Does Dalhousie University give transfer credit for IB Physics HL?
Halifax, NS
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
Physics 1280.03 + Physics 1290.03 = 6 credit hours
💡Expert's Take
Dalhousie's IB transfer credit table awards Physics 1280.03 and Physics 1290.03 for IB Physics HL with a score of 5 or higher. That is a two-course, 6-credit-hour award covering Dalhousie's first-year introductory physics package. For context, the standard first-year physics path for science and engineering students at Dalhousie is PHYC 1190 (Fall) and PHYC 1290 (Winter), while the life-sciences sequence is PHYC 1310 and PHYC 1320.
There is a coding inconsistency worth noting. The IB transfer credit table lists the first course as Physics 1280.03, but Dalhousie's current academic calendar describes the physical-sciences and engineering introductory sequence as PHYC 1190 and PHYC 1290, not 1280 and 1290. The IB table may be using an older or internal course code, or the equivalency may map differently than the current calendar suggests. Either way, Engineering-bound students in particular should confirm the exact equivalency with Dalhousie's transfer credit office before relying on this for registration planning, since Year 1 Engineering curricula typically list PHYC 1190 (not 1280) in Fall.
What to watch for:
- Engineering students: watch your 12-credit cap. Bachelor of Engineering students can receive a maximum of 12 credit hours of IB transfer credit total. If you are also claiming transfer credit for Math AA HL (6 credits) and Physics HL (6 credits), you will hit that cap exactly, leaving no room for additional IB transfers in other subjects.
- Exclusion rules between physics sequences. Under the current calendar, PHYC 1190 excludes PHYC 1310, and PHYC 1290 excludes PHYC 1320. If your IB transfer credit is recognized as equivalent to the 1190/1290 sequence, you would not be able to also take the 1310/1320 life-sciences courses for credit. Confirm the exact exclusions that apply to your transfer credit with the registrar.
If you scored 5 or higher in IB Physics HL, this transfer credit can remove two courses from your first-year schedule. Combined with Math AA HL credit and Chemistry HL credit (if available), it could lighten the first-year STEM course load meaningfully. However, most programs still have other first-year requirements beyond physics, so plan your schedule accordingly. Transfer credit requests must be submitted before you complete your first semester at Dalhousie. Contact transfercredits@dal.ca to confirm how the Physics 1280.03 code on the IB table maps to your program's specific physics requirement.
Official award line (IB Physics HL):
Minimum score: 5
Credit granted: Physics 1280.03 + Physics 1290.03 (6 credit hours)
Need help preparing for IB Physics 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 Physics HL at Other Universities
See how Physics HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Est. Savings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGill UniversityMontreal, QC | 5/7 | PHYS 101 + PHYS 102 (8 credits) | $3,360 | → | |
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | PHYS 115.3 + PHYS 117.3 = 6 credit units | $1,554 | → | |
| Western UniversityLondon, ON | 5/7 | Physics 1501A (0.5 cr) + Physics 1502B (0.5 cr) = … | $1,440 | → | |
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 4/7 | SFU PHYS 101 (3), Q/B-Sci; SFU PHYS 102 (3), Q/B-S… | $1,398 | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, ON | 5/7 | PHY 1121 + PHY 1122 (6 units) | $1,320 | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | PHYS 124 + PHYS 126 (6 units) | $1,302 | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 6/7 | PHYS_V 100 (3) + PHYS_V 1st-year level (3) | $1,242 | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | Physics 221 (3 units) and Physics 223 (3 units) | $1,194 | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, ON | 5/7 | PHYS 9110 (0.50 credits) | $720 | → | |
| Queen's UniversityKingston, ON | 5/7 | PHYS 117 (3.0 units) | $699 | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | PHY131H1+PHY132H1 (1.0 cr, A&S) · PHY136H5+PHY137H… | $659 | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | 6/7 | PHYS 102A (1.5 units) and PHYS 102B (1.5 units) | $555 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, 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.
Other IB Subjects at Dalhousie University
Related subjects you might be interested in at Dalhousie University
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation HL
Computer Science HL
Chemistry HL
Biology HL
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL
Save Your Transfer Plan
Download a PDF of this transfer credit information for Physics HL at Dalhousie University.