From consultation to DP authorization
Moving from readiness to application
The consultation visit provides a point-in-time review of the school’s readiness for authorization. Following the consultation report, the school should update its action plan, address the identified priorities and continue to build evidence of progress with the support of its consultant.
The goal is not simply to complete paperwork, but to demonstrate that the school is ready to implement the DP as planned.
1. Act on the consultation report
- Review all recommendations, particularly areas identified as requiring greater attention.
- Update the action plan in My School.
- Clarify actions, responsibilities, resources and realistic timelines.
- Work with the consultant remotely to provide evidence of progress.
- Use the DP Application for authorization Self-review and reflection tool to check readiness.
2. Check the essentials before applying
Before submitting the Application for authorization, ensure that:
- all intended DP subjects and core components are confirmed;
- course outlines and timetables are complete;
- required professional development has been completed and recorded in My School;
- staffing, roles and responsibilities are clear;
- required policies are developed and aligned with IB expectations;
- collaborative planning time is established;
- facilities, IT, library and examination storage meet requirements;
- assessment, EE, TOK and CAS arrangements are planned;
- the implementation budget includes relevant IB fees, staffing, resources, facilities and ongoing professional development.
The application should provide coherent evidence that the planned DP can be implemented successfully.
3. Communicate candidacy correctly
If the school refers to the DP on its website, prospectus or other promotional materials, its candidacy status must be clearly stated.
Use the IB-approved candidate-school logo and/or required candidacy wording in accordance with the IB’s branding guidance.
4. Check the financial position
When the Application for authorization is opened, the application fee is triggered.
Before submitting:
- check the school’s IB account;
- resolve any overdue invoices;
- contact the IB Finance team if an updated statement is required.
Outstanding invoices relating to any IB programme may delay the authorization process.
Timeline
IB fees
Schools progressing through the IB authorisation process should expect three main fees during the candidacy and consultation stages. These fees are based on September 2026.
1. Candidacy fee – EUR 3,030
This is the initial fee paid when a school begins the full IB authorisation process. It covers:
- Review of the documentation submitted with the Application for Candidacy
- Assignment of an IB Programme Relationship Manager
- Access to the IB accounts and resources used throughout the authorisation process
2. Consultation fee – EUR 7,140
This fee is charged once the school has been granted candidacy and begins the consultation process.
It includes:
- Up to 20 hours of consultation with the school's consultant
- One required consultation visit, either virtual or in person
- Meetings with school leadership, staff and the wider community during the visit
- Two consultation reports: one following the visit and one at the conclusion of the consultancy
- Ongoing support from IB staff and access to relevant IB resources
3. Authorisation fee – EUR 7,140
This fee is charged towards the end of the consultation period, when the school requests access to the Application for Authorization.
The timing is determined by the school's own timeline and readiness. Access to the application does not occur until the school has completed its consultation visit and received the resulting report.
The fee covers:
- Comprehensive review of the Application for Authorization
- The final Verification Visit
- Reports associated with the application review and Verification Visit
- Continued support from IB staff throughout the final stages of the authorisation process
Total fees
The three fees described above amount to EUR 17,310 in total. These fees cover the main IB charges from the start of candidacy through to the final Verification Visit and authorisation process.
Useful resources: DP Application for authorization Self-review and reflection tool · Guide to school authorization