Where an IB 35 Is Competitive — Country by Country
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
An IB 35 sits in an awkward middle ground. It’s clearly above average, but not high enough to be universally competitive. Some students underestimate it and panic. Others overestimate it and apply unrealistically.
The truth: IB 35 is competitive — but only in the right countries, universities, and programmes.
This blog breaks down where an IB 35 works well, where it’s borderline, and where it’s not competitive for undergraduate admissions in 2026.
First: What an IB 35 Really Signals
An IB 35 generally reflects:
Solid academic ability
Consistent performance
Moderate subject rigor
It does not signal:
Top 1–2% academic standing
Automatic eligibility for elite programs
Strategy matters more than ambition at this score point.
IB 35 Competitiveness by Region
Region | Competitiveness |
UK | Competitive (course-dependent) |
Canada | Competitive |
Australia | Strong |
Europe (non-UK) | Strong |
Asia | Borderline to weak |
US | Context-dependent |
United Kingdom: Course-Specific Competitiveness
In the UK, IB 35 can be very competitive — if applied correctly.
Where IB 35 Works Well
Mid-to-high tier Russell Group universities
Arts, humanities, social sciences
Some business and economics courses
Examples:
Politics, Sociology, Psychology
Management (non-quant heavy)
Liberal arts programmes
Where It’s Risky
Medicine, Dentistry
Engineering at top-tier universities
Economics at LSE / Oxbridge
UK admissions are course-first, not university-first.
Canada: One of the Best Fits for IB 35
Canada is highly compatible with an IB 35.
Why Canada Works
Clear cut-offs
Less holistic ambiguity
Programme-based evaluation
IB 35 is competitive for:
Business
Arts & social sciences
Some science programmes
Engineering and CS may require strong subject grades, but 35 is still viable.
Australia: Strong and Often Overqualified
Australia is one of the strongest destinations for IB 35 students.
What IB 35 Means in Australia
Competitive for most universities
Often exceeds minimum requirements
Strong scholarship potential
IB 35 works for:
Engineering
Business
Science
Arts
Australia is score-driven and predictable.
Europe (Non-UK): Quietly Strong Option
Many European universities:
Value eligibility over competition
Focus on subject prerequisites
Use fixed cut-offs
Countries where IB 35 is competitive:
Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Spain
Germany (subject-dependent)
Engineering and STEM require subject alignment, but overall score is sufficient.
Singapore: Borderline at Best
For top Singapore universities:
IB 35 is below competitive range
Typical successful scores:
40–45
Where it might work:
Less competitive programmes
Partner or pathway options
Singapore is not IB 35–friendly.
Hong Kong: Highly Programme-Sensitive
IB 35 is:
Borderline for top universities
More viable for arts/social sciences
Success depends on:
Strong HL subjects
Good predicted grades
Solid interview performance
Hong Kong offers some flexibility, but competition is intense.
South Korea: Limited but Possible
IB 35 can work for:
Select English-taught programmes
Mid-tier Korean universities
Challenges:
Very limited seats
Strong academic focus
IB 35 requires excellent subject alignment to succeed.
Japan (English-Taught Programmes)
IB 35 is competitive for:
Liberal arts programmes
Social sciences
Some STEM tracks (with strong subjects)
Top STEM programmes may require higher scores.
United States: Depends on Context
In the US:
IB 35 is not disqualifying
But not a standout on its own
IB 35 works when combined with:
Strong essays
Clear academic focus
Well-matched college list
Top-tier universities remain difficult, but many strong options exist.
Where IB 35 Is NOT Competitive
IB 35 struggles for:
Singapore top universities
Oxbridge / Ivy-level programs
Highly selective STEM tracks
Overreaching here leads to predictable rejections.
Smart Strategy for IB 35 Students
Strategy | Why It Works |
Apply course-first | Avoids overreach |
Prioritise Canada & Australia | Score-aligned |
Use Europe strategically | Lower competition |
Be cautious with Asia | High cut-offs |
Balance ambition & realism | Maximises offers |
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
1. Is IB 35 a “good” score?
Yes but not elite.
2. Can IB 35 get scholarships?
Yes, especially in Australia and parts of Europe.
3. Should IB 35 students apply to top universities?
Only selectively, with balanced options.
4. Does subject choice matter more at 35?
Yes subject alignment becomes critical.
Final Takeaway
An IB 35 is not limiting — it’s directional.
Students with IB 35 succeed when they apply strategically, not emotionally.
Choosing the right countries, courses, and universities matters more than chasing prestige.
Comments