IB to ATAR Conversion - Complete Equivalency Calculator & Guide
Convert IB Diploma scores to Australian ATAR equivalents with our comprehensive calculator. Understand how IB points (out of 45) translate to ATAR ranks (0-99.95) for Australian university admissions, including detailed conversion tables and university entry requirements.
IB to ATAR Converter
ATAR Equivalent
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ATAR to IB Converter
IB Equivalent
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Complete IB to ATAR Conversion Table
| IB Diploma Score | ATAR Equivalent | Percentile | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 99.95 | Top 0.05% | Perfect score - highest possible |
| 44 | 99.85-99.90 | Top 0.1% | Near perfect - exceptional |
| 43 | 99.70-99.80 | Top 0.2% | Outstanding achievement |
| 42 | 99.50-99.65 | Top 0.5% | Excellent - highly competitive |
| 41 | 99.25-99.45 | Top 0.75% | Excellent performance |
| 40 | 98.90-99.20 | Top 1% | Very strong - top tier unis |
| 39 | 98.50-98.85 | Top 1.5% | Very strong performance |
| 38 | 97.90-98.45 | Top 2% | Strong - competitive courses |
| 37 | 97.20-97.85 | Top 3% | Strong performance |
| 36 | 96.40-97.15 | Top 4% | Above average - good unis |
| 35 | 95.50-96.35 | Top 5% | Above average |
| 34 | 94.45-95.45 | Top 6% | Good performance |
| 33 | 93.25-94.40 | Top 7% | Good - most courses |
| 32 | 91.90-93.20 | Top 8% | Above average performance |
| 31 | 90.40-91.85 | Top 10% | Solid performance |
| 30 | 88.75-90.35 | Top 11% | Competent - many options |
| 29 | 86.95-88.70 | Top 13% | Satisfactory |
| 28 | 84.95-86.90 | Top 15% | Pass diploma |
| 27 | 82.75-84.90 | Top 17% | Pass diploma |
| 26 | 80.35-82.70 | Top 20% | Pass diploma |
| 25 | 77.75-80.30 | Top 22% | Pass diploma |
| 24 | 75.00-77.70 | Top 25% | Minimum pass |
Understanding IB to ATAR Conversion
Approximate Conversion Formula
While no perfect formula exists, the approximate relationship is:
\[ \text{ATAR} \approx 87 + 0.32 \times (\text{IB Score} - 24) \]
For IB scores above 40:
\[ \text{ATAR} \approx 93 + 0.43 \times (\text{IB Score} - 30) \]
Example: IB 36 points
\[ \text{ATAR} \approx 87 + 0.32 \times (36 - 24) = 87 + 3.84 \approx 90.8 \]
Note: This is approximate. Official conversions vary by Australian state and university.
Reverse Conversion (ATAR to IB)
To estimate IB score from ATAR:
\[ \text{IB Score} \approx 24 + \frac{\text{ATAR} - 87}{0.32} \]
For ATAR above 95:
\[ \text{IB Score} \approx 30 + \frac{\text{ATAR} - 93}{0.43} \]
Key Differences: IB vs ATAR
Scoring System
IB: 0-45 points
• 6 subjects × 7 points = 42
• TOK + EE = 3 bonus points
• Total maximum = 45
• Minimum pass = 24
ATAR: 0-99.95
• Percentile rank, not raw score
• Based on best subjects
• 99.95 = top 0.05%
• No minimum threshold
What It Measures
IB Diploma
• Absolute achievement
• International standard
• Criterion-referenced
• Global comparison
ATAR Rank
• Relative ranking
• Australian cohort only
• Norm-referenced
• State-specific calculation
University Use
IB in Australia
• Accepted by all universities
• Converted to ATAR equivalent
• Some bonus points schemes
• Global recognition
ATAR Standard
• Primary admission criteria
• No conversion needed
• Adjustment factors apply
• Australia-specific
Australian University Entry Requirements
| University/Course | Typical ATAR | IB Equivalent | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine (USyd, Monash) | 99.50-99.95 | 42-45 | Extremely competitive |
| Law (Melbourne, UNSW) | 98.00-99.50 | 39-42 | Highly competitive |
| Engineering (USyd, ANU) | 95.00-98.00 | 36-39 | Very competitive |
| Commerce (Melbourne, UNSW) | 95.00-97.00 | 35-38 | Very competitive |
| Computer Science (UNSW, ANU) | 90.00-95.00 | 32-36 | Competitive |
| Science (Melbourne, USyd) | 85.00-90.00 | 29-32 | Moderately competitive |
| Arts (Group of 8) | 80.00-90.00 | 26-32 | Accessible |
| Education (most universities) | 70.00-85.00 | 24-29 | Accessible |
State-Specific Conversion Tables
Victorian (VTAC) Conversion
| IB Score | ATAR (VIC) | IB Score | ATAR (VIC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 99.95 | 34 | 94.50 |
| 44 | 99.85 | 33 | 93.30 |
| 43 | 99.75 | 32 | 92.00 |
| 42 | 99.60 | 31 | 90.60 |
| 41 | 99.35 | 30 | 89.00 |
| 40 | 99.00 | 29 | 87.20 |
| 39 | 98.60 | 28 | 85.30 |
| 38 | 98.10 | 27 | 83.20 |
| 37 | 97.45 | 26 | 80.90 |
| 36 | 96.65 | 25 | 78.40 |
| 35 | 95.70 | 24 | 75.70 |
NSW (UAC) Conversion
| IB Score | ATAR (NSW) | IB Score | ATAR (NSW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 99.95 | 34 | 94.40 |
| 44 | 99.90 | 33 | 93.25 |
| 43 | 99.80 | 32 | 91.95 |
| 42 | 99.65 | 31 | 90.50 |
| 41 | 99.40 | 30 | 88.90 |
| 40 | 99.10 | 29 | 87.10 |
| 39 | 98.70 | 28 | 85.15 |
| 38 | 98.20 | 27 | 83.00 |
| 37 | 97.55 | 26 | 80.65 |
| 36 | 96.75 | 25 | 78.10 |
| 35 | 95.80 | 24 | 75.35 |
Worked Examples
Example 1: High-Achieving IB Student
IB Diploma Score: 42 points
Subject breakdown:
- HL English: 7
- HL Mathematics: 7
- HL Physics: 6
- SL Chemistry: 7
- SL Economics: 7
- SL Spanish: 6
- TOK/EE bonus: 3
Total: 7+7+6+7+7+6 = 40 + 3 bonus = 43 points (corrected)
ATAR Equivalent: 99.60-99.75 (Victoria/NSW)
University Options: Competitive for medicine, law, any course
Example 2: Solid IB Performance
IB Diploma Score: 35 points
ATAR Equivalent: ~95.70 (Victoria), ~95.80 (NSW)
Conversion calculation:
\[ \text{ATAR} \approx 87 + 0.32 \times (35 - 24) = 87 + 3.52 = 90.52 \]
Official tables show ~95.70, demonstrating formula approximation
University Options: Competitive for engineering, commerce, science at Group of 8 universities
Example 3: Minimum Pass Diploma
IB Diploma Score: 24 points (minimum pass)
ATAR Equivalent: ~75-76
Analysis: While 24 IB points earns the diploma, it converts to ATAR ~75, meaning 25% of Australian students perform better. Still sufficient for many university courses and pathways.
Common Misconceptions
IB 36 ≠ ATAR 86 (Not a Direct Ratio)
Students often assume IB score divided by 45 equals ATAR percentile (e.g., 36/45 = 80% = ATAR 80). This is incorrect. IB 36 actually converts to approximately ATAR 96-97, not 80. The IB score distribution is compressed at the top—most students score 28-38, with very few scoring 40+. ATAR is a percentile rank, so ATAR 80 means better than 80% of cohort. IB 36 (global average ~30) places you well above average, hence the higher ATAR equivalent. The conversion is nonlinear: each IB point at the top (40-45) is worth more ATAR points than at the bottom.
Conversions Vary by State and Year
There's no single official IB-to-ATAR conversion table for all of Australia. Each state's tertiary admissions center (VTAC in Victoria, UAC in NSW, QTAC in Queensland) publishes annual conversion tables that vary slightly. A student with IB 38 might receive ATAR 97.90 in Victoria but 98.20 in NSW in the same year. Additionally, conversion tables change annually based on that year's IB cohort performance and ATAR distribution. Don't rely on outdated conversion tables or assume all states convert identically. Always check the specific state's current year conversion table where you're applying.
Some Unis Accept IB Directly Without Conversion
Not all Australian universities convert IB to ATAR for admissions. Some (particularly Go8 universities for international students) set direct IB requirements: "Medicine requires IB 42+," not "requires ATAR 99.5." When applying through state admission centers (UAC, VTAC), your IB converts to ATAR automatically. But direct applications to some universities may evaluate your IB score independently. Additionally, some scholarship programs and special entry schemes recognize IB separately. Don't assume every application requires ATAR conversion—research each university's specific IB policies and whether direct entry pathways exist for IB diploma holders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IB score equals ATAR 90?
An IB score of approximately 30-31 points converts to ATAR 90. Using the Victorian conversion table: IB 31 = ATAR 90.60, IB 30 = ATAR 89.00. This places you in the top 10% of Australian students. To achieve IB 30, you need an average of 5/7 across six subjects (6×5=30, assuming minimal TOK/EE bonus). This is above the global IB average of ~29-30 points and demonstrates solid academic performance sufficient for many competitive university courses including engineering, commerce, and science at Group of 8 universities.
Is IB 42 equivalent to ATAR 99?
IB 42 is significantly higher than ATAR 99—it converts to approximately ATAR 99.60-99.65 depending on the state. ATAR 99 corresponds to IB scores around 39-40 points. This demonstrates the compressed scoring at the top of the IB range. IB 42 (only 3 points below perfect 45) places you in roughly the top 1% of IB students globally and top 0.5% of Australian students when converted to ATAR. This score is competitive for medicine, law, and the most selective courses at top Australian universities. The difference between IB 42 and 45 represents approximately 0.35 ATAR points.
Do Australian universities prefer ATAR over IB?
No, Australian universities treat IB Diploma and ATAR as equivalent qualifications. All Australian universities accept IB for undergraduate admission with official conversion tables ensuring fair comparison. Some argue IB demonstrates broader education (six subjects + TOK/EE/CAS) versus ATAR's best subjects focus. Conversely, ATAR allows specialization in strengths. For admissions purposes, they're equal—a student with IB 38 (≈ATAR 98) has the same prospects as an ATAR 98 student. However, verification is easier for ATAR (centralized Australian system) versus IB (international), which may slightly simplify domestic applicants' processing. Neither provides inherent advantage for admission.
Can I get into medicine with IB 40?
Yes, IB 40 (~ATAR 99.00-99.10) meets the academic threshold for medicine at most Australian universities, though admission isn't guaranteed. Medical schools require: (1) Academic score (ATAR/IB); (2) UCAT/GAMSAT results; (3) Interview performance; (4) Other criteria. While minimums vary (typically ATAR 95-99+ or IB 36-42+), most successful medicine applicants have ATAR 99+ or IB 40+. IB 40 is competitive but not exceptional for medicine—you'd need strong UCAT scores and interview to secure a place. Some medical schools (e.g., Monash) explicitly state IB 40 as minimum, others don't publish IB thresholds but convert to ATAR requirements. Check specific university requirements.
How does IB 24 compare to Australian Year 12?
IB 24 (minimum diploma pass) converts to approximately ATAR 75-76, meaning you performed better than 75% of Australian Year 12 students. This is respectable achievement—completing the rigorous IB Diploma demonstrates strong academic capability even at the minimum pass level. ATAR 75 provides access to many university courses including arts, education, some science programs, and pathways to competitive courses through foundation programs or diploma-to-degree transitions. While not competitive for medicine/law, IB 24 opens substantial university opportunities. Remember: only ~80% of IB students worldwide earn the diploma—passing itself is significant achievement.
Why doesn't my IB school teach ATAR?
IB schools offer the International Baccalaureate, an independent curriculum separate from Australian state-based systems (VCE, HSC, etc.) that produce ATAR. Students in IB programs don't receive ATAR scores—they earn IB Diploma points which universities then convert to ATAR equivalents for admissions. IB schools often serve international or geographically mobile families seeking globally recognized qualifications. The IB curriculum, assessment, and grading are managed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (Geneva), not Australian education departments. This means your school isn't "neglecting" ATAR—it's offering a different, equally valid pathway. Your IB results automatically convert to ATAR when applying to Australian universities through state admissions centers.
Using IB Scores for Australian University Admission
Application Process:
- Apply through state tertiary admissions centers (UAC, VTAC, QTAC, etc.)
- Submit IB Diploma results when available (typically July)
- Your IB score is automatically converted to ATAR equivalent
- Ranked against other applicants using converted ATAR
- Some universities also accept direct applications with IB scores
Advantages of IB for Australian Unis:
- Recognized by all Australian universities
- May receive adjustment factors for IB subjects
- Demonstrates international curriculum rigor
- English A counts as satisfying English requirements
- Some scholarships specifically for IB Diploma holders
Important Considerations:
- Check subject prerequisites (e.g., HL Math for engineering)
- Verify English requirements (usually English A at 4+)
- Some courses have specific IB subject requirements
- Mid-year entry possible if completing IB in Northern Hemisphere
Important Disclaimer
IB to ATAR conversions provided here are approximate equivalencies based on official conversion tables from Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), and other state admissions bodies. Conversion tables vary by state and are updated annually based on each year's cohort performance. The conversions shown represent typical ranges from recent years but should not be considered guaranteed equivalencies. Individual universities may apply different conversion methodologies or evaluate IB scores independently for direct admissions. Some courses have specific subject prerequisites beyond minimum IB/ATAR scores. This guide is for informational and planning purposes—official admissions decisions are made by individual universities and state admissions centers using current year conversion tables. Always verify current conversion tables and specific course requirements with the relevant state tertiary admissions center (VTAC, UAC, QTAC, SATAC, TISC) and target universities. Admission to competitive courses requires meeting additional criteria beyond academic scores (interviews, portfolios, tests). This calculator does not guarantee university admission or represent official conversion policies.