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 give transfer credit for IB 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, so 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. 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 | → | |
| York UniversityToronto, ON | 5/7 | SC/PHYS 1411 3.0 + SC/PHYS 1412 3.0 (6 credits) | $1,458 | → | |
| 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 | → | |
| Carleton UniversityOttawa, ON | 5/7 | PHYS 1107 (0.5) & PHYS 1108 (0.5) | $1,365 | → | |
| 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 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | 5/7 | Physics 1A03 and 1AA3 | $1,200 | → | |
| 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 | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | 6/7 | PHYS 102A (1.5 units) and PHYS 102B (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 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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