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IB + BC Dogwood Dual Diploma Explained | UNISUS

Picture a graduate walking across the stage with two diplomas at once. One is an official BC Certificate of Graduation, while the other is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma that is recognized by universities in more than 110 countries. At UNISUS, that dual diploma is a real graduation-day outcome, earned inside a single program.

What is the IB + BC Dogwood dual diploma?

At UNISUS, eligible graduates earn both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the British Columbia High School Diploma, known as the Dogwood Diploma, at the same time. This dual diploma fully satisfies BC Ministry of Education requirements while also giving students a globally recognized credential, all within one program.

The Dogwood is the official BC Certificate of Graduation, and UNISUS students consistently meet or exceed the 80 credits it requires. The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous two-year course of study in Grades 11 and 12 that pairs six subjects with a distinctive core. You can read the full details on the Senior School and Diploma Programme page.

What graduation pathways does UNISUS offer?

UNISUS offers three personalized pathways, so each student graduates with the right mix of credentials for their goals. Every student who meets BC requirements earns the Dogwood Diploma, no matter which pathway they choose.

  • BC Dogwood Diploma. The standard British Columbia provincial diploma, built on the BC curriculum.
  • Enriched Dogwood Diploma. The Dogwood plus one or more IB courses. Students graduate with the Dogwood and IB Course certificates. It suits students who want a strong, flexible education, whether they plan to continue to university or college, or move toward a career.
  • Dual IB + Dogwood Diploma. The full IB Diploma pathway, with three Higher Level and three Standard Level IB courses plus the IB core. Students graduate with both the IB Diploma and the Dogwood Diploma. It suits students who want to prioritize academics and aim for competitive universities in Canada or abroad.

For a closer look at example course plans by interest, including Arts, Science, Scholar-Athlete, and Business, see the Pathways to Graduation guide.

What makes up the IB Diploma Programme core?

The IB Diploma combines six subjects with three core elements that build skills beyond any single class. Together they are what make the IB more than a set of courses.

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK). A course that asks students to reflect on how we know what we know. It is assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600 word essay.
  • Extended Essay (EE). An independent research project of about 4,000 words, written across Grades 11 and 12, that prepares students for university-level research.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). A blend of creative work, physical activity and community service that keeps learning balanced and connected to the wider world.

Learning in an IB classroom is inquiry-driven and concept-based. The focus is on developing critical thinking and global understanding rather than memorizing facts.

How does the journey work from Grade 8 to Grade 12?

Senior School at UNISUS runs from Grade 8 to Grade 12, with students building a strong foundation first and specializing later. The IB Diploma Programme itself is offered in Grades 11 and 12.

In Grades 8 to 10, students move through a shared set of courses with their cohort, and they also take part in the Academics+ model, choosing the Scholar-Athlete program or an Enrichment pathway for several afternoons each week. Grade 10 acts as a foundation year for the graduation program. Before Grade 11, every student and family meets with the University and Careers Counsellor and the DP Coordinator for personalized post-secondary guidance and course selection. In Grades 11 and 12, students specialize, choose their pathway, write their final exams and apply to universities, colleges, and scholarships.

Senior school pathway timeline showing Grades 8 to 12 at UNISUS

Why does the dual diploma matter for university?

The dual diploma opens more doors than a single credential. Students leave UNISUS with a respected provincial diploma and a globally portable IB credential at the same time. The benefits include:

  • Wide recognition. The IB Diploma is recognized by universities in over 110 countries, including all major Canadian universities.
  • Early acceptance. IB results are released before most provincial exam results, so students can receive university offers earlier.
  • University credits. Students who earn qualifying grades in their Higher Level IB courses can receive first-year university credits at many institutions. Families can check equivalencies on the BC Transfer Guide.
  • Scholarship opportunities. Strong IB results can support scholarship applications.

Research backs this up. Diploma Programme students enroll, persist, and graduate at higher rates than national averages, and Canadian studies found that DP students earned higher grades and had lower dropout rates than their peers.

Source: The International Baccalaureate in Canada: Growth, Access and Outcomes (International Baccalaureate)

What is the IB Learner Profile?

The IB Learner Profile is a set of 10 attributes that every IB programme works to develop. It shapes not only what students learn, but the kind of people they become. UNISUS students are encouraged to grow as:

  • Inquirers and Knowledgeable learners, curious and well-read across subjects.
  • Thinkers and Communicators, able to reason through problems and express ideas clearly.
  • Principled, Open-minded, and Caring members of a global community.
  • Risk-takers, Balanced, and Reflective individuals who keep growing.

You can view the full set of attributes in the official IB Learner Profile.

Frequently asked questions

Do all UNISUS IB graduates also receive the BC Dogwood Diploma?

Yes. All eligible IB graduates at UNISUS receive the BC Dogwood Diploma alongside their IB Diploma, provided they meet BC Ministry graduation requirements. UNISUS is one of the few IB schools in British Columbia that delivers this dual credential as a standard outcome.

Can students take IB courses without doing the full diploma?

Yes. Through the Enriched Dogwood pathway, students can be IB Course Candidates, taking selected IB courses to enrich their Dogwood Diploma without committing to the full IB Diploma.

How is the IB Diploma different from Advanced Placement (AP)?

The IB Diploma is a complete two-year programme with six subjects plus TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS. AP courses are individual, subject-specific courses with no overarching diploma. At UNISUS, students earn the full IB Diploma alongside the Dogwood, giving them two recognized credentials at graduation.

When do students choose their pathway?

Students choose their pathway before Grade 11, with personalized support from the University and Careers Counsellor and the DP Coordinator.

See the dual diploma in action

If you want your child to graduate with both a globally recognized IB Diploma and the BC Dogwood Diploma, UNISUS is built for exactly that. Book a tour or contact our admissions team to explore the pathway that fits your child best.