Does Simon Fraser University give transfer credit for IB Physics HL?
Burnaby, BC
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
SFU PHYS 101 (3), Q/B-Sci; SFU PHYS 102 (3), Q/B-Sci
💡Expert's Take
SFU grants PHYS 101 (3) and PHYS 102 (3) for IB Physics HL — 6 credits total, typically carrying Q/B-Sci designations. This clears the entire introductory physics sequence for life sciences students and satisfies both a quantitative and breadth-science requirement toward SFU's WQB general education framework. But the real question is whether PHYS 101/102 is the sequence your program actually needs — because for Physics majors and Engineering Science students, it is not.
What these courses are: PHYS 101 covers force and motion, conservation laws, fluids, soft matter, and thermal physics. PHYS 102 covers waves, optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics emphasizing radioactivity. Both are oriented toward life sciences applications — designed for students heading into biology, kinesiology, health sciences, and related fields. While both courses do require a calculus corequisite (MATH 150/151/154/157), they are not the dedicated calculus-based physics sequences (PHYS 120/121 or PHYS 125/126) that Physics and Engineering programs require.
The grade threshold depends on your IB status. If you complete the full IB Diploma, SFU awards transfer credit for all HL and SL subjects passed with a grade of 4 or higher. If you are a partial IB or IB Certificate student (not completing the full Diploma), the minimum rises to 5 for HL courses only, and SL courses receive no transfer credit at all.
A note on WQB designations: SFU's policy states that IB transfer credit “may be eligible for Q and B designations, but not W designation.” Because PHYS 101 and PHYS 102 are both certified as Quantitative/Breadth-Science courses, assigned IB credit for these courses should carry those designations — but verify on your goSFU transfer credit report once your results are processed.
What to watch for:
- Physics majors and honours students: SFU's Physics Honours program requires one of PHYS 120, PHYS 125, or PHYS 140 (mechanics) and one of PHYS 121, PHYS 126, or PHYS 141 (electromagnetism). These are the dedicated calculus-based sequences — PHYS 101/102 is not listed as an accepted alternative. Your IB credit still contributes to WQB breadth and quantitative requirements, but it does not replace the physics courses your major demands. You will still take the full calculus-based sequence.
- Engineering Science students: The Engineering Science common core requires PHYS 120 and PHYS 121. According to the School of Engineering Science, students who hold IB Physics credit for PHYS 101/102 may have the PHYS 120 requirement waived — but PHYS 121 must still be taken. Here is the catch: PHYS 121 carries a course exclusion with PHYS 102 (students with credit for one cannot take the other), so completing PHYS 121 effectively cancels your PHYS 102 transfer credit as a duplicate. The net benefit for Engineering students is a waiver of one course (PHYS 120), not two. Because this waiver policy is not published on the current Engineering website, confirm the arrangement directly with an Engineering Science advisor before planning your schedule.
- Course exclusion chains: Be aware that PHYS 101 and PHYS 120/125/140 are mutually exclusive (credit for one blocks the other), and PHYS 102 and PHYS 121/126/141 follow the same pattern. If your program requires the calculus-based sequence, accepting IB credit for PHYS 101/102 does not prevent you from taking PHYS 120/121 — but you would need to have the IB credit removed first. SFU's admissions team will remove IB/AP credit upon request if you have not yet enrolled in the equivalent course.
Actionable strategy:
- Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, or general BSc (not Physics/Engineering): This is the cleanest outcome. Both PHYS 101 and PHYS 102 are directly cleared, freeing up 6 credits and two course slots in your first year. The Q and B-Sci designations chip away at SFU's WQB general education requirements, which every student must complete. Accept the credit and use the space strategically.
- Physics or Applied Physics major: Your IB credit satisfies WQB requirements but does not replace the calculus-based physics your program demands. You will still take PHYS 120/121 (or 125/126, or the studio equivalents 140/141). The IB preparation is strong background knowledge, but do not assume you can skip ahead — your department expects the calculus-integrated treatment. If you prefer to take 120/121 without the IB credit complicating your record, request removal of the IB credit through admissions before enrolling.
- Engineering Science: You may gain a waiver for PHYS 120 (confirm with your Engineering advisor), which lightens first-semester load. But PHYS 121 is non-negotiable, and completing it triggers a course exclusion that erases your PHYS 102 credit. The real value here is scheduling flexibility in your first semester, not a permanent reduction in required courses.
- Partial IB (no Diploma): You need a 5 or higher, not 4. If you scored exactly 4 but did not complete the full Diploma, you receive no Physics credit. Plan to take PHYS 101/102 (or 120/121, depending on your program) at SFU.
Official award line (IB Physics HL):
Minimum score: 4 (IB Diploma holders) · 5 (partial IB / certificate)
Credit granted: PHYS 101 (3), Q/B-Sci and PHYS 102 (3), Q/B-Sci — 6 credits total
Engineering Science note: PHYS 120 may be waived (confirm with advisor); PHYS 121 still required (completing PHYS 121 triggers course exclusion with PHYS 102)
Physics majors: credit does not substitute for PHYS 120/121, 125/126, or 140/141 (calculus-based sequences)
SFU Undergraduate Admission – International Baccalaureate SFU Calendar – Physics Courses (Spring 2026) SFU Calendar – Physics Honours (BSc) SFU Engineering Science – Program Requirements
What about Standard Level (SL)? IB Diploma holders are also awarded three units of general credit for transferable SL courses — for example, Physics SL = PHYS 1XX (3). SL credit is not available to IB Certificate students. See the full IB transfer credit table for details.
Need help preparing for IB Physics HL?
Your Potential Savings
Units Earned
6
International
~$1,214-$1,435/unit
~$7,284 - $8,610
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 Physics HL at Other Universities
See how Physics HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Each school has different grade requirements and savings potential.
Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
Physics 1280.03 + Physics 1290.03 = 6 cr...
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,830
McGill University
Montreal, QC
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
PHYS 101 + PHYS 102 (8 credits)
(8 credits)
Est. Savings
$3,360
Queen's University
Kingston, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
PHYS 117 (3.0 units)
(3 credits)
Est. Savings
$699
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB
Min Grade
6/7
Credit Granted
PHYS 124 + PHYS 126 (6 units)
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,302
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Min Grade
6/7
Credit Granted
PHYS_V 100 (3) + PHYS_V 1st-year level (...
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,242
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
Physics 221 (3 units) and Physics 223 (3...
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,194
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
PHY 1121 + PHY 1122 (6 units)
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,320
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
PHY131H1+PHY132H1 (1.0 cr, A&S) · PHY136...
(1 credit)
Est. Savings
$659
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC
Min Grade
6/7
Credit Granted
PHYS 102A (1.5 units) and PHYS 102B (1.5...
(3 credits)
Est. Savings
$555
Western University
London, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
Physics 1501A (0.5 cr) + Physics 1502B (...
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,440
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: Analysis and Approaches HL
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation HL
Biology HL
Chemistry HL
Computer Science 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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