result of the number of applicants that apply because of the very prestigious reputation of the school. In the past few years, GIBS has been getting nearly four times as many applications from new students than it can accept. In order to be accepted to GIBS a student's elementary school report card must consist mainly of "Sehr Gut" or "A" grades (90% or over in all classes), and the student must complete an entrance test and interview together with other applying students. Students with a bilingual background will be given higher priority, and have to complete an individual interview. Academic systems Course system Introduction The school offers a Course System for Years 6-8. While upholding the principle of an all-round education fundamental to the Austrian school system, the course system allows students more freedom to pursue their particular interests and in-depth study. Students can select courses which are useful for their proposed academic and professional careers. Gibs - Graz International Bilingual School - School Profile In order to qualify for the final exam (Reifeprüfung), students need to gather a minimum amount of credits. The minimum amount of credits required for qualification is 68. The 68 credits must include a certain amount of credits in the following categories: 16 language credits (German, English, French, Spanish, Latin) 12 science credits (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics) 12 humanities and geography credits (History, Geography, Psychology and Philosophy) The school offers various courses, for each weekly attended period the student is rewarded with 2 credits. Subject pools The students can chose courses from the following subject pools: Pool 1 - Languages English German French Spanish Latin Russian Pool 2 - Sciences Biology Chemistry Physics Mathematics Pool 3 - Humanities History, Politics and Social Studies Geography and Economics Psychology Philosophy Pool 4 - Other Religious Education (separated into catholic and protestant) Music Arts Computing Descriptive Geometry Physical Education International Baccalaureate Introduction In 2017, GIBS became an IB Diploma Program (IBDP) school. The IBDP is an international academic program aimed at students aged 15–19. The introduction of the IBDP at the school made it possible for students to attain two different certificates: the Austrian Matura (Standardisierte Reifeprüfung) and the IB diploma. Primarily, the IB was introduced to allow foreign students that would not otherwise be able to graduate from GIBS (due to not being qualified for the Standardisierte Reifeprüfung) to successfully graduate. Subjects GIBS currently offers the following