International Advanced Diploma

For Global Futures: The International Advanced Diploma

World-class education.

Real-world edge.

Launched in 2025, the International Advanced Diploma (IAD) is a pioneering high school programme developed by EiM to evolve education beyond knowledge alone, and address the rapidly changing demands of the 21st century.

The IAD pairs rigorous A level academic study, independent research through the EPQ, and verified real-world competencies aligned with the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics for Success. University applicants with an IAD diploma are fully prepared for undergraduate study.

The IAD also presents opportunities for universities to collaborate with the programme and future-ready curricula and pathways that respond meaningfully to a rapidly changing world.

Key Components of the IAD

Academic Framework

IAD students develop critical thinking, analysis and research skills through A levels, preparing them for the academic rigour of undergraduate study.

Real-world Skills Framework

The IAD develops seven real-world skills, mapped to the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics for Success, which complement academic achievement with competencies associated with university and career

Learn More About Real-World Skills

Real-world Context

Collaborations with leading universities, companies and NGOs provide students with applied learning experiences that develop real-world competencies.

Learn More About Real-world Context

“The nature of work and careers is changing fast …and in the future, the right skills will be prized over academic qualifications alone.”

— World Economic Forum

Why the IAD?

At EiM, we know that AI and automation are transforming the future of work, and education must evolve to prepare students with academic knowledge and real-world and human skills.

Because students have different strengths and ambitions, the curriculum should offer personalised pathways that combine qualifications with broader capabilities. Exam results alone cannot capture a person’s full potential or prepare them for complex, global challenges.

The IAD develops academically strong, highly motivated students who are prepared for the demands of higher education. By combining rigorous academic study with structured skills development and real-world application, the programme enables students to build both subject mastery and transferable capabilities valued by universities.

Personalisation

Each student follows a personalised IAD pathway that aligns their academic interests with future study goals. Students design their IAD journey through a combination of:

A level qualifications
EPQ topic
IAD pathway (from five options)
Complementary courses relevant to their chosen IAD pathway

IAD Pathways

STEM & Engineering
Medical Sciences, Leadership & Coaching
Environmental Sciences & Ecopreneurship
Global Systems & Strategic Leadership
Arts, Design & Emerging Media

Academic Framework

A levels: The academic component of the IAD

A levels form the academic foundation of the IAD. Typically studied over two years (ages 16–18), A levels are known globally for their academic depth and challenge. They are often described as the “gold standard” of secondary education and are highly valued by universities and prestigious employers worldwide.

Extended Project Qualification

In addition to A levels, all IAD students undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This is an independent research project that builds critical skills such as analysis, project management, communication and independent learning - excellent preparation for independent research at university.

Skills Framework

Real-world skills: The future-proofing component of the IAD

Academic results are only part of the story. Universities recognise the importance of attributes such as creativity, ethical judgement, collaboration and adaptability alongside academic achievement.

Drawing on the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics , the IAD intentionally develops seven real-world skills:

Acting Ethically
Active Citizenship
Agency in Learning
Communication
Collaboration
Quality Thinking
Personal Development

These competencies are aligned with leading university research on student success and externally validated by the University of Melbourne and the Council of International Schools.

*Three IAD schools in EiM are part of the New Metrics and CIS pilot with international schools .

Verified Credentials

Throughout the IAD, more than 30 skill elements are tracked across these seven competency areas. On completion of the diploma, each student receives validated certification from the University of Melbourne recognising their real-world skills development.

Experiential Learning Framework

Real-world context: The signature component of the IAD

The IAD connects academic study with real-world experiences through curated collaborations with world-class institutions and organisations, delivering intellectual rigour and applied learning.

The IAD offers experiences across a wide range of disciplines for students exploring their higher education options. The programme includes diverse, dynamic courses in everything from graphic design, engineering, and computer science, to anatomy and physiology, planet Earth, financial markets, and entrepreneurship.

The programme includes courses delivered by leading academic and industry providers such as Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, amongst others.

Course completion certificates are validated by top worldwide institutions including Yale, Harvard University, Stanford Center for Health Education, MIT, University of Leeds, University of Glasgow, UTokyo and many more.

Download the IAD catalogue

To find out more about the IAD contact us here.

The IAD Difference

Each student leaves with a digital wallet containing academic qualifications, a university-verified skills profile, and a wide range of certified learning experiences from real-world contexts. This presents a more complete profile of student readiness, combining academic performance, research capability, and validated real-world competencies.