IB Results Day 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Students and Parents

IB Results Day 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Students and Parents

Results day often feels like a mix of excitement and nerves, especially after two years of hard work on the Diploma Programme. The good news is that the process becomes much easier to handle once you know the timetable and key details are clear.

The following guide outlines the essential steps to view results, understand university options, and deal with any surprises. Specific actions and timelines are included so every student and family can confidently move forward and avoid being overwhelmed.

Knowing the Key Dates and How to Check Your Results

Knowing exactly when and how to access your IB results can significantly reduce stress. For students who sat the May 2025 exams, grades will be released on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from midday GMT via the official IB candidate portal. Schools, however, gain access 24 hours earlier.

If time zone difference is your concern, Daniel states that, “Expect IB results to be related on July 6 by 12:00 GMT. A levels should come out as early as 8:00 BST on August 14 this year.”

A smooth login experience hinges on early preparation. We recommend completing the following steps two to three days before results day to avoid last-minute issues:

• Confirm Your Credentials: Ensure you have your personal code and PIN, which your IB coordinator provided.
• Test the Portal: A day or two before July 6th, test your login details on the candidate portal. While your grades won’t be visible, this confirms your credentials are correct and functional.
• Ensure Connectivity: Use a stable internet connection to prevent buffering or disconnections.
• Have a Backup Device: Keep a secondary device ready in case your primary one encounters technical difficulties.

Daniele points out that addressing these small tasks in advance allows ample time to resolve problems while your school office is available for assistance.

“As for technical issues on the day: No need to panic if login details are lost/misplaced! All uni application portals have the option to retrieve or reset login details. Just make sure that you have access to the main email address with which you opened your application account.”

Understanding Your Results Statement

Be sure to type your information precisely. Three incorrect entries will trigger a 30-minute lockout.

Upon logging in on July 6th, your statement will display three key components:

1. Subject Grades: Individual scores from 1 to 7 for each subject.
2. Bonus Points: Up to 3 points awarded for Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE).
3. Overall Score & Diploma Status: Your total score out of 45, alongside your IB Diploma status (e.g., awarded, not awarded).

Some schools may also provide raw marks and grade boundaries. If this additional data isn’t immediately available, your IB coordinator can supply it later.

What Your Score Means for University Admissions

Your next step is to understand how universities process these numbers. British, European, North American and Asian institutions all receive results electronically. They match your grades against any conditional offer you accepted. If you meet or exceed the conditions, your place is confirmed automatically. You’ll receive an email from UCAS or the overseas portal, followed by a message from the university.

“If applying through UCAS, expect an update directly via the UCAS platform between 24-48 hours after results are published. Universities can (and do) contact conditional offer holders directly too; but all formal notices of satisfying (or not) conditional offers are relayed via UCAS. “ – Daniele

Sometimes, grades land just below the offer. Admissions teams look at individual subject scores, predicted grades, references and the strength of your personal statement. A narrow miss might still become an acceptance. That’s why it helps to stay calm until you see an official response.

Important advice from Daniele: “Remember IB Diploma results are some of the earliest results to be published, so your university may not decide whether to make you an offer until they have seen the results from other applicants!”

If the offer is not confirmed, you still have a range of practical actions to consider. 

• Contact Admissions Directly: Call the university’s admissions office when you receive the decision. Ask if they will reconsider your application based on your exact marks.
• Explore Related Courses (UCAS): If you applied via UCAS, inquire about places on similar courses at the same university that may have slightly lower entry requirements.
• Utilise UCAS Clearing: For UK university applicants, UCAS Clearing opens for IB students on July 5th. Use the preceding weeks to research courses, create a shortlist, and have your Clearing number ready to contact universities on results day.

Daniele assures students that, 

“Clearing in the UK is a common ‘back-up’ for offer holders who have not satisfied their conditions. Universities with open places, and who are considering applicants with specific actual grades, would be contactable via Clearing. There is a dedicated page on UCAS concerning Clearing and how to work with it.

If applying to university outside of the UK, each system and perhaps even university will have its own policy concerning missed offers. If in doubt, it is always best to proactively reach out to your top-choice (“firm”) university with results in hand asap.”

• Consider a Deferral: Deferring your entry until 2026 allows for a gap year. Students can use this time to retake one or two subjects in the November session, gain work experience, or pursue volunteering opportunities.
• Explore Late Direct Applications: Many universities in Europe and Asia accept new applications even after the IB results, welcoming candidates for late August entries.

Daniele reminds undergraduates that, “If applying directly to a university, expect to wait 24-48 hours before an update is received by the university in question.”

Handling Unexpected Grades, Remarks and Retakes

It’s common for some results not to meet expectations. If a grade seems inconsistent with your performance, the International Baccalaureate (IB) offers official options for remarks.

Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) / Remark

If a grade feels “out of line,” consider an Enquiry Upon Results, commonly known as a remark. But beware there are risks in doing this! More below:

• Initiate Through Your School: Only your IB coordinator can submit an EUR request. Contact them immediately, and be open to their advice.
• Act Promptly: The deadline is typically mid-July, so the window for action is short.
• Consent Required: You’ll sign a consent form, as a remark can potentially move your score up or down.
• Fees Apply: The IB charges a fee per subject. Clarify your school’s policy on covering this cost or whether families are responsible. Exam boards often issue refunds if the grade increases.

Daniele advises that, “As for remarks: be careful! First talk to your school and see whether they are on-board with the request (i.e. whether they deem it merited). Otherwise, you always run the risk of a remark resulting in an even lower grade! The vast majority of A level and IB holders do not ask for a remark. 

And for good reason; qualified markers work with a system full of checks and balances, so examiners can ensure they award grades fairly. Further, always check and see whether a remark will cost you any additional fees!”

Keep in mind that a remark is most suitable in these specific situations:

• You were just one or two marks below the next grade boundary.
• You narrowly missed a university offer by a single point.
• Your teacher’s predicted grade was significantly higher, and your Internal Assessment (IA) scores were strong.

If several of these points align, a remark is often a worthwhile investment. Otherwise your school’s IB Coordinator may well advise against it.

Daniele says, “There is no harm in being proactive! Reach out to your university (including any back-up) first. See if they will accept you with lower than predicted grades! They might ask you to wait for a formal update (e.g. via UCAS). Regardless, there is no harm in asking. Just making it clear you really want to go there!”

IB Retake Guidelines

Retaking Internal Assessments (IAs) is not compulsory. If you’re happy with your current IA scores, you can opt to retake only the exams. That said, the IB does allow you to submit new IAs if you’re looking to improve your overall grade. It’s a good idea to speak with your IB programme coordinator for guidance on what’s best for your situation.

Typically, registration closes in September, and the process involves a standard fee along with an additional charge per subject. As a result, achieving a higher grade can lead to improved university offers or scholarship opportunities, often making the IB exam retake a worthwhile investment.

Whether considering a remark or a retake, speaking with your subject teachers is invaluable. They can provide insights into where marks were gained or lost, helping you decide on the best path forward.

Maintaining Well-being on Results Day

Grades are important, but a student’s mental well-being should always come first. During results season, emotions can run high, and many families wonder how to provide the right support. 

“The best thing a family can do is support their child no matter the results! Again, you are not defined by a final year set of grades! Today there are multiple back-up plans to consider, across several higher education systems. Among them is also the “gap year” option, which can serve as a great opportunity for the child to recharge their batteries and consider resitting subjects in advance of applying for the next application window! There is no stigma behind this. Indeed, many unis applaud students taking the initiative to better their grades in the hopes of landing their dream choice!”

How can parents ease their children’s IB exam stress? Below are a few simple yet effective actions that can make a real difference.

• Encourage your child to share feelings. Listen more than you talk, especially in the first hour after results appear.
• Focus on effort, progress and resilience rather than the final number alone.
• Avoid comparing one sibling or friend with another. Each learner’s journey is unique.
• Plan a positive activity for the afternoon, such as a favourite meal or meeting friends, but remember to be prepared to change plans if needed.
• If anxiety remains heavy, contact the school’s well-being team or a counsellor for extra support.

A calm environment is essential for processing IB results. Adults can provide this through their kindness and patience.

Financial Points and Deadlines

Financial considerations often arise swiftly after results are released. Each carries its own set of dates, from scholarship thresholds to remark fees and university deposits. Getting organised early will significantly reduce stress.

Create a dedicated folder or spreadsheet to track every financial deadline that emerges on or after July 6th.

• Scholarship Terms: If an award hinges on a total point score, confirm if an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) upgrade would still qualify you. Importantly, ask if the institution will wait for remark outcomes before finalising.

“Scholarships, especially merit-based, can be tied to final year performance. Each one is unique; the onus is on the student to ensure they know the conditions attached to their particular award. As with course offer conditions, if you have any concerns about satisfying a scholarship or financial aid offer, it is imperative that the student contact the financing body directly as soon as results are released to discuss their case.”

• University Deposits: Inquire with the admissions office about how long they will hold your place before requiring payment. Extensions are often possible if you’re awaiting a remark decision.

“Separately, do keep in mind that if you decide to change your uni at last minute, especially if you decide to find “something better”, then any deposit held with your initial first-choice university will most likely be lost – this often applies when holding offers from unis in the US and several European higher education systems. Deposit matters are uncommon in the UK, where the final paperwork and deposit/financial matters happen very quickly after a conditional offer is satisfied.”

• Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) Fees: Confirm the precise fee per subject with your coordinator. Factor in multiple subjects if necessary and budget accordingly.
• Retake Costs: Account for the registration fee, individual subject fees, and any potential tutoring expenses.
• Travel and Accommodation: Be aware that changes in your course or campus may alter living costs. Update your financial plan when considering a new offer.

Ultimately, maintaining clear records and making prompt phone calls will help your family avoid unexpected bills.

A Step-by-Step Plan for the First 48 Hours

A clear outline ensures you wisely utilise the critical period right after the results day. Taking small, practical steps in sequence can reduce confusion and save valuable time.

• Morning of 6 July: log in, note every grade and the overall score. Take a screenshot.
• Mid-morning: check emails and UCAS Track or other portals for university decisions. If you missed an offer, ring the admissions office while lines are quiet. Note the name of the person you speak to and any verbal offers.
• Lunch break: talk with a parent, teacher or mentor about remark suitability.
• Early afternoon: if you need Clearing, finalise a shortlist of courses and phone universities with your Clearing number.
• Late afternoon: email your IB coordinator if requesting an EUR. Attach the consent form, signed and scanned.
• Evening: rest and do something enjoyable. You’ve earned it.

Following a clear order prevents tasks from overwhelming you, ensuring a more manageable and productive results day.

Conclusion

Results day brings a mix of information and emotion, but there are many ways to reach your goals. If you need university applications advice, start by making sure you can access your results, understand how admissions decisions work, and respond promptly to remarks or retake opportunities.

Stay on top of financial matters by tracking key costs and deadlines early. Keep in close contact with your IB coordinator, subject teachers, and university admissions teams. Staying organised, adaptable, and focused will help you move forward. In the end, perseverance and curiosity carry more weight than any single score.

Keep this guide close, lean on your support network, and move forward, step by step. Good luck on July 6th! 

Daniele Labriola, BA, UC Berkeley, MLitt & PhD, St Andrews University, has dedicated over 10 years to assisting families and schools, on how best to prepare students for the top tier of higher education. Dr Labriola’s years in Education have taken him across North America, Europe, and Asia, advising and lecturing on higher education.

Article reviewed & updated by Daniele, 2nd July, 2025.

If you want to get in touch with Daniele, please click here:

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While waiting for your IB Results Day 2025 outcomes, you might find these related blog articles helpful and informative:

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