, the ATAR is calculated from a student’s results across their top 10 units of study in Australia, taking into account both internal and external assessments.
Historically, IB scores were translated into ATARs using a standardised formula. This conversion framework is periodically updated to accommodate modifications in both the IB curriculum and the Australian schooling system.
Pre-2022, conversion relied on statistical mapping and was static. Scores could change slightly year on year based on the strength of the cohort, but would generally have similar conversions. HSC student results were not influenced by the performance of IB students and vice versa.
Top IB scorers (42–45 points) were effectively in the top 0.1–0.2% of NSW students.
Mid-range IB scores (30–37 points) corresponded to ATARs in the 90s, competitive for most university courses.
Passing IB (24–29 points) gave moderate ATARs (65–78), enough for some courses but not competitive for high-demand programs.
In 2022, the methodology was revised to more accurately capture the level of challenge presented by the IB Diploma. The change aimed to address criticisms that the previous system sometimes misrepresented the comparative difficulty between the IB and HSC.
Post-2022 IB Exam Scoring Changes & ATAR Conversions
IB scores are translated into a scaled ATAR using a formula that considers the relative rigour and academic weighting of both systems. Recent updates have improved the accuracy of this conversion, particularly at the upper end of the IB scale, where scores from 39 to 45 now better align with the highest ATAR range of 95–99+.
Now, the IB-to-ATAR conversion in NSW has become more closely aligned with percentile ranks, based on actual cohort performance in the IB and HSC. This means the conversion is now dynamic rather than static – a student’s ATAR depends more on how other IB students performed that year.
These changes have had a positive effect on IB students, ensuring their accomplishments are more precisely reflected. The revised system provides a fairer comparison between IB students and their HSC counterparts.
The updated process also promotes equitable assessment for university admissions, allowing students from both the IB and HSC pathways to be compared fairly. This is particularly important for competitive courses with strict ATAR requirements.
Summary of Key Differences
| Feature | Pre-2022 | Post-2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Mapping | Fixed table (approximate IB→ATAR) | Dynamic, percentile-based mapping |
| Top scores | 42–45 IB → 99.80–99.95 | 42–45 IB → 99.70–99.95 |
| Mid scores | Slightly lower ATAR than percentile might suggest | More accurately reflects cohort percentile |
| Passing scores | 24–29 IB → 55–83 ATAR | 24–29 IB → ~55–83 ATAR, percentile-adjusted |
| Cohort effect | Ignored | Explicitly considered |
The IB Schools Australasia website provides more information about the pre- and post-2022 changes and a comprehensive breakdown of university entrance schemes for IB students.
IB To ATAR Conversion for 2025
| IB Score | ATAR Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 45.75 | 99.95 |
| 45.50 | 99.95 |
| 45.25 | 99.90 |
| 45.00 | 99.85 |
| 44.75 | 99.75 |
| 44.50 | 99.70 |
| 44.25 | 99.60 |
| 44.00 | 99.50 |
| 43.75 | 99.35 |
| 43.50 | 99.25 |
| 43.25 | 99.10 |
| 43.00 | 98.90 |
| 42.75 | 98.75 |
| 42.50 | 98.55 |
| 42.25 | 98.35 |
| 42.00 | 98.20 |
| 41.75 | 98.00 |
| 41.50 | 97.80 |
| 41.25 | 97.55 |
| 41.00 | 97.30 |
| 40.75 | 97.05 |
| 40.50 | 96.80 |
| 40.25 | 96.55 |
| 40.00 | 96.30 |
| 39.75 | 96.00 |
| 39.50 | 95.75 |
| 39.25 | 95.50 |
| 39.00 | 95.25 |
The UAC outlines the conversions for applicants sitting the IB in Australia from November 2022 to May 2026.
IB or HSC? Choosing the Right Option
The new IB exam scoring changes have been made to ensure fair scoring and results, no matter which option a student chooses. You can be confident that efforts will be recognised and ATAR scores accurately calculated. If anything, students should be more comfortable choosing IB than ever before.
With scoring now much more precise, the choice between IB and HSC should be based on the individual student's goals, interests, learning styles, and aptitudes. IB is often thought to be the harder of the two and requires more dedication, but it truly depends on the student and the effort they put in. An IB tutor in Sydney can help students to make the most of the IB program and optimise their outcomes.
For more information about the IB exam scoring changes or advice on tutoring for students undertaking the IB or HSC, get in touch with Little Geniuses.