IB Score Conversion Practices in Brazil.

IB Score Conversion Practices in Brazil.

Brazil does not operate under a single national IB conversion framework. Unlike countries that publish standardized equivalency tables, Brazilian universities — especially private institutions evaluate IB scores using institution-specific conversion practices.

For IB students, this means that score interpretation varies depending on:

• Whether the university is public or private

• Whether ENEM is required

• The competitiveness of the chosen program

• Institutional familiarity with the IB Diploma

Understanding how conversion typically works can help applicants assess competitiveness more accurately.

IB Conversion Snapshot in Brazil

Component	Typical Practice
National Conversion Formula	None
Institutional Evaluation	Common
IB to 0–10 Scale Conversion	Frequently used
Total Score Weight	Considered but not exclusive
HL vs SL Distinction	Informally recognised
ENEM Substitution	Rare in public universities

1. No National IB Conversion System

Brazil does not publish a centralized IB equivalency framework through its Ministry of Education.

Instead:

• Public universities rely heavily on national exams

• Private universities convert IB scores internally

• Each institution determines its own methodology

This decentralized structure means IB score interpretation can vary even between universities in the same city.

2. Conversion to Brazil’s 0–10 Grading Scale

Brazilian universities typically operate on a 0–10 grading scale.

Many private institutions convert IB grades (1–7 per subject) into approximate 0–10 equivalents for internal evaluation.

A common institutional approach may look like:

IB Grade	Approximate Brazilian Equivalent
7	9.5–10
6	8.5–9.4
5	7.0–8.4
4	6.0–6.9
3 or below	Below passing threshold

However, these conversions are not standardized and may differ between institutions such as:

• Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo

• Fundação Getulio Vargas

• Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie

Some institutions do not formally publish their conversion tables.

IB Score Conversion Models in Brazil

Model	Description	Common In
Direct IB Review	Evaluation based on IB grades without numeric conversion	Private universities
IB-to-10 Scale Conversion	Grades converted into Brazilian system	Private institutions
ENEM-Based Entry	IB not converted; ENEM required instead	Public universities
Subject-Focused Evaluation	Key HL subjects prioritized	STEM and Medicine programs
Holistic Assessment	Total score + subject rigor + academic profile	Select private institutions

3. Public Universities and ENEM

Most federal universities rely on:

• Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio

Public institutions such as:

• Universidade de São Paulo

• Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

generally prioritize ENEM scores rather than converting IB results directly.

In these cases:

• IB Diploma strengthens academic background

• But ENEM ranking determines admission

• IB score conversion may not replace national exam performance

Some exceptions may exist through special international pathways, but they are not widespread.

4. Total IB Score vs Subject-Based Evaluation

Brazilian private universities often evaluate:

• Total IB points (out of 45)

• Distribution of subject grades

• Relevance of HL subjects

A 30-point IB score with strong HL Mathematics and Physics may be more competitive for Engineering than a 32-point score without quantitative rigor.

Conversion practices frequently prioritize subject alignment over raw total.

5. HL vs SL Recognition in Conversion

Although Brazil does not formally categorize HL and SL in its national education structure, admissions offices familiar with IB understand the distinction.

Common informal practices include:

• Assigning slightly higher weight to HL grades

• Evaluating HL subjects more closely for competitive programs

• Using HL performance as evidence of academic rigor

HL courses often strengthen applications even if no explicit conversion bonus is published.

6. Medicine and Competitive Degree Conversion

For Medicine and other highly selective programs:

• IB scores may be converted numerically

• Internal entrance exams (vestibular) may still be required

• Subject-specific performance (Biology, Chemistry) is prioritized

Even high IB totals (34–38 points) do not automatically guarantee admission in competitive programs.

Private universities may require additional evaluation beyond score conversion.

7. Conditional Offers and Predicted Grades

Private institutions often issue:

• Conditional admission offers

• Based on predicted IB grades

In such cases:

• Predicted grades may be temporarily converted

• Final IB results must meet confirmed thresholds

If final scores fall below the converted equivalent requirement, offers may be reconsidered.

8. International Student Considerations

For international IB applicants:

• Universities may bypass ENEM

• Conversion practices may be more flexible

• International admissions offices may conduct holistic review

Private institutions are generally more accustomed to evaluating IB transcripts.

9. Academic Revalidation (Revalidação)

In some cases, students may need academic revalidation of secondary qualifications for official recognition in Brazil.

This is more common for public university processes and administrative enrollment formalities rather than private institutional evaluation.

Procedures can vary by state and institution.

Common Misconceptions

• Assuming there is a single official IB-to-Brazil conversion chart

• Believing total IB score automatically determines admission

• Thinking HL and SL are treated identically

• Assuming public universities convert IB instead of requiring ENEM

Brazil’s decentralized system makes institution-specific research essential.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

1. Is there an official IB conversion table in Brazil?

No. Each university determines its own evaluation method.

2. Do private universities convert IB grades?

Yes, many convert IB grades into Brazil’s 0–10 scale for internal assessment.

3. Do public universities convert IB instead of requiring ENEM?

Usually no. Most federal universities require ENEM performance.

4. Does HL carry more weight in conversion?

Often yes, informally, especially in competitive programs.

5. Is total IB score enough for admission?

Not always. Subject relevance and institutional criteria are also important.

Final Takeaway

Brazil does not have a national IB score conversion system. Private universities typically convert IB grades into Brazil’s 0–10 scale internally or evaluate them directly, while public universities rely primarily on ENEM.

For IB students, competitiveness depends less on a fixed conversion formula and more on institutional evaluation, subject alignment, and program selectivity.

Understanding that conversion practices vary and that HL subject rigor matters is essential when applying to Brazilian universities.