IB Subject Combinations That Qualify for German Public Universities.
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
Germany is one of the most misunderstood destinations for IB students. Many students with strong IB scores get rejected — not because their score is low, but because they do not meet Germany’s strict subject eligibility rules.
German public universities are not holistic. They are rule-based, subject-driven, and non-negotiable.
This blog explains which IB subject combinations qualify for German public
universities, where students go wrong, and how to plan correctly.
How German Public Universities Evaluate IB Students
Germany treats IB as an alternative school-leaving qualification. To be considered equivalent to the German Abitur, IB students must meet specific subject conditions.
Key features:
No holistic review
No extracurricular compensation
No essays for eligibility
Strict subject and level requirements
If requirements are not met, applications are rejected automatically.
Core IB Eligibility Rules for Germany
Requirement Area | Rule |
Total IB Score | Minimum 24 |
HL Subjects | At least 3 HL |
Languages | One language A |
Maths | Mandatory |
Sciences | Mandatory |
Continuity | Subject-specific rules apply |
Meeting the total score alone is not enough.
IB Subject Combinations : Mandatory Subjects for German Public Universities
To qualify, an IB student must have:
IB Subject Combinations :
Language A (Literature or Lang & Lit)
Any language
SL or HL
Must be a Group 1 subject
Mathematics
Accepted:
Mathematics AA (SL or HL)
Mathematics AI HL only
Mathematics AI SL is not accepted for most programs.
Science Subject
One of:
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
At SL or HL (programme-dependent).
Second Language or Social Science
Examples:
Language B
Economics
History
Geography
Accepted IB Subject Combinations (Examples)
Humanities / Social Sciences Track
Language A
Language B
Mathematics AA SL
Economics
History
Biology
Eligible for most humanities, business, and social science degrees.
STEM / Engineering Track
Language A
Mathematics AA HL
Physics HL
Chemistry SL
Language B
Economics / ITGS
Eligible for engineering and technical programs.
Life Sciences Track
Language A
Mathematics AA SL or HL
Biology HL
Chemistry SL
Language B
Psychology
Eligible for biology, life sciences, and related fields.
Subject Combinations That Do NOT Qualify
Maths AI SL
No science subject
No language A
Overuse of “soft” subjects
Irrelevant subject mix for applied sciences
Germany does not allow flexibility here.
HL Subject Strategy for Germany
Recommended:
Maths AA HL (for STEM)
Physics / Chemistry HL (for engineering)
Biology HL (for life sciences)
HL choices must reflect degree intent, not workload convenience.
Program-Specific Notes
Engineering
Maths AA HL almost always required
Physics strongly recommended
Computer Science
Maths AA HL preferred
Science subject required
Business / Economics
Maths AA SL minimum
Economics useful but not mandatory
Humanities
Maths + Science still required
Subject flexibility increases
Common Mistakes IB Students Make for Germany
Choosing AI SL assuming it’s “accepted everywhere”
Treating Germany like a holistic system
Ignoring eligibility until Grade 12
Dropping sciences after IGCSE
Germany penalises late planning.
Germany vs Other Countries: Key Difference
Feature | Germany |
Holistic review | ❌ |
Subject flexibility | ❌ |
Cut-off discretion | ❌ |
Eligibility clarity | ✅ |
Germany is predictable — if planned correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
1. Is IB 24 enough for Germany?
Only if subject rules are met.
2. Can extracurriculars help if subjects don’t qualify?
No.
3. Is Maths AI SL accepted anywhere in Germany?
Rarely, and not for STEM.
4. Do German universities consider IB Core?
No, for eligibility.
Final Takeaway
Germany rewards academic precision, not profile creativity.
The right IB subject combination matters more than your IB score for German public universities.
Plan early, follow the rules, and Germany becomes one of the most reliable study-abroad options.
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