Does Simon Fraser University give transfer credit for IB Biology HL?
Burnaby, BC
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
SFU BISC 101 (4), B-Sci; SFU BISC 102 (4), B-Sci
💡Expert's Take
A strong 8-unit credit covering SFU's full introductory biology sequence, and real tuition savings. IB Biology HL earns you BISC 101 (4 units) + BISC 102 (4 units), the same two courses required as lower-division prerequisites for the Biological Sciences major, honours, and related programs. A score of 4 or higher is all you need if you hold the full IB Diploma; Certificate students need a 5.
Because SFU charges tuition per unit, skipping 8 units translates to meaningful savings, roughly $1,730 for domestic students or $9,715 for international students (based on 2025/26 normal fee rates), provided you don't simply replace them with additional electives. These figures are approximate; actual tuition rates are published each term in the SFU Calendar fee schedule.
The credit also carries SFU's Breadth-Science (B-Sci) designation, which counts toward the university's general education requirements. IB transfer credit can qualify for Quantitative (Q) and Breadth (B) designations, though not the Writing (W) designation, so you'll still need to complete a W course separately.
What to watch for:
- Your next core course is BISC 202 (Genetics). The SFU Calendar describes it as emphasizing problem-solving, expect to apply concepts like pedigree analysis, chromosomal mapping, and linkage rather than simply recalling facts. The prerequisite is BISC 101 and 102, both with a minimum grade of C-, which your IB transfer credit satisfies.
- Lab preparation is worth thinking about. BISC 101 and 102 are 4-unit courses with a substantial lab component (around 40% of the final grade in recent terms). By using transfer credit, you skip that hands-on training, including techniques like micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, and formal lab report writing. IB Biology HL does include significant lab work through the Internal Assessment, but the format and expectations differ from SFU's university labs. Upper-year lab courses may assume familiarity with SFU's specific protocols, so reviewing the department's advising FAQs early is a good idea.
- Credit removal is one-way. SFU will remove IB credit upon request if you haven't yet enrolled in the equivalent course, but they will not add it back after removal. This means the decision to decline credit is permanent, so think carefully before requesting removal.
Take the credit. Eight units is a significant head start, equivalent to two full courses at SFU. The tuition savings are concrete, the prerequisite chain into BISC 202 and upper-division courses is unbroken, and the B-Sci breadth credit has real value toward your general education requirements. If you're concerned about the lab transition, consider sitting in on a BISC 101 or 102 lab session during your first term, or connecting with the biology department's undergraduate advising team for orientation resources.
Official award line (IB Biology HL):
Minimum score: 4 (IB Diploma) / 5 (IB Certificate)
Credit granted: BISC 101 (4), BISC 102 (4), 8 units total, B-Sci
Standard Level (Diploma holders only): BISC 1XX (3) general credit
SFU Undergraduate Admission, International Baccalaureate transfer credit table
What about Standard Level (SL)? IB Diploma holders are also awarded three units of general credit for transferable SL courses; for example, Biology SL = BISC 1XX (3). SL credit is not available to IB Certificate students. See the full IB transfer credit table for details.
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Your Potential Savings
Units Earned
8
International
~$1,214-$1,435/unit
~$9,712 - $11,480
Est. Savings
Premium Rate: Up to $288/unit
- Applies to: Upper-division (200+) courses in Business, Engineering, and Computing Science.
- Note: Since most IB credits replace 100-level courses, your savings will usually be at the $216 rate, but using the range covers all possibilities.
Tuition rates are for 2025. Always verify with SFU's official sources before making decisions.
📊 Compare Biology HL at Other Universities
See how Biology HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Est. Savings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGill UniversityMontreal, QC | 5/7 | BIOL 111 + BIOL 112 (6 credits) | $2,520 | → | |
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | 5/7 | BIOL 1010.03 + BIOL 1011.03 (6 credit hours) | $2,052 | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 6/7 | BIOL_V 1st-year level (8 credits) | $1,656 | → | |
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | BIOL 120.3 + BIOL Jr.3 = 6 credit units | $1,554 | → | |
| York UniversityToronto, ON | 5/7 | SC/BIOL 1000 3.0 + SC/BIOL 1001 3.0 (6 credits) | $1,458 | → | |
| Western UniversityLondon, ON | 5/7 | Biology 1001A (0.5 cr) + Biology 1002B (0.5 cr) = … | $1,440 | → | |
| Queen's UniversityKingston, ON | 5/7 | BIOL 102 + BIOL 103 (6.0 units) | $1,398 | → | |
| Carleton UniversityOttawa, ON | 5/7 | BIOL 1103 + BIOL 1104 (1.0 credit) | $1,365 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | 5/7 | BIOLOGY 1A03 and BIOLOGY 1M03 | $1,200 | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, ON | 5/7 | BIOL 1070 (0.50 credits) | $720 | → | |
| Memorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John's, NL | 4/7 | Biology 1001 (HL 4) or Biology 1001 + 1002 (HL 5) | $675 | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, ON | 5/7 | BIO 1XXX (3 units) | $660 | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | BIO1**Y (1.0 credit) | $659 | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | BIOL 107 (3 units) | $651 | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | Biology 211 (Biomolecules and Cellular Systems) | $597 | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | 4/7 | BIOL 184 (1.5 units) and BIOL 186 (1.5 units) | $555 | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON | 5/7 | BIOL 239 + BIOL 130L (0.75 units ≈ 1.5 courses) | $450 | → |
Tip: Different provinces have different tuition rates. Use these comparisons to find the best value for your residency status.
Other IB Subjects at Simon Fraser University
Related subjects you might be interested in at Simon Fraser University
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation HL
Chemistry HL
Physics HL
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL
Psychology HL
Data Disclaimer
This information is compiled from Simon Fraser 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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