Does University of Victoria give transfer credit for IB English A: Language and Literature HL?
Victoria, BC
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
ENSH 101 (1.5 units) and 100-level ATWP course (1.5 units)
💡Expert's Take
English A: Language and Literature HL earns real credit at UVic — but a different package than its Literature sibling, and the distinction matters depending on your program. With a score of 4 or higher, students receive ENSH 101: Themes in Literature (1.5 units) plus a generic 100-level Academic and Technical Writing Program (ATWP) elective credit (1.5 units), totalling 3.0 units.
The credit split is worth understanding carefully. English A: Literature HL earns ENSH 101 + the named ENSH 102: Literature in Action — two named English credits. Language and Literature HL earns ENSH 101 plus only a generic 100-level ATWP elective. For English Major or Honours students, this difference is less consequential than it appears: the English Major program plan requires completing just one course from a list that includes ENSH 101, ENSH 102, or alternatives in Year 1 — so ENSH 101 credit alone fully satisfies that requirement.
There is a genuine upside, however: both credited courses — ENSH 101 and any 100-level ATWP course — are AWR-designated, meaning this IB credit satisfies UVic's mandatory Academic Writing Requirement outright. For students in programs outside English, that is a significant benefit: one of the most common first-year checkboxes is cleared before you arrive.
What to watch for:
- English Major/Honours students: ENSH 101 credit is sufficient for Year 1. The ENGL/ENSH Major program plan requires completing one course from a list of options (ENSH 101, ENSH 102, ENSH 200, or certain ENGL equivalents) in Year 1 — not both ENSH 101 and ENSH 102. The IB credit for ENSH 101 fully satisfies this requirement. Students do not need to take ENSH 102 to meet the Year 1 English program condition.
- The ATWP credit is unspecified. The IB Transfer Guide awards a generic "100-level ATWP course" — not a named course. UVic will post this to your account as a generic elective credit. It satisfies the AWR, but it will not substitute for any specific ATWP course required by a particular program (e.g., some programs require ATWP 135 specifically). Confirm with your faculty advisor.
- Considering Literature HL instead? If you wrote English A: Literature HL, the credit outcome is stronger for English-track students: ENSH 101 + ENSH 102 covers both Year 1 English requirements in full. The Language and Literature variant leaves ENSH 102 outstanding.
Accept the credit. For students in any program outside English, 3.0 units of AWR-satisfying credit is a clean win — a standard first-year checkbox cleared before arrival. For English Major or Honours students, ENSH 101 credit alone satisfies the Year 1 English program requirement, with the generic ATWP credit providing a free elective slot on top. The Literature HL variant is marginally stronger (two named English credits vs. one named + one generic), but not because the Major demands both — it simply gives English-track students more flexibility in how they use their first-year credits.
Official award line (English A: Language and Literature HL):
Minimum score: 4 or higher
Credit granted: ENSH 101 (1.5 units) + 100-level ATWP course (1.5 units)
UVic International Baccalaureate Transfer Guide 2026–27 (official PDF)
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Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
3
Tuition per Credit*
~$185
Est. Savings*
~$555
*Tuition rates are approximate and may vary by academic year, faculty, and program. Always verify with University of Victoria's official sources before making decisions.
📊 Compare English A: Language and Literature HL at Other Universities
See how English A: Language and Literature 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
ENGL 1991W.03 + ENGL 1992W.03 = 6 credit...
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,830
McGill University
Montreal, QC
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
ENGL 1XX (6 credits)
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$2,520
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
ENGLISH 1XXX (6 units)
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,200
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
ENGL 100-level (3 units)
(3 credits)
Est. Savings
$651
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
ENGL_V 1st-year level (6 credits)
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,242
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
3 units junior English
(3 credits)
Est. Savings
$597
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
ENG 1100 + ENG 1120 (6 units)
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,320
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
ENG1**Y (1.0 credit)
(1 credit)
Est. Savings
$659
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
ENGL 1XX (0.5 units) — Elective credit
(1 credit)
Est. Savings
$450
Western University
London, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
English 1020E (1.0 credit)
(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.
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Data Disclaimer
This information is compiled from University of Victoria 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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