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 give transfer credit for IB Physics SL?
Edmonton, AB
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
PHYS 124 (3 units)
💡Expert's Take
IB Physics SL earns you real university credit at UAlberta, but where it fits in your degree depends almost entirely on which physics stream your program expects. A score of 6 or 7 on Physics SL maps to PHYS 124 (3 units), an algebra-based introduction to physics designed primarily for students in life, environmental, and medical science pathways.
The central nuance is stream fit. PHYS 124 is the algebra-based route; it is explicitly described as being for students in the life, environmental, and medical sciences, not the calculus-based sequence (PHYS 144 / EN PH 131) that Physics majors, many physical science students, and Engineering students typically require. Your IB SL credit is still valid and counts toward your degree, but it may not fulfil the specific first-year prerequisite your program needs if that program runs on the calculus-based track.
Also worth knowing: IB Physics HL earns both PHYS 124 and PHYS 126 (6 units total). SL earns PHYS 124 only.
What to watch for:
- Stream mismatch (the #1 trap): confirm that your program's physics requirement is satisfied by PHYS 124. Physics majors, many physical science streams, and Engineering students typically require the calculus-based alternatives (PHYS 144 or EN PH 131 respectively). Your IB credit is real, but it may not be the right credit for your program.
- Credit exclusivity: the PHYS 124 course note states that credit may be obtained for only one of PHYS 124, PHYS 144, or EN PH 131. Taking another stream later will not stack additional credit on top of your IB award.
- Declining credit is permanent: if you decide the credit doesn't fit your plan, you can decline it by contacting IBstudent@ualberta.ca before the Fall Term course registration deadline, but the UAlberta Academic Calendar is explicit: this decision is final and cannot be reversed. All subsequent coursework grades, including failures, will appear on your transcript.
If your program's physics requirement aligns with PHYS 124 (common in life sciences, environmental science, and pre-health pathways), accept the credit; it reduces your first-year course load and creates meaningful schedule flexibility. If your program runs on a calculus-based sequence and PHYS 124 won't satisfy that requirement, speak with your academic advisor before registration. In that case, taking the program's preferred introductory physics course and declining the IB transfer credit may be the cleaner path, just be certain before you do, since that choice cannot be undone.
Official award line (IB Physics SL):
Minimum score: 6 or 7
Credit granted: PHYS 124 (3 units)
Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of PHYS 124, PHYS 144, or EN PH 131.
Completed the Higher Level instead? See our Physics HL page for that award.
Need help preparing for IB Physics SL?
Your Potential Savings
Credit Awarded
3
unit (1 course = 3 units)
International tuition is cohort-guaranteed by program. The displayed amount is an equivalent unit value, not a guaranteed refund per unit.
Alberta Resident
~$243-$384/unit
~$729 - $1,152
Potential Tuition Value
(Arts to Business)
Out-of-Province
~$243-$384/unit
~$729 - $1,152
Potential Tuition Value
(Arts to Business)
International
~$1,177-$1,552/unit
~$3,532 - $4,655
Potential Tuition Value
(cohort-guaranteed annual totals divided by program units)
*2026-27 tuition-only rates. Values assume the award replaces tuition you would otherwise pay. Actual cash savings can be $0 under flat-rate or full-time billing unless credit reduces a billed term or time to completion.
📊 Compare Physics SL at Other Universities
See how Physics SL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Tuition Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 4/7 | SFU PHYS 1XX (3) | View estimate | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 6/7 | PHYS_V 100 (3 credits) | View estimate | → | |
| University of WindsorWindsor, ON | 5/7 | PHYS-1300 (Introductory Physics for Life Sciences … | View estimate | → | |
| Carleton UniversityOttawa, ON | N/A | Not yet verified | — | → | |
| Concordia UniversityMontreal, Quebec | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| Lakehead UniversityThunder Bay, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| McGill UniversityMontreal, QC | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| Memorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John's, NL | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| Ontario Tech UniversityOshawa, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| Queen's UniversityKingston, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| Toronto Metropolitan UniversityToronto, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of New BrunswickFredericton & Saint John, NB | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of ReginaRegina, SK | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| Western UniversityLondon, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| York UniversityToronto, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → |
Tip: Open a university to compare same-province, out-of-province, and international tuition values. Flat-rate or full-time billing can make the immediate cash saving $0.
Taking more than Physics SL?
Add all your IB subjects and predicted scores to estimate your total transfer credit across Canadian universities, side by side.
Other IB Subjects at University of Alberta
Related subjects you might be interested in at University of Alberta
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: July 2026
Save Your Transfer Plan
Download a PDF of this transfer credit information for Physics SL at University of Alberta.