Does Queen's University give transfer credit for IB Chemistry HL?
Kingston, ON
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
CHEM 112 (6.0 units)
Excludes Smith Engineering: The Engineering IB transfer credit table lists Chemistry HL as "No Credit." Engineering students receive no transfer credit for this course regardless of score.
💡Expert's Take
A valuable credit in most faculties, but Engineering is the major exception. With a score of 5 or higher, Queen's grants CHEM 112 (6.0 units) to students in Science, Arts, Commerce, Health Sciences, Nursing, and Computing. Smith Engineering, however, awards no transfer credit whatsoever for IB Chemistry HL.
Earning credit for CHEM 112 means you satisfy the prerequisite for upper-year chemistry courses, including CHEM 281 (General Organic Chemistry I), which is the standard next step for students in biological and life sciences programs. Keep in mind that CHEM 281 includes only a virtual lab component, the in-person lab experience comes later in CHEM 282 (General Organic Chemistry II), which requires CHEM 281 as a prerequisite.
For BHSc students specifically, CHEM 112 counts as an option (elective) course in the degree plan, not a core requirement. It does, however, unlock access to upper-year CHEM courses that list CHEM 112 as a prerequisite.
What to watch for:
- Smith Engineering exclusion: The Engineering IB transfer credit table explicitly lists Chemistry HL as "No Credit." Unlike other faculties where you receive CHEM 112, Engineering students receive nothing for this course, regardless of score. Note that in the Queen's course calendar, CHEM 112 is listed as equivalent to APSC 131/132, but this equivalency does not override the Engineering faculty's decision to deny IB transfer credit.
- Deadline pressure: You must apply for transfer credit no later than the end of fall term of your first year. Missing this deadline means you are considered to have declined the credit, and requests submitted after that point will not be assessed.
- Maximum cap: Queen's grants a maximum of 18.0 transfer credit units for HL IB courses across all subjects, so plan your credit claims strategically if you have several HL courses with scores of 5 or above.
- Medical school considerations: If you plan to apply to medical school, be aware that some schools require completed university-level general chemistry with an in-person lab component. Transfer credit demonstrates content knowledge but does not produce a graded transcript record (only a "TR" designation appears). Research the specific requirements of each medical school you are targeting before deciding whether to accept the credit or retake the course.
For most students outside of Engineering, accepting this credit is straightforward; it frees up 6.0 units in your schedule and satisfies the prerequisite chain for organic chemistry. If you are in a science-heavy program and plan to continue in chemistry, you can move directly into CHEM 281/282 without delay.
If you are in Health Sciences, remember that CHEM 112 is an option course, not a required one. Accepting the credit gives you more room for other electives.
If you are considering medical school or another professional program with strict lab requirements, weigh the benefit of the credit against the potential need for a graded, lab-based chemistry transcript line. Consult directly with the admissions offices of your target programs before making an irreversible decision.
Official award line (IB Chemistry HL):
Minimum score: 5
Credit granted (most faculties): CHEM 112 (6.0 units)
Smith Engineering: No credit
BHSc note: Can be used as an option course in the BHSc degree plan; satisfies prerequisite for upper-year CHEM courses.
CHEM 112 in the Academic Calendar
Queen's IB Transfer Credit Tables (Science) Health Sciences Smith Engineering Smith Commerce Nursing Computing Arts
Need help preparing for IB Chemistry HL?
Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
6
= Full-year equivalent
Ontario Resident
~$200-494/credit
~$1,200 - $2,964
Est. Savings
Out-of-Province
~$200-600/credit
~$1,200 - $3,600
Est. Savings
International
~$1,126-1,844/credit
~$6,756 - $11,064
Est. Savings
(Commerce/Eng higher)
*Tuition rates are for 2025-2026 and vary by faculty. Always verify with Queen's official sources before making decisions.
📊 Compare Chemistry HL at Other Universities
See how Chemistry HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Est. Savings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGill UniversityMontreal, QC | 5/7 | CHEM 110 + CHEM 120 (8 credits) | $3,360 | → | |
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | 5/7 | CHEM 1011.03/1012.03 or 1021.03/1022.03 or 1041.03… | $2,052 | → | |
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | CHEM 112.3 + CHEM Jr.3 = 6 credit units | $1,554 | → | |
| York UniversityToronto, ON | 5/7 | SC/CHEM 1000 3.0 + SC/CHEM 1001 3.0 (6 credits) | $1,458 | → | |
| Western UniversityLondon, ON | 5/7 | Chemistry 1301A (0.5 cr) + Chemistry 1302B (0.5 cr… | $1,440 | → | |
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 5/7 | SFU CHEM 122 (2), Q; SFU CHEM 121 (4), Q/B-Sci | $1,398 | → | |
| Carleton UniversityOttawa, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 1001 + CHEM 1002 (1.0 credit) | $1,365 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 1A03 + CHEM 1AA3 (up to 6 units) | $1,200 | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | Chemistry 201/203 or 209 (Engineering only) | $1,194 | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 120 + 120L + 123 + 123L (1.5 units ≈ 3 course… | $900 | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 6/7 | CHEM_V 121 (4 credits) | $828 | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 1040 (0.50 credits) | $720 | → | |
| Memorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John's, NL | 4/7 | CHEM 1010 (St. John's) or CHEM 1810 (Grenfell) at … | $675 | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, ON | 5/7 | CHM 1711 (3 units) | $660 | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | CHM1**Y (1.0 credit) | $659 | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | CHEM 101 (★3) — Engineering: CHEM 103 (★4.3) | $651 | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | 5/7 | CHEM 101 (1.5 units) and CHEM 102 (1.5 units) | $555 | → |
Tip: Different provinces have different tuition rates. Use these comparisons to find the best value for your residency status.
Other IB Subjects at Queen's University
Related subjects you might be interested in at Queen's University
Data Disclaimer
This information is compiled from Queen's 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
Save Your Transfer Plan
Download a PDF of this transfer credit information for Chemistry HL at Queen's University.