English-Taught Law Programs & IB.
- Feb 21
- 4 min read
For many IB students, studying Law in English outside the UK, US, or Ireland is an attractive option. Across Europe and parts of Asia, universities increasingly offer English-taught Law degrees designed for international applicants.
However, English-taught Law programs differ significantly from traditional national Law degrees that lead directly to professional qualification. Understanding these differences is essential when planning your IB subject choices and score targets.
This guide explains how IB students are evaluated for English-taught Law programs globally.
IB Recognition Snapshot (English-Taught Law)
Component | Typical Practice |
IB Diploma Recognition | Fully recognised |
Admission Basis | Grade-based (sometimes holistic) |
Typical IB Range | 28–38+ |
HL Subject Requirements | Rare |
Interviews | Occasionally |
English Proof | Usually required |
1. Is the IB Diploma Accepted?
Yes.
The IB Diploma is widely recognised for admission to English-taught Law programs across Europe, including:
University of Amsterdam
Maastricht University
Charles University
University of Warsaw
Kozminski University
Recognition ensures eligibility. Admission competitiveness depends on grades and program demand.
2. Types of English-Taught Law Degrees
Not all Law degrees are the same. English-track programs often fall into one of three categories:
A. International / European Law
Focuses on:
EU law
Public international law
Human rights law
Often designed for global careers rather than local legal practice.
B. Comparative Law
Examines:
Multiple legal systems
Cross-border legal frameworks
International business regulation
Less focused on qualifying as a lawyer in a single country.
C. National Law (English Track)
Some countries offer their national law degree in English, but:
Professional practice may still require local language proficiency
Additional certification may be needed
3. IB Score Expectations
Competitiveness varies by country and university reputation.
Typical IB ranges:
IB Total | Competitiveness |
26–28 | Entry level at some private universities |
29–32 | Competitive for many public universities |
33–36 | Strong for selective programs |
37+ | Highly competitive |
Programs at institutions like University of Amsterdam tend to expect 34–38+ for competitive applicants.
4. Subject Requirements
Unlike Medicine or Engineering, English-taught Law programs usually do not require specific IB subjects.
However, strong performance in:
History HL
Global Politics HL
Economics HL
English A
can strengthen academic profile.
Mathematics HL is rarely required.
Total IB score generally matters more than subject combination.
5. English Language Requirements
Even though the program is taught in English, universities may still require proof of proficiency.
Common scenarios:
IB English A → Often sufficient
IB English B → IELTS/TOEFL may be required
Non-English schooling → External English certification
Minimum IELTS requirements often range from 6.5 to 7.0.
6. Are Interviews Required?
Most English-taught Law programs are primarily grade-based.
However, some institutions may include:
Short interviews
Motivation statements
Personal statements
Private universities are more likely to assess holistically.
Public universities typically rely on academic ranking.
7. Competitive IB Profile
A strong IB applicant for English-taught Law usually presents:
32–38+ IB total
Strong essay-based subject performance
High English proficiency
Clear academic consistency
For more selective universities, 35+ significantly strengthens admission prospects.
8. Predicted Grades & Conditional Offers
Many universities accept predicted IB grades during application.
Offers are conditional upon:
Submission of official IB Diploma
Meeting required total score
Satisfying English requirements
Failure to meet final conditions may result in offer withdrawal.
9. EU vs Non-EU Applicants
Academic criteria for IB students are usually similar regardless of nationality.
However:
Tuition fees differ
Visa requirements apply
Some programs reserve limited seats for non-EU students
Admission competitiveness remains primarily academic.
10. Professional Qualification Considerations
A crucial factor IB students must understand:
Not all English-taught Law degrees qualify graduates to practice law in that country.
For example:
Some Dutch programs focus on international law rather than Dutch legal qualification
Some Central European programs require local-language certification for
professional practice
Students aiming to become practicing lawyers must confirm:
Bar qualification pathways
Language requirements
Postgraduate licensing exams
11. Comparison Across Regions
Netherlands:
Strong selection of English-taught Law
Competitive IB thresholds
Central Europe (Poland, Czech Republic):
Growing availability
Moderate IB competitiveness
Scandinavia:
Limited English options at undergraduate level
Ireland:
English-based system but highly competitive
Each region balances accessibility and professional alignment differently.
12. Common Misconceptions
“All English-taught Law degrees lead to local legal qualification.”
“IB Business HL is required.”
“Subject combination matters more than total score.”
“English-taught means no additional language requirements ever.”
In reality:
Total IB score is the primary academic factor
Professional qualification depends on national legal frameworks
Language requirements may still apply for practice
13. Strategic Advice for IB Students
If targeting English-taught Law programs:
Aim for 33–37+ IB total
Prioritise strong essay-based subjects
Ensure English proficiency documentation is ready
Confirm whether the program leads to professional qualification
Understand visa and tuition policies early
Career goals should guide program selection.
14. Who Should Consider English-Taught Law?
English-track programs are ideal for students who:
Want international legal careers
Plan to work in multinational organisations
Are interested in EU or global governance
Prefer studying in English outside the UK
Students seeking national bar qualification should carefully verify eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
1. Is the IB Diploma accepted?
Yes, widely recognised internationally.
2. What IB score is competitive?
Generally 32–37+, depending on the university.
3. Are specific HL subjects required?
No, though humanities subjects strengthen your profile.
4. Are interviews common?
Occasionally, more often at private institutions.
5. Does an English-taught Law degree qualify me as a lawyer?
Not always. Professional qualification depends on national regulations.
Final Takeaway
The IB Diploma is widely recognised for English-taught Law programs worldwide.
Admission is typically grade-based, with competitive IB ranges between 30–38+, depending on the institution. Universities such as University of Amsterdam and Maastricht University represent more competitive examples within Europe.
While subject combinations are flexible, total IB performance and English proficiency are decisive.
Most importantly, IB students must distinguish between international law degrees and programs that lead to professional legal qualification.
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