The Diploma Programme (DP) provides a challenging, internationally focused, broad, and balanced educational experience for learners aged 16 to 19. learners are required to study six subjects and a curriculum core concurrently over two years. The programme is designed to equip learners with the basic academic skills needed for university study, further education, and their chosen profession. Additionally, the programme supports the development of the values and life skills needed to live a fulfilled and purposeful life.

A distinguishing characteristic of the DP is a concern with the whole educational experience of each learner. The curriculum framework, and the supporting structures and principles, are designed to ensure that each learner is necessarily exposed to a broad and balanced curriculum. The learner profile and the core are positioned at the center of the programme, reflecting the priority given to affective disposition as well as cognitive development, and concern with developing competent and active citizens as well as subject specialists. The core requirements of the theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay, and creativity, activity, and service (CAS) broaden the educational experience and challenge learners to apply their knowledge and understanding in real-life contexts.

learners study six subjects concurrently. These include two languages, one subject from individuals and societies, one science, one mathematics subject, and one subject from the arts or another subject from the other groups. There are also interdisciplinary subjects such as environmental systems and societies, and literature and performance, available to learners. These options allow learners to satisfy the requirements for two groups of subjects by studying one subject, thus allowing them to select another subject from any group to make up a total of six.