Does University of Saskatchewan give transfer credit for IB French B HL?
Saskatoon, SK
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
FREN Jr.6 = 6 credit units
💡Expert's Take
USask awards FREN Jr.3 for IB French B HL: 3 credit units of unassigned junior-level French. "Unassigned" means the credit does not map to a specific numbered course like FREN 103 or FREN 122. How this credit applies to your degree depends on your college and program; USask's transfer credit policy directs students to speak with an academic advisor to learn how the credit fits into their program of study.
The most important official rule to know is that students who have received credit for International Baccalaureate French may not take 100-level French language courses for credit. That means FREN 103, FREN 106, FREN 122, and FREN 125 are all off the table. If you plan to continue studying French at USask, the department will direct you to the appropriate entry point, which may be FREN 212 (Advanced French I) or another suitable course. The French program page identifies two streams to advanced study: FREN 122, FREN 125, and FREN 212; or FREN 212 and FREN 218. Since the first stream's entry points are closed to IB credit holders, the second stream starting at FREN 212 is the more likely path.
The French program page also emphasizes that "careful planning in consultation with the Department will eliminate problems." Contact the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultural Studies before registration to confirm your course placement.
What to watch for:
- HL earns less than usual. Most HL subjects at USask earn 6 credit units, but French B HL receives only 3. That puts it at half the typical HL award, which is worth noting if you are comparing the credit value of French B against other HL subjects you may have taken.
- The 100-level restriction is broader than it may first appear. The rule that IB French credit holders may not take 100-level French language courses for credit covers the entire introductory and intermediate sequence (FREN 103, 106, 122, and 125). This is not simply a prerequisite gap; it is an official enrollment restriction. Students who want to start at FREN 122 or 125 to ease into university-level French cannot do so once IB credit is on their record.
- French Immersion graduates face a separate restriction. Students who graduated from a Grade 12 French Immersion or designated program are not permitted to register in FREN 122 for credit. If your high school background included both IB French B and an immersion or francophone school program, both restrictions apply independently.
- French Minor and Major have numbered-course requirements. The French minor requires 24 credit units of courses taught in French numbered 122 or above. The major and honours programs also specify named courses in their required sequences. FREN Jr.3 is unassigned and not numbered 122 or above, so it does not count toward these program requirements on its own. Speak with the department to understand how the credit interacts with your intended program structure.
Actionable strategy:
- Continuing in French: Accept the credit, then contact the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultural Studies to confirm your entry point. Because 100-level French courses are closed to you, the department will likely place you into the FREN 212/218 stream or another appropriate course. Your 3 credit units of FREN Jr count toward your overall degree credit total, but whether they satisfy specific program or breadth requirements is determined by your college.
- Not continuing in French: The 3 credit units appear on your transcript as junior-level elective credit. How this credit is applied toward your degree requirements (breadth, elective, or otherwise) is determined by your college. Speak with an academic advisor to confirm where it fits in your specific program.
- Declining the credit: If you prefer to start French coursework with a clean slate or believe the credit complicates your program plan, USask allows you to decline the transfer credit by consulting an academic advisor in your college and completing the Decline Transfer Credit Form. Note that declining may also remove the 100-level enrollment restriction; confirm this directly with the department before deciding.
Official award line (IB French B HL):
Minimum score: 5 or higher
Credit granted: FREN Jr.3 – 3 credit units (unassigned junior French)
USask Admissions – International Baccalaureate Transfer Credit USask – French Programs (Arts & Science) USask – Transfer Credit Policy & Terminology
What about Standard Level (SL)? The USask IB transfer credit table does not list a transfer credit award for French B SL. Most SL subjects at USask receive no credit, and French B follows that pattern. This page covers HL only.
Need help preparing for IB French B HL?
Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
6
Tuition per Credit*
~$259
Est. Savings*
~$1,554
*Tuition rates are approximate and may vary by academic year, faculty, and program. Always verify with University of Saskatchewan's official sources before making decisions.
📊 Compare French B HL at Other Universities
See how French B HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Est. Savings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGill UniversityMontreal, QC | 5/7 | FRSL 1XX (6 credits) | $2,520 | → | |
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | 5/7 | FREN 1999.06 = 6 credit hours | $2,052 | → | |
| Western UniversityLondon, ON | 5/7 | French 1020 TRN, 1.0 credit (generic transfer cred… | $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 | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, ON | 5/7 | FLS 1XXX (6 units) | $1,320 | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | FREN 100-level (6 units) | $1,302 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | 5/7 | FRENCH 1XXX (up to 6 units) | $1,200 | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | FSL1**Y / FRE1**Y / FREA**Y (1.0 FCE) — varies by … | $659 | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | FREN 213 | $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 | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, 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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