Does University of Guelph give transfer credit for IB French A: Language and Literature HL?
Guelph, ON
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
HUMN 9110 (0.50 credits)
💡Expert's Take
Guelph awards HUMN*9110 (0.50 credits) for IB French A: Language and Literature HL with a final score of 5 or higher. The 9110 code is Guelph's convention for unspecified humanities credit, so it posts to your transcript as a half-credit that does not match a numbered course in the HUMN catalogue. At Guelph, 0.50 credits equals one standard one-semester course.
Entry into FREN courses is governed by stated prerequisites and prior background, not a general placement test: FREN*1100 is for students with up to Grade 10 French, FREN*1200 requires Grade 12U French or FREN*1100/FREN*1150, and FREN*1300 requires FREN*1200 or a Grade 12 French Immersion equivalent. The French Studies program also notes that Francophone students usually start with second-year courses conditional on approval by the Faculty Advisor. HUMN*9110 itself is a generic transfer credit and is not recognized as a named prerequisite, but your IB background can still matter for entry decisions made in consultation with the School of Languages and Literatures.
Guelph also caps IB transfer credit at a maximum of 2.0 credits. If you hold multiple qualifying HL subjects, French A: Language and Literature counts against that cap alongside your other HL awards.
What to watch for:
- Unspecified credit, but substitutions are case-by-case. HUMN*9110 does not automatically satisfy named-course requirements or serve as a prerequisite, yet the French Studies program indicates that, under certain circumstances, up to 0.50 credits from other School of Languages and Literatures courses related to French Studies may count with Faculty Advisor approval. Substitution is therefore possible in some programs, not blanket-denied.
- Score 5 is the floor. A 4 on HL French A: Language and Literature receives no transfer credit under Guelph's IB transfer policy.
- French majors/minors: exemption means substitution. Students exempt from FREN*1200 and/or FREN*1300 "will need to substitute higher level French course(s) in order to complete the required number of credits for their program." HUMN*9110 is not itself a replacement; the requirement is replaced by taking additional upper-year FREN courses.
- The 2.0-credit IB cap is an absolute ceiling. Awards are granted upon receipt of your official IBO transcript and stop at 2.0 credits; Guelph does not publish a mechanism for students to choose which HL awards apply.
Actionable strategy:
- Continuing in French: Contact the School of Languages and Literatures before course selection to confirm the correct FREN entry point based on your Grade 12 background and IB results. If you are exempt from FREN*1200 or FREN*1300, ask your Faculty Advisor which upper-year courses will substitute.
- Not continuing in French: Use HUMN*9110 to free a humanities or general elective slot. Confirm how it applies within your specific program with your program counsellor, since fit depends on your degree's elective rules.
- Request a credit-type change if useful: Guelph allows students to request to change specified transfer credit to unspecified credit on an individual basis within the first 30 days of the first semester. This is the published lever for adjusting how a credit applies; discuss with an academic advisor before acting.
Official award line (IB French A: Language and Literature HL):
Minimum score: 5 or higher
Credit granted: HUMN*9110 (0.50 credits) – unspecified humanities credit
University of Guelph Admission – IB / AP Transfer Credit Guelph Undergraduate Calendar – French Studies
What about Standard Level (SL)? Guelph's IB transfer credit policy awards credit only for Higher Level subjects with a final grade of 5 or higher. SL French A: Language and Literature does not receive transfer credit at Guelph. This page covers HL only.
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Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
1
Tuition per Credit*
~$720
Est. Savings*
~$720
*Tuition rates are approximate and may vary by academic year, faculty, and program. Always verify with University of Guelph's official sources before making decisions.
📊 Compare French A: Language and Literature HL at Other Universities
See how French A: Language and Literature HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Est. Savings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGill UniversityMontreal, QC | 5/7 | FREN 1XX (6 credits) | $2,520 | → | |
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | 5/7 | ASSC 1999.06 (elective) | $2,052 | → | |
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | FREN 122.3 + FREN 125.3 = 6 credit units | $1,554 | → | |
| York UniversityToronto, ON | 5/7 | AP/FR 1*** 6.0 (6 credits, unspecified level 1) | $1,458 | → | |
| Western UniversityLondon, ON | 5/7 | French 1910 (1.0 credit) | $1,440 | → | |
| Queen's UniversityKingston, ON | 5/7 | FREN 150 (6.0 units) | $1,398 | → | |
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 5/7 | SFU FREN 1XX (6), or SFU FREN 1XX (3) + WL 1XX (3)… | $1,398 | → | |
| Carleton UniversityOttawa, ON | 5/7 | FREN 1XXX (1.0 credit) | $1,365 | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, ON | 5/7 | FRA 1710 + FRA 1720 (6 units) | $1,320 | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | FREN 100-level (3 units) + FREN 211 (3 units) | $1,302 | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 5/7 | FREN_V 401 + FREN_V 402 (6 credits) | $1,242 | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | FRE1**Y (1.0 credit) | $659 | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | FREN 227 | $597 | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | 4/7 | FRAN 180 (3 units) | $555 | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON | 5/7 | FR 1XX (0.5 units) — Elective credit | $450 | → |
Tip: Different provinces have different tuition rates. Use these comparisons to find the best value for your residency status.
Other IB Subjects at University of Guelph
Related subjects you might be interested in at University of Guelph
English A: Language and Literature HL
French A: Literature HL
English A: Literature SL
English A: Language and Literature SL
French A: Literature SL
French A: Language and Literature SL
Data Disclaimer
This information is compiled from University of Guelph official sources and verified community reports. It is NOT a substitute for official academic advising. Always confirm with your advisor before making decisions.
Last updated: December 2025
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