Unit-Based System: Waterloo measures transfer credits in units (0.5 units = one Waterloo course). Credits and caps differ by faculty; switching faculties can change or refuse credits.
Faculty Overrides: Engineering: no first-year IB exemptions • Math faculty: no CS/ITGS credit • Science: no HL Chemistry if CHEM 121 required
Official IB results must be sent to Waterloo (code 000108). Credits assessed after results arrive (August). You can decline credits.
Does University of Waterloo accept Chemistry HL?
Waterloo, ON
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
CHEM 120 + 120L + 123 + 123L (1.5 units ≈ 3 courses)
Faculty of Engineering: Engineering does NOT grant any IB transfer credit exemptions, regardless of score. If you are in Engineering, this credit does not apply to you.
Faculty of Science: Science does NOT award this credit if your program requires CHEM 121/121L/125/125L. Check your specific program requirements.
💡Expert's Take
“That 5 gets you into CHEM 120, but the lab component is a different beast. The marking for technique and reports is far more stringent than your IA.”
Need help preparing for IB Chemistry HL?
Your Potential Savings
Waterloo Units Earned
2
0.5 units = one Waterloo course
Engineering students: Faculty of Engineering does not grant IB transfer credit — your savings would be $0.
Domestic
~$400-$550/course
~$0-$1,100
Est. Savings (Eng: $0)
International
~$1,800-$2,800/course
~$0-$5,600
Est. Savings (Eng: $0)
*$0 reflects Faculty of Engineering (no IB exemptions). Upper range reflects non-Engineering faculties. Verify with Waterloo's official sources before making decisions.
📊 Compare Chemistry HL at Other Universities
See how Chemistry HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Each school has different grade requirements and savings potential.
McGill University
Montreal, QC
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
CHEM 110 + CHEM 120 (8 credits)
(8 credits)
Est. Savings
$3,360
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
CHEM 1A03 + CHEM 1AA3 (up to 6 units)
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,200
Queen's University
Kingston, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
CHEM 112 (6.0 units)
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,398
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
SFU CHEM 122 (2), Q; SFU CHEM 121 (4), Q...
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,398
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB
Min Grade
6/7
Credit Granted
CHEM 101 (★3) — Engineering: CHEM 103 (★...
(3 credits)
Est. Savings
$651
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Min Grade
6/7
Credit Granted
CHEM_V 121 (4 credits)
(4 credits)
Est. Savings
$828
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 Waterloo 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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