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 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.
Need help preparing for IB Physics SL?
Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
3
Tuition per Credit*
~$217
Est. Savings*
~$651
*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 Physics SL at Other Universities
See how Physics SL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Each school has different grade requirements and savings potential.
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC
Min Grade
4/7
Credit Granted
SFU PHYS 1XX (3)
(3 credits)
Est. Savings
$699
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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