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 Physics HL?
Waterloo, ON
Recognized for Admission Only
This course meets admission requirements but does not grant transfer credits.
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
No transfer credit at Waterloo (any score)
💡Expert's Take
“Waterloo's PHYS 111/121 sequence is a different beast than IB Physics HL. Your 5 means you start from scratch, and the first-year labs are designed to be a reality check.”
Need help preparing for IB Physics HL?
Your Potential Savings
Waterloo Units Earned
0
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-$0
Est. Savings (Eng: $0)
International
~$1,800-$2,800/course
~$0-$0
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 Physics HL at Other Universities
See how Physics 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
PHYS 101 + PHYS 102 (8 credits)
(8 credits)
Est. Savings
$3,360
Queen's University
Kingston, ON
Min Grade
5/7
Credit Granted
PHYS 117 (6.0 units)
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,398
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC
Min Grade
4/7
Credit Granted
SFU PHYS 101 (3), Q/B-Sci; SFU PHYS 102 ...
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,398
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB
Min Grade
6/7
Credit Granted
PHYS 124 + PHYS 126 (6 units)
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,302
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Min Grade
6/7
Credit Granted
PHYS_V 100 (3) + PHYS_V 1st-year level (...
(6 credits)
Est. Savings
$1,242
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 Waterloo
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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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Download a PDF of this transfer credit information for Physics HL at University of Waterloo.