Grade 6+ Required: The University of Alberta awards transfer credit for IB grades of 6 or 7 only. A grade of 5 may satisfy admission requirements but does not grant course credit.
Tuition Note: Savings shown are for domestic students (~$238/credit). International students pay significantly more (~$1,000+/credit).
Does University of Alberta accept Computer Science HL?
Edmonton, AB
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
CMPUT 174 (3 units) + CMPUT 175 (3 units)
💡Expert's Take
IB Computer Science HL at UAlberta — one of the most valuable IB transfer credits in the chart, covering the full intro programming sequence. But Honors/Specialization students face a hidden trade-off that could lock them out of the accelerated pathway.
Score requirement: UAlberta awards transfer credit only for a final grade of 6 or 7 — not 5. If you score below 6, you receive no Computing Science transfer credit (see UAlberta IB Transfer Credit and AP & IB Handbook 2025-26).
What HL students actually receive: with a 6 or 7, UAlberta grants CMPUT 174 (★3) & CMPUT 175 (★3) — that's the complete standard introductory computing sequence, worth 6 units total. This is specific, named course credit — not generic or unassigned. It appears on your transcript as credit earned, though without a letter grade or GPA impact, since UAlberta does not assign a grade to IB transfer credit. UAlberta's Computing Science department describes CMPUT 174/175 as the "standard introductory course sequence" that provides the foundation for 200-level computing courses. If you also complete the full IB Diploma, you receive an additional ★3 in an open 100-level elective on top of the Computing Science credit (see UAlberta IB Students page).
What these courses cover: CMPUT 174 and 175 use a problem-driven approach to introduce Computing Science fundamentals — state, control flow, data structures, recursion, modularization, and testing — through real problem domains like text analysis, game search, simulation, and cryptography. CMPUT 175 continues with objects, functional programming, abstract data types, and algorithm efficiency (sorting, searching). No prior programming experience is assumed for CMPUT 174. Together, they prepare students for key 200-level courses like CMPUT 201 (Practical Programming Methodology) and CMPUT 204 (Algorithms I).
What to watch for:
- Honors/Specialization students — this is a critical decision. UAlberta offers an accelerated alternative: CMPUT 274/275, intended for Honors and Specialization students, which combines the material of four courses (174, 175, 201, 204) into two in a studio-style format. However, if you already have credit for CMPUT 174, 175, or 201, you cannot normally obtain credit for CMPUT 274 or 275 (permission from the Department may be possible in some cases). This means accepting IB transfer credit for CMPUT 174+175 effectively locks you out of the 274/275 stream unless you can obtain departmental permission. If you want the accelerated pathway, you should decline the transfer credit. Contact the Computing Science Undergraduate Advisor before making this decision.
- Engineering students — different credit treatment. UAlberta's IB Transfer Credit page states that for courses other than Math or Chemistry, the Faculty of Engineering awards complementary studies elective credit only, not the specific course equivalent. This means Engineering students may receive complementary studies credit rather than CMPUT 174/175 — and this credit is awarded after admission to discipline in second year. Additionally, CMPUT 174 and ENCMP 100 (Engineering's intro computing course) are mutually exclusive — credit cannot be obtained for both. Contact engginfo@ualberta.ca to confirm what your specific IB CS HL credit translates to within Engineering.
- Readiness vs. placement. Even with credit for both CMPUT 174 and 175, jumping straight into 200-level courses can be challenging if your IB experience didn't involve extensive hands-on programming practice. CMPUT 201 requires proficiency in C under Unix, and CMPUT 204 (Algorithms) has significant mathematical prerequisites (CMPUT 272 and one of MATH 100/114/117/134/144/154 as co-/prerequisites). Credit is often best used to reduce overload in first year rather than to accelerate into stress.
- Do not retake a course you have transfer credit for. UAlberta explicitly warns that if you wish to retake a course, you must first decline your transfer credit. If you sit in CMPUT 174 without declining, you risk complications with your academic record (see UAlberta IB Transfer Credit).
- IB curriculum change ahead. The IB launched a revised DP Computer Science course in February 2025 (first teaching August 2025, first assessment May 2027). The new syllabus adds machine learning, restructures assessment papers, and makes the case study part of SL as well as HL. Universities may update their credit tables as new cohorts arrive — always verify your year's official UAlberta award line.
Declining credit — a one-way door: UAlberta allows you to decline transfer credit on a course-by-course basis, but this decision is final and cannot be reversed. To decline, download the Decline IB Transfer Credit Form and return it to the Student Service Centre by the posted deadline. For questions, contact IBstudent@ualberta.ca. Also be aware: accepting transfer credit may result in a lighter course load, which can affect eligibility for certain scholarships and programs (see UAlberta IB Transfer Credit).
Actionable strategy:
- If you're pursuing a Computing Science Major (General program): Accept the credit. CMPUT 174+175 are first-year requirements, and having them covered lets you move directly into second-year courses like CMPUT 201 and 204. Use the freed-up ★6 for math prerequisites (MATH 117/118, STAT 151) or science options.
- If you're pursuing Honors or Specialization in Computing Science: Seriously consider declining the transfer credit so you can access CMPUT 274/275 — the accelerated studio-style sequence that covers 174+175+201+204 in two courses. This is the recommended pathway for students planning advanced study. Once you accept credit for 174 or 175, the 274/275 door effectively closes (departmental permission may be possible but is not guaranteed). Consult the Computing Science Undergraduate Advisor before deciding.
- If you're in a non-Computing-Science program: Accept the credit. CMPUT 174/175 satisfies science option requirements in many faculties and serves as a prerequisite for data science and machine learning courses (e.g., CMPUT 195, CMPUT 267) that are increasingly relevant across disciplines. Note: CMPUT 191, an alternative intro data science course, cannot be taken if you already have credit for CMPUT 174 or 175 — it is designed for students without prior Computing Science credit.
- If you're entering Engineering: Your IB CS HL credit may be treated differently — Engineering awards complementary studies elective credit (not CMPUT 174/175) for non-Math/non-Chemistry IB subjects. Contact engginfo@ualberta.ca to confirm your specific award before planning your schedule.
- If you scored below 6 in HL: No automatic credit. Unlike Chemistry SL, there is no published CSA (Credit by Special Assessment) pathway for Computing Science. You will take CMPUT 174 at UAlberta, but your HL preparation will be a strong advantage.
Official award line (IB Computer Science HL):
Minimum score: 6
Credit granted (UAlberta / North Campus): CMPUT 174 (★3) & CMPUT 175 (★3)
Credit granted (Augustana / Camrose): AUCSC 111 (★3) & AUSCI 135 (★3)
IB Diploma bonus: Additional ★3 in a 100-level open elective
CMPUT 174 in the Course Catalogue
CMPUT 175 in the Course Catalogue
UAlberta IB Transfer Credit UAlberta AP & IB Handbook 2025-26 (PDF) Compare Introductory Courses (Computing Science) IBO: Computer Science Curriculum Updates
Need help preparing for IB Computer Science HL?
Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
6
Tuition per Credit*
~$217
Est. Savings*
~$1,302
*Tuition rates are approximate and may vary by academic year, faculty, and program. Always verify with University of Alberta's official sources before making decisions.
📊 Compare Computer Science HL at Other Universities
See how Computer Science HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Each school has different grade requirements and savings potential.
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
Elective credit only (Engineering/iBioMe...
(3 credits)
Est. Savings
$600
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
SFU CMPT 1XX (3); SFU CMPT 120 (3), Q/B-...
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,398
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Min Grade
6/7
Credit Granted
CPSC_V 1st-year level (3 credits)
(3 credits)
Est. Savings
$621
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
CSC1**Y (1.0 credit)
(1 credit)
Est. Savings
$659
Tip: Different provinces have different tuition rates. Use these comparisons to find the best value for your residency status.
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Data Disclaimer
This information is compiled from University of Alberta 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: February 2026
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