Current Status and Challenges of IB Programs in Japanese Universities: Perspectives from High Schools and Universities

While the adoption of IB programs is spreading within Japan, their utilization in university admissions is still in its initial stages, and there are challenges due to a lack of understanding between high schools and universities.

On June 7, 2024, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology held the second "Expert Meeting on Expanding the Utilization of the IB Program." The meeting featured presentations on the current state of university admissions utilizing the IB program, including the status and difficulties faced by high schools offering the IB program and universities implementing IB-based admissions.

First, Principal Ogino of the Tokyo Gakugei University Attached International Junior and Senior High School presented the career paths of IB program graduates and challenges surrounding IB admissions. Principal Ogino pointed out that Japanese universities still lack a sufficient understanding of the IB program, hindering IB-based admissions from becoming a favorable pathway for DP students.

Specifically, he emphasized that since admissions often rely on predicted grades (Predicted Grades) until November, there is a possibility of failure after the final grades (Final Grades) are announced in January, causing anxiety among DP students. He also highlighted the heavy burden on DP students due to the numerous document submission requirements in IB admissions at Japanese universities. Finally, Principal Ogino cited economic difficulties and the lack of a university admission support system as challenges faced by IB program graduates when applying to overseas universities.

Next, Ms. Matsuzaki, a teacher at Mitake Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, pointed out that while IB programs broaden the range of career choices for students, a lack of understanding of the IB program among Japanese universities narrows the options, particularly for those pursuing science and engineering fields. Ms. Matsuzaki explained that while the IB program allows students to discover their strengths and interests and provides opportunities to explore diverse fields, a lack of awareness of the IB program among Japanese universities can restrict career choices for IB graduates.

The challenges raised in this meeting suggest that Japanese universities need to enhance their understanding of the IB program and establish tailored admissions systems for IB graduates. In particular, improvements to the admissions system that consider the difference between predicted and final grades of IB students are needed, along with university efforts to broaden career paths for IB graduates.

As the IB program is an educational program that supports students in maximizing their potential, we hope that Japanese universities will deepen their understanding of the IB program, improve admissions systems that utilize the IB program, and provide more diverse career opportunities for IB graduates in the future.