Does University of Ottawa give transfer credit for IB Chemistry HL?
Ottawa, ON
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
CHM 1711 (3 units)
💡Expert's Take
uOttawa awards credit for IB Chemistry HL — but only for half the first-year chemistry sequence. A score of 5 or higher earns 3 units mapped to CHM 1711 (Principles of Chemistry), satisfying the foundational chemistry prerequisite. CHM 1321 (Organic Chemistry I) is not covered and remains a required first-year course.
The code on uOttawa's official IB transfer credit table is CHM 1711 — the French-stream designation. English-program students should not be alarmed: CHM 1311 and CHM 1711 are mutually exclusive for credit, meaning the IB award implicitly satisfies the CHM 1311 prerequisite that second-year science and engineering courses require. The two codes are treated as equivalent by the prerequisite system and faculty advisers.
What to watch for:
- The 18-unit cap. uOttawa limits total IB transfer credits to 18 units across all HL subjects. Students with strong results in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Biology combined may hit that ceiling and need to choose which credits to keep.
- Organic Chemistry is not covered. CHM 1321 runs alongside or immediately after CHM 1311 in most science programs. IB Chemistry HL students enter uOttawa on equal footing with all classmates for that course — plan your first-semester timetable accordingly.
- Engineering programs. The Faculty of Engineering can only grant IB transfer credits for courses recognized by another faculty (e.g., Faculty of Science). CHM 1311/1711 qualifies on that basis, but confirm with the Faculty of Engineering transfer credit office for your specific program.
- Some programs exclude IB credits entirely. Certain dual-track, fast-track, and professional-certification programs in Health Sciences do not accept transfer credits at all. Verify your program’s eligibility before assuming the award applies.
For students entering Honours BSc Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering, retaining the credit is a straightforward win: it removes CHM 1311/1711 from the first semester without touching the Organic Chemistry sequence, freeing one course slot in an already demanding first year.
One step worth taking before the add/drop deadline: get written confirmation from your faculty adviser that CHM 1711 satisfies the CHM 1311 prerequisite in your program’s academic plan. The equivalence is well-established, but having it documented prevents friction when registering for second-year courses that list CHM 1311 as the formal prereq.
Official award line (IB Chemistry HL):
Minimum score: 5
Credit granted: CHM 1711 — 3 units (Principles of Chemistry)
English-track equivalent: CHM 1311 — mutually exclusive with CHM 1711; satisfies the same prerequisite
Organic Chemistry (CHM 1321): Not awarded
University of Ottawa — Advanced Standing (Transfer Credits): IB Diploma table uOttawa Course Catalogue — Chemistry (CHM) courses
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Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
3
Tuition per Credit*
~$220
Est. Savings*
~$660
*Tuition rates are approximate and may vary by academic year, faculty, and program. Always verify with University of Ottawa's official sources before making decisions.
📊 Compare Chemistry HL at Other Universities
See how Chemistry HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Est. Savings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGill UniversityMontreal, QC | 5/7 | CHEM 110 + CHEM 120 (8 credits) | $3,360 | → | |
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | 5/7 | CHEM 1011.03/1012.03 or 1021.03/1022.03 or 1041.03… | $2,052 | → | |
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | CHEM 112.3 + CHEM Jr.3 = 6 credit units | $1,554 | → | |
| Western UniversityLondon, ON | 5/7 | Chemistry 1301A (0.5 cr) + Chemistry 1302B (0.5 cr… | $1,440 | → | |
| Queen's UniversityKingston, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 112 (6.0 units) | $1,398 | → | |
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 5/7 | SFU CHEM 122 (2), Q; SFU CHEM 121 (4), Q/B-Sci | $1,398 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 1A03 + CHEM 1AA3 (up to 6 units) | $1,200 | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | Chemistry 201/203 or 209 (Engineering only) | $1,194 | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 120 + 120L + 123 + 123L (1.5 units ≈ 3 course… | $900 | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 6/7 | CHEM_V 121 (4 credits) | $828 | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 1040 (0.50 credits) | $720 | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | CHM1**Y (1.0 credit) | $659 | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | CHEM 101 (★3) — Engineering: CHEM 103 (★4.3) | $651 | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | 5/7 | CHEM 101 (1.5 units) and CHEM 102 (1.5 units) | $555 | → |
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 Ottawa 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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