Does McMaster University give transfer credit for IB Physics HL?
Hamilton, ON
Yes, Transfer Credit Available – Likely
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
Physics 1A03 and 1AA3
💡Expert's Take
McMaster's official IB equivalency table lists Physics HL as Physics 1A03 and 1AA3, with the general IB policy requiring a final HL score of 5 or higher. That is the starting point for every applicant. What actually lands on your transcript depends on the faculty you are admitted to, because two of McMaster's largest programs override the default with their own rules.
What to watch for:
- Engineering 1, iBioMed 1, and Computer Science: the Faculty of Engineering excludes all math and science subjects from IB, AP, and GCE transfer credit. Verbatim: "Engineering, iBioMed, and computer science students may receive transfer credit for AP, IB, and GCE courses, but it is Faculty of Engineering policy that no math or science courses are eligible. Therefore, you may apply to receive transfer credit for electives only." Do not plan on a Physics 1A03/1AA3 award or a course exemption.
- BTech: no transfer credit at all, because the first-year curriculum has no electives.
- Arts & Science Program (ArtsSci): Physics 1A03/1AA3 sit outside the ArtsSci core, so any awarded credit is typically applied as an elective rather than as the named McMaster courses. Confirm with the ArtsSci office after accepting your offer.
- SL: no credit. McMaster's IB policy considers Higher Level only.
- 18-unit cap across all HL subjects: McMaster grants up to 18 units of advanced credit in total, regardless of how many HL subjects you bring.
- No GPA impact: transfer credit at McMaster carries no grade and does not count toward your GPA, so accepting it can free a course slot but will not raise or lower your average.
After you accept your offer, contact your faculty or program office for a formal transfer-credit review. Students in Engineering, iBioMed, or Computer Science should instead ask which of their non-math, non-science HL subjects can be applied toward complementary studies electives. Students in faculties where Physics 1A03 and 1AA3 is awarded should confirm whether accepting it fits their intended major, since the courses will consume first-year physics slots that some programs prefer you take directly at McMaster.
Official award line (IB Physics HL):
Minimum score: 5
Credit granted (default mapping): Physics 1A03 and 1AA3 (6 units)
Exceptions: None for Engineering 1, iBioMed 1, Computer Science, and BTech.
Applies equally to IB, AP, and GCE.
McMaster general IB policy and equivalency table McMaster Faculty of Engineering, Build Your Degree
Need help preparing for IB Physics HL?
Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
6
Ontario Resident
~$200-340/credit
~$1,200 - $2,040
Est. Savings
Out-of-Province
~$250-421/credit
~$1,500 - $2,526
Est. Savings
International
~$1,500-1,900/credit
~$9,000 - $11,400
Est. Savings
(Eng/Health Sci higher)
*Tuition rates are for 2025 and vary by department. Always verify with McMaster'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 | → | |
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | 5/7 | Physics 1280.03 + Physics 1290.03 = 6 credit hours | $2,052 | → | |
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | PHYS 115.3 + PHYS 117.3 = 6 credit units | $1,554 | → | |
| York UniversityToronto, ON | 5/7 | SC/PHYS 1411 3.0 + SC/PHYS 1412 3.0 (6 credits) | $1,458 | → | |
| Western UniversityLondon, ON | 5/7 | Physics 1501A (0.5 cr) + Physics 1502B (0.5 cr) = … | $1,440 | → | |
| Queen's UniversityKingston, ON | 5/7 | PHYS 117 (6.0 units) | $1,398 | → | |
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 4/7 | SFU PHYS 101 (3), Q/B-Sci; SFU PHYS 102 (3), Q/B-S… | $1,398 | → | |
| Carleton UniversityOttawa, ON | 5/7 | PHYS 1107 (0.5) & PHYS 1108 (0.5) | $1,365 | → | |
| Memorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John's, NL | 4/7 | Physics 1020 + Physics 1021 | $1,350 | → | |
| 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 | → | |
| 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 | → | |
| 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.
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Data Disclaimer
This information is compiled from McMaster University 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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Download a PDF of this transfer credit information for Physics HL at McMaster University.