Does University of Victoria give transfer credit for IB Physics HL?
Victoria, BC
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
PHYS 102A (1.5 units) and PHYS 102B (1.5 units)
💡Expert's Take
IB Physics HL earns a real, named credit at UVic, but the specific courses awarded are the algebra-based, life sciences physics stream, not the calculus-based sequence required by most science and engineering programs. With a score of 6 or higher, UVic's official IB Transfer Guide grants PHYS 102A (General Physics I, 1.5 units) and PHYS 102B (General Physics II, 1.5 units), 3 units total. That is a meaningful credit award, but whether it actually helps your program depends entirely on which degree you are entering.
PHYS 102A/102B is UVic's algebra-based physics sequence, designed for students in biology, biochemistry, and microbiology. UVic's own Department of Physics and Astronomy is explicit: students intending to take further courses in Physics should enrol in PHYS 110/111 (calculus-based) or PHYS 120/130 (enriched) instead. Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Earth and Ocean Sciences programs all require the calculus-based stream, PHYS 102A/102B does not satisfy those prerequisites. In short, your IB Physics HL credit may cover nothing your program actually requires, even though credit is technically granted.
What to watch for:
- Engineering, Physics, Math, Chemistry, and EOS students: Check your program's first-year physics requirement carefully. If it lists PHYS 110/111 or PHYS 120/130, your PHYS 102A/102B transfer credit does not satisfy it; you will still need to complete the calculus-based sequence.
- Biology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology students: PHYS 102A/102B fits well here. The credit can directly satisfy your program's first-year physics requirement and saves you from repeating material you covered in IB Physics HL.
- The elevated minimum of 6 (versus the standard 4 required for most HL subjects) reflects UVic's higher bar for science courses marked with a double asterisk in the transfer table. A score of 5 earns no credit, this is one of the steeper thresholds in the IB credit framework.
If you are heading into a life sciences program, accept the credit; it fits cleanly and you can skip first-year physics entirely. If you are heading into Engineering or a physical sciences degree, be aware that PHYS 102A/102B will likely sit on your transcript as elective credit rather than satisfying a program requirement. It still counts toward your degree unit total and is not worthless, but it will not let you skip PHYS 110 or 111. Confirm exactly how your transfer credit is applied by reviewing your program's requirements in the UVic Undergraduate Calendar before you finalize your first-year registration.
Official award line (Physics HL):
Minimum score: 6 or higher
Credit granted: PHYS 102A (1.5 units) + PHYS 102B (1.5 units) = 3 units total
Need help preparing for IB Physics HL?
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 Physics HL at Other Universities
See how Physics HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Est. Savings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGill UniversityMontreal, QC | 5/7 | PHYS 101 + PHYS 102 (8 credits) | $3,360 | → | |
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | 5/7 | Physics 1280.03 + Physics 1290.03 = 6 credit hours | $2,052 | → | |
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | PHYS 115.3 + PHYS 117.3 = 6 credit units | $1,554 | → | |
| Western UniversityLondon, ON | 5/7 | Physics 1501A (0.5 cr) + Physics 1502B (0.5 cr) = … | $1,440 | → | |
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 4/7 | SFU PHYS 101 (3), Q/B-Sci; SFU PHYS 102 (3), Q/B-S… | $1,398 | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, ON | 5/7 | PHY 1121 + PHY 1122 (6 units) | $1,320 | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | PHYS 124 + PHYS 126 (6 units) | $1,302 | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 6/7 | PHYS_V 100 (3) + PHYS_V 1st-year level (3) | $1,242 | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | Physics 221 (3 units) and Physics 223 (3 units) | $1,194 | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, ON | 5/7 | PHYS 9110 (0.50 credits) | $720 | → | |
| Queen's UniversityKingston, ON | 5/7 | PHYS 117 (3.0 units) | $699 | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | PHY131H1+PHY132H1 (1.0 cr, A&S) · PHY136H5+PHY137H… | $659 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → |
Tip: Different provinces have different tuition rates. Use these comparisons to find the best value for your residency status.
Other IB Subjects at University of Victoria
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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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