Best IB HL Combinations for Non-STEM Students.

IB HL Combinations

Non-STEM IB students often worry that not taking Math or Science at HL will weaken their applications. In reality, universities value academic coherence, depth, and rigor far more than forcing STEM subjects into a humanities-leaning profile.

The key is choosing HL combinations that signal intellectual strength and direction, not just comfort.

This blog breaks down the best IB HL combinations for non-STEM students, what they communicate to admissions teams, and how to avoid common planning mistakes.

How Universities Evaluate Non-STEM HL Choices

For non-STEM applicants, HLs are used to assess:

• Depth of thinking

• Writing and analysis ability

• Subject commitment

• Academic maturity

HLs should tell a clear academic story.

What Makes a Strong Non-STEM HL Set

HL Focus	Admissions Value
Writing-heavy subjects	Very high
Conceptual rigor	High
Subject alignment	Critical
STEM for “balance”	Optional
Comfort-based choices	Risky

Rigor matters — but relevant rigor.

Best IB HL Combinations by Academic Interest

Humanities & Liberal Arts

Recommended HLs:

• English A

• History

• Economics / Global Politics

Strong for US, UK, Netherlands✔ Signals analytical depth

Law / PPE / Political Science

Recommended HLs:

• History

• Economics

• English A / Global Politics

Excellent for UK & US✔ Demonstrates argumentation skills

Business / Management / Economics

Recommended HLs:

• Economics

• English A

• Maths AA SL or HL (optional)

Balanced profile, Avoids unnecessary STEM overload

Psychology / Social Sciences

Recommended HLs:

• Psychology

• Biology (optional HL)

• English A / Economics

Strong for US, Canada, Shows research readiness

Arts / Design / Media

Recommended HLs:

• Visual Arts / Film / Theatre

• English A

• History / Psychology

Portfolio-friendly, Depth over breadth

Is HL Math Necessary for Non-STEM?

Generally:

• Not required

• Helpful for economics/business

• Unnecessary for humanities

Forcing HL Math often lowers scores without adding value.

Smart SL Choices to Support HLs

Strong SL complements:

• Maths AA SL

• Language B

• Environmental Systems & Societies

SLs should support, not distract.

Common HL Planning Mistakes

• Taking HL Math “just in case”

• Overloading reading-heavy HLs without balance

• Choosing HLs only for perceived prestige

• Ignoring country-specific expectations

Clarity beats versatility.

Country-Wise HL Preferences (General)

Country	HL Preference
US	Narrative & rigor
UK	Subject alignment
Netherlands	Clear fit
Canada	Grade consistency
Hong Kong	Academic structure

HLs should match where you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

1. Will non-STEM HLs look weak?

No if they’re rigorous.

2. Do universities expect HL Math?

Only for quantitative majors.

3. Can I switch majors later?

Yes especially in holistic systems.

4. Is HL Economics considered rigorous?

Yes, widely.

Final Takeaway

The best non-STEM HL combinations show depth, coherence, and confidence.

Strong humanities HLs beat forced STEM every time.

Choose HLs that reflect how you think — not what you fear.