IB Maths AA vs AI: which course should you choose?
IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA) vs Applications and Interpretation (AI): the differences in syllabus, exam structure and university requirements, with guidance by student profile.
Since 2019, IB Mathematics has been offered as two courses: Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Applications and Interpretation (AI), each at HL and SL. This is one of the highest-stakes decisions in the Diploma Programme because it shapes both the two-year experience and which university courses will accept you. This guide compares the two by syllabus, exam structure and university requirements. For one-to-one help see IB Maths tutoring.
The core difference: algebra vs application
AA is the "pure maths" pathway: algebraic manipulation, proof, trigonometry and deep calculus. It includes a non-calculator paper and suits students who enjoy abstraction and long algebraic chains. AI is the modelling and data pathway: statistics, probability, financial maths, graph theory (HL) and technology-driven solutions. Every AI paper uses a GDC; it measures the ability to build mathematics in real-world contexts.
Exam structure
- AA HL: Paper 1 (no GDC), Paper 2 (GDC), Paper 3 (extended problem solving) + IA. The heaviest maths option.
- AA SL: Paper 1 (no GDC) + Paper 2 (GDC) + IA.
- AI HL: Papers 1-3 all with GDC + IA; statistics and modelling heavy.
- AI SL: Papers 1-2 with GDC + IA; the lightest computational load of the four.
In both courses the Internal Assessment (the Exploration) is worth 20% of the grade.
University requirements: the key constraint
- Engineering, physics, mathematics: most selective universities require or strongly prefer AA HL.
- Economics: LSE and similar prefer AA HL; many good programmes accept AA SL / AI HL.
- Business, social sciences, psychology: AI HL or AA/AI SL is usually sufficient, and AI's statistics focus is often more useful.
- Medicine: most programmes look at Chemistry/Biology HL rather than maths level; AA SL or AI SL is typically fine.
The rule of thumb: if your target degree is calculation-heavy choose AA; if it is data-heavy choose AI; when unsure, AA keeps the most doors open.
Choosing by student profile
- Comfortable with algebra, enjoys proof, STEM-bound → AA HL
- STEM-bound but maths is not the strongest area → AA SL (plus HL sciences)
- Economics/business-bound, strong with statistics → AI HL
- Social sciences/arts-bound, minimising maths load → AI SL