Your Gateway to the World: Admissions Open for the Only IB World School in Western Ukraine! 🌍

You have a unique opportunity to become a student at the only authorized IB World School in Western Ukraine. We are proud to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a world-renowned curriculum that prepares you for global success.

Entrance Examinations

The assessments are based on the 9th-grade curriculum and cover three core subjects:

• Mathematics

• English Language

• Natural Sciences

Key Information:

• 📅 Exam Dates: June 6 and June 23, 2025

• 📍 Location: 5a Naukova St., Lviv (PIPL Lyceum)

• 🚀 Program Start: September 2026

🏆 EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY: FULL ACADEMIC GRANT

IMPORTANT! This year, we are offering a full grant for 2 years of tuition in our international program. This merit-based scholarship will be awarded to the applicant who achieves the maximum score on the entrance examinations.

Your hard work today could lead to a world-class education at no cost!

"If you want a bright future — you definitely should do this," — says a student from Verita International School (an IB World School in Romania), reflecting on the life-changing impact of the programme.

The IB Diploma Programme in Lviv: Answers to the Questions That Truly Matter

There are always many questions surrounding the IB Diploma Programme, as it is a relatively new educational "product" in Lviv. Only a small circle of "insiders" knows that you can earn a globally recognized IB Diploma right here. What does it actually offer? How hard is it to study entirely in English? Is it worth the investment of time and money?

To find out, we spoke with Anna Dmytriv, Head of the IB Diploma Programme at PIPL Lyceum. In this interview, she breaks down the program's structure, its real value for international admissions, the economic logic behind the choice, and why decisions should be made in advance.

What does "IB World School" status mean in practice?

Anna: It’s a seal of verified educational quality. PIPL Lyceum is an academically rigorous institution, which allowed us to become the first and only authorized school in Western Ukraine. For students, it means access to the world’s most recognized tool for admission to top-tier universities. We don't just prepare graduates; we shape individuals capable of acting and thinking globally.

Is a Ukrainian certificate truly insufficient for studying abroad?

Anna: This is a common misconception that costs families both time and money. After the 11th grade, a Ukrainian certificate is often not enough for direct entry into universities in the UK, Canada, or the Netherlands. Graduates usually have to take a Foundation Year, costing between €10,000 and €25,000 (excluding living expenses), and spend an extra year doing so. The IB DP completely replaces this stage, allowing students to enter the first year of a Bachelor’s degree immediately after graduation.

What skills does a child gain? Is it just advanced subject study?

Anna: It’s about forming a holistic personality through a "coded" approach to learning. We develop the IB Learner Profile—ten qualities you can’t get from a textbook: curiosity, critical thinking, integrity, and open-mindedness. Students become researchers and communicators. For example, in Business Management, which I teach, it’s not enough to just know who stakeholders are. You must explain how specific company goals impact them, argue both sides, and provide real-world evidence. A key skill is academic writing—the majority of IB tasks are open-ended questions written by hand.

How is the learning organized and what subjects are available?

Anna: We are likely the only school in Lviv where students aren't divided into fixed "classes" but rather by the subjects they choose. This was our dream: to create a Western-style system that still provides a valid national diploma. We offer 15 subjects across 6 groups, including Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Economics, Visual Arts, and more. The level is so high that it often overlaps with 1st or 2nd-year university courses, making our students highly competitive worldwide.

What is unique about the IB compared to other programs?

Anna: The most tangible difference is the CORE block, which consists of three components:

1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course on the nature of knowledge and how we think.

2. Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research paper that prepares students for university-level academic standards.

3. CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): A portfolio of extracurricular activities including volunteering, sports, and arts.

Admissions for 2026/2027 are now open!

Seats are strictly limited. Make a conscious choice for your child’s future.

Inside the IB: Language, Timing, and Global Recognition

How difficult is it to study entirely in English?

Anna: If an applicant starts with a B2 level, they have a strong chance of succeeding without it being overwhelming. The value of the IB Diploma Programme lies in total immersion. Every lesson effectively becomes an English lesson as students encounter new terminology and concepts that can be challenging even in one’s native language. It’s not just about English proficiency; it’s about a student's academic maturity. We use materials from leading publishers like Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Pearson. While most students adapt within the first semester, it is a rigorous journey that requires dedication.

What is the best age to enroll in the IB DP at PIPL Lyceum?

Anna: My top recommendation is to enroll after the 10th grade of Ukrainian school. At this stage, a student’s academic and cognitive abilities are significantly more developed. However, we accept students after the 9th grade and even after the 11th. Many families prefer starting right after the 9th grade to "save a year," but in my view, starting later is actually "gaining time." A more mature student is better motivated and handles the workload more effectively. Furthermore, some international universities require students to be full 18 years old for admission—a milestone reached naturally by those who start IB after the 10th grade.

Strategic Tip: If a student plans to take the Ukrainian NMT exams "just in case," doing so alongside IB Final Exams (if they started after 9th grade) creates a massive academic load. Enrolling after the 10th or 11th grade makes this process much smoother. Completing international school at 18 or 19 allows for a much more conscious career choice.

Why choose PIPL Lyceum over a preparatory year abroad?

Anna: The most obvious reason is cost. Studying abroad can cost a family upwards of $40,000 per year. At PIPL Lyceum, the tuition for 2026 is $15,000 per year, and we lock this price for two years for our current students. Plus, we offer a full merit-based grant for the top-scoring applicant. Beyond finances, age is a factor. 15 or 16 is often too early for independent life abroad. Staying home for two more years near the family provides the emotional maturity needed to succeed when they eventually move abroad for university.

Is the IB Diploma recognized globally?

Anna: Absolutely. That is its primary purpose: to align national schooling with the admission requirements of the world's elite universities. It is recognized by over 3,000 institutions, including MIT, Cambridge, and Harvard. Our first IB cohort has already received university offers—even before graduation—based on their predicted grades.

Can a student prepare for the Ukrainian NMT while in the IB?

Anna: Yes, but it requires exceptional self-management. NMT prep is an additional option, so students must find the time for it. Many of our current IB students are successfully preparing for or have already passed their NMT exams.

Final advice for parents?

Anna: The IB Diploma Programme in Lviv is a chance to give your child all the advantages of a world-class education without separating them from their family. It’s a strategic decision that saves resources while ensuring a confident start anywhere in the world.

Contact Us:

📞 +38 067 982 5212 📍 5a Naukova St., Lviv 🌐 pipllyceum.com

Admissions for 2026/2027 are now open! Seats are limited.