Upper Secondary (Ages 15–18)
Preparing for international studies
The Upper Secondary Programme is a cohesive, balanced and challenging 3-Year course of study (Pre-IB to IB2), with final examinations that prepare students for success at university and employment.
The educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Programme is to develop enquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. Known for its intellectual rigour and high academic standards, the IB and the Upper Secondary place strong emphasis on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship.
The Pre-IB and IB Diploma Programme have a combined total of 120-140 enrolled students. Applications are considered based on the student’s previous academic records and recommendations.
Impressive IB results
We are proud of the excellent results achieved by our IB Diploma Programme students each year. Supported by experienced and dedicated teachers, OIS students consistently perform well above global IB averages, opening doors to leading universities around the world.
- 98% pass rate in 2025 (100% in previous 5 years)
- OIS average score of 34.7 pts compared to world average of 30.5 in 2025
- 32% of graduates earn Bilingual Diploma
Joining Upper Secondary at OIS really helped me reach my potential. I feel so well prepared for my future studies.
- IB2 student
Pre-IB: preparing for the IB Diploma Programme
Pre-IB provides a smooth transition from Lower Secondary to the academically demanding IB Diploma Programme. During this foundation year, students strengthen their subject knowledge, develop effective study habits and build the confidence and independence needed for success in the years ahead.
Students study a broad range of academic subjects, including English, Mathematics, Humanities, Science and a second language, while continuing with Physical Education. Alongside their core subjects, they take dedicated Pre-IB courses that develop essential skills in research, critical thinking, communication, creativity and service learning.
Students also explore subjects such as Economics, Communication & Media and Computer Science through short introductory courses, helping them make informed choices before beginning the IB Diploma Programme.
IB: recognised for admission to the world's leading universities
In Years 12 and 13, students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This is a challenging 2-year pre-university course of study designed for highly motivated students. Introduced at OIS in 1989, the IB Diploma is recognised for admission to the world’s leading universities.
Choice of subjects is made within six groups, including Languages, Humanities, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and an elective subject. Grades are on a scale of 1 – 7, with 7 being the highest achievable grade. The IB Diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points.
The six academic subjects are studied concurrently. At least three subjects–but not more than four–are taken at higher level, while the others are standard level. HL courses consist of 240 teaching hours, SL courses of 150 hours. Students are thus able to explore some subjects in depth and others more broadly, which is a deliberate compromise between the early specialisation of some national systems and the breadth found in others. In addition, all students must complete a research paper on a topic of their choice (Extended Essay), participate in Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) and fulfil the requirements of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course.
The IB develops inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect.
- International Baccalaureate Organisation
Fact Box: 2025 Global Results for IB Diploma Programme Schools
- This year, 98% of students at Oslo International School passed their IB Diploma exams, compared to 81.3% globally. In addition, 100% of our students obtained a NEASC accredited High School Diploma.
- The highest score graduating students at an IB school can achieve is 45. At Oslo International School, the highest score this year was 44. For the last six years at OIS, it has been 44 or 45 points.
- The average mean score at Oslo International School is an impressive 34.7, while the global average is 30.5.
With results like these, it's no wonder that our graduates are accepted into exceptional universities around the world!
- OIS Board Member
Each year, over 95% of our graduates are accepted into at least one of their top university choices.