Does Memorial University of Newfoundland give transfer credit for IB Physics HL?

St. John's, NL

Faculty: General Transfer Credit

Yes, Transfer Credit Available!

Minimum Grade Required

4or higher

Credit Granted

Physics 1020 + Physics 1021

💡Expert's Take

IB Physics HL with a minimum score of 4 is awarded as Physics 1020 plus Physics 1021 (six credit hours), the algebra-based first-year sequence at Memorial (official IB transfer credit chart). The award is automatic once the IB transcript is received; what matters is whether the algebra-based stream fits the program you are entering, since Memorial also runs a separate calculus-based stream (Physics 1050/1051).

Memorial's formal credit restriction (CR) on Physics 1020 is against Physics 1050: a student who already holds 1020 credit will not earn a second degree credit by completing 1050. The Physics 1051 and Physics 1021 course descriptions do not list each other as a CR; the Department's broader limit on counting both 1021 and 1051 toward a degree is a program-level guideline rather than a formal Calendar credit restriction.

What to watch for, by program:

  • Engineering. Engineering One requires Physics 1050 and 1051. Holding 1020 credit will collide with 1050 (CR), so engineering-bound students should plan with their faculty advisor whether to keep or seek removal of the IB-awarded credit.
  • Physics Major or Honours. The 2025-26 Calendar requirement reads "Physics 1050 (or 1020) and 1051", so 1020 satisfies the first course. Physics 1051 is still required, and 1021 will not double-count toward the program's required physics credits.
  • Chemistry Major or Honours. Chemistry (Biological) Honours and related Chemistry programs accept "Physics 1050 (or 1020) and 1051 (or 1021)", so the IB award can fully satisfy the physics requirement.
  • Bridging from 1020 into 1051. The current PHYS 1051 prerequisite reads "PHYS 1050, or 1021, or 1020 (with a minimum grade of 70%)", with Mathematics 1001 as a corequisite.

For Life Sciences, Psychology, Human Kinetics, and pre-Pharmacy or pre-Medicine pathways, Physics 1020 and 1021 are the courses these programs typically expect, so the IB award fits without further action. For students whose program requires Physics 1051, the credit still has value because 1021 satisfies the 1051 prerequisite without a grade threshold. For program-applicability questions, Memorial's documented channel is your academic advisor or advice@mun.ca; the Office of the Registrar handles the evaluation process itself at transfer.credit@mun.ca.

Official award line:
Higher Level, minimum score 4: Physics 1020 + Physics 1021 (six credit hours).
Standard Level: No credit.

Memorial University, International Baccalaureate transfer credit chart

Your Potential Savings

Credits Earned

6

Tuition per Credit*

~$225

Est. Savings*

~$1,350

*Tuition rates are approximate and may vary by academic year, faculty, and program. Always verify with Memorial University of Newfoundland'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.

UniversityMin GradeCredit GrantedEst. Savings
McGill UniversityMontreal, QC5/7PHYS 101 + PHYS 102 (8 credits)$3,360→
Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS5/7Physics 1280.03 + Physics 1290.03 = 6 credit hours$2,052→
University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK5/7PHYS 115.3 + PHYS 117.3 = 6 credit units$1,554→
York UniversityToronto, ON5/7SC/PHYS 1411 3.0 + SC/PHYS 1412 3.0 (6 credits)$1,458→
Western UniversityLondon, ON5/7Physics 1501A (0.5 cr) + Physics 1502B (0.5 cr) = …$1,440→
Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC4/7SFU PHYS 101 (3), Q/B-Sci; SFU PHYS 102 (3), Q/B-S…$1,398→
Carleton UniversityOttawa, ON5/7PHYS 1107 (0.5) & PHYS 1108 (0.5)$1,365→
University of OttawaOttawa, ON5/7PHY 1121 + PHY 1122 (6 units)$1,320→
University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB6/7PHYS 124 + PHYS 126 (6 units)$1,302→
University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC6/7PHYS_V 100 (3) + PHYS_V 1st-year level (3)$1,242→
McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON5/7Physics 1A03 and 1AA3$1,200→
University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta5/7Physics 221 (3 units) and Physics 223 (3 units)$1,194→
University of GuelphGuelph, ON5/7PHYS 9110 (0.50 credits)$720→
Queen's UniversityKingston, ON5/7PHYS 117 (3.0 units)$699→
University of TorontoToronto, ON5/7PHY131H1+PHY132H1 (1.0 cr, A&S) · PHY136H5+PHY137H…$659→
University of VictoriaVictoria, BC6/7PHYS 102A (1.5 units) and PHYS 102B (1.5 units)$555→
University of WaterlooWaterloo, ONN/ANo transfer credit—→
16 universities grant credit1 do notBest savings: $3,360

Tip: Different provinces have different tuition rates. Use these comparisons to find the best value for your residency status.

Data Disclaimer

This information is compiled from Memorial University of Newfoundland official sources and verified community reports. It is NOT a substitute for official academic advising. Always confirm with your advisor before making decisions.

✓Official University Website

Last updated: December 2025

Save Your Transfer Plan

Download a PDF of this transfer credit information for Physics HL at Memorial University of Newfoundland.