Does Dalhousie University give transfer credit for IB Computer Science HL?
Halifax, NS
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
Computer Science 1100.03 + Computer Science 1101.03 = 6 credit hours
💡Expert's Take
A score of 5 or higher on IB Computer Science HL is listed by Dalhousie as equivalent to CSCI 1100.03 and CSCI 1101.03, for 6 credit hours total. Students entering Dalhousie's Faculty of Computer Science programs, however, should look closely at how useful that credit will actually be, because the current BCS and BACS first-year core is built around CSCI 1110, 1120, and 1170 instead.
The awarded courses, CSCI 1100 and CSCI 1101, do not appear among the listed first-year core requirements for either the Bachelor of Computer Science or the Bachelor of Applied Computer Science. How these 6 credit hours ultimately apply, whether as free electives, outside electives, or in some other category, depends on your specific degree audit and what an advisor determines at the time of credit assessment.
What to watch for:
- A potential exclusion for CS-bound students. The current Academic Calendar lists CSCI 1101.03 as an exclusion for CSCI 1110.03, the required introductory course in both the BCS and BACS programs. This means accepting IB credit for CSCI 1101 may prevent enrollment in CSCI 1110. Students targeting a Faculty of Computer Science degree should confirm with an advisor how this exclusion is handled before accepting the credit.
- Dal's own program caveat. The IB applicants page notes explicitly that "the degree requirements of their program may impact the transfer credits a student receives." This applies to CS programs directly, but is a reminder worth heeding across all faculties.
- Non-CS programs. For many programs outside the Faculty of Computer Science, these 6 credit hours may be useful as elective space, though how they apply will still depend on the specific rules of your degree. Verify with your faculty's academic advisor.
If you are entering a Faculty of Computer Science program, speak with a CS academic advisor before accepting this credit. Key questions to raise: Do CSCI 1100 and CSCI 1101 satisfy any named requirement in your degree, or do they land as free electives? Does holding CSCI 1101 via transfer create a conflict with your ability to enroll in the required CSCI 1110? And, depending on those answers, does Dalhousie permit you to decline or defer the IB credit? These are not questions with publicly stated answers on the IB page; they require direct advising confirmation.
Official award line (IB Computer Science HL):
Minimum score: 5
Credit granted: Computer Science 1100.03 + Computer Science 1101.03 (6 credit hours)
Dalhousie IB Applicants page, University credit for IB courses table
Need help preparing for IB Computer Science HL?
Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
6
Tuition per Credit*
~$342
Est. Savings*
~$2,052
*Tuition rates are approximate and may vary by academic year, faculty, and program. Always verify with Dalhousie University's official sources before making decisions.
📊 Compare Computer Science HL at Other Universities
See how Computer Science HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Est. Savings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | CMPT Jr.6 = 6 credit units | $1,554 | → | |
| Western UniversityLondon, ON | 5/7 | Computer Science 1026A/B (0.5 cr) + Computer Scien… | $1,440 | → | |
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 5/7 | SFU CMPT 1XX (3); SFU CMPT 120 (3), Q/B-Sci | $1,398 | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | CMPUT 174 (3 units) + CMPUT 175 (3 units) | $1,302 | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | CPSC 231 + 3 units junior Computer Science | $1,194 | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, ON | 5/7 | CIS 9110 (0.50 credits) | $720 | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | CSC1**Y (1.0 credit) | $659 | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 6/7 | CPSC_V 1st-year level (3 credits) | $621 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | 5/7 | Elective credit only (Engineering/iBioMed/CS) | $600 | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | 4/7 | CSC 110 (1.5 units) and CSC 115 (1.5 units) | $555 | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → |
Tip: Different provinces have different tuition rates. Use these comparisons to find the best value for your residency status.
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Download a PDF of this transfer credit information for Computer Science HL at Dalhousie University.