Does Western University give transfer credit for IB Chemistry HL?
London, ON
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
Chemistry 1301A (0.5 cr) + Chemistry 1302B (0.5 cr) = 1.0 credit
💡Expert's Take
IB Chemistry HL earns the full first-year chemistry sequence at Western, Chemistry 1301A and Chemistry 1302B, 1.0 credit total. Because these are named course equivalencies rather than generic TRN (short for “Transfer”) credits, they function as prerequisites for several second-year courses, including Chemistry 2213A/B (Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences), Biochemistry 2280A, and Biology 2382A/B (Cell Biology).
For students entering BMSc or Neurosciences programs, first-year Chemistry is a required module admission course carrying a minimum mark of 60%. Western explicitly states that an IB or AP transfer credit in a required first-year subject satisfies that threshold, so the credit functions as both a course substitution and a module-entry credential.
What to watch for:
- Repeating forfeits the credit. Western's Science advising page states that if you retake a course for which you hold IB transfer credit, that credit is permanently forfeited. Students who felt underprepared in IB Chemistry HL should weigh this before registering for CHEM 1301A at Western.
- The full IB Diploma is required. Western's IB requirements page specifies passes in at least six subjects (three at Higher Level), Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay, a minimum total grade of 27, and no individual subject score below 4. A standalone Chemistry HL result does not qualify.
For science pathways, especially Medical Sciences and Neuroscience, where Chemistry 1301A/B and 1302A/B are named prerequisites for module admission, accepting this credit clears two half-courses and opens 2000-level access in second year. Advising is particularly important if you are targeting Chemistry Honours or Biochemistry, where CHEM 2273A (Organic Chemistry I) follows directly from CHEM 1301A.
Official award line (IB Chemistry HL):
Minimum score: 5 or higher
Credit granted: Chemistry 1301A and 1302B, 1.0 credit (0.5 each)
Western University – IB Transfer Credit Table (welcome.uwo.ca)
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Your Potential Savings
Credit Awarded
0.167
Western credits
Ontario Resident
~$7,260-$14,753/1.0 Western credit
~$1,210 - $2,459
Potential Tuition Value
(Arts to Engineering)
Out-of-Province
~$8,823-$17,929/1.0 Western credit
~$1,470 - $2,988
Potential Tuition Value
International
~$55,332-$74,924/1.0 Western credit
~$9,222 - $12,487
Potential Tuition Value
(varies by faculty)
*2025-26 tuition-only rates (2026-27 not yet posted); full-course tuition divided by 6. Values assume the award replaces tuition you would otherwise pay. Actual cash savings can be $0 under flat-rate or full-time billing unless credit reduces a billed term or time to completion.
📊 Compare Chemistry HL at Other Universities
See how Chemistry HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Tuition Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carleton UniversityOttawa, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 1001 + CHEM 1002 (1.0 credit) | View estimate | → | |
| Concordia UniversityMontreal, Quebec | 4/7 | 9 transfer credits toward the 120-credit Extended … | View estimate | → | |
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | 5/7 | CHEM 1011.03/1012.03 or 1021.03/1022.03 or 1041.03… | View estimate | → | |
| Lakehead UniversityThunder Bay, ON | 5/7 | Chemistry 1110 and Chemistry 1130 | View estimate | → | |
| McGill UniversityMontreal, QC | 5/7 | Course exemption: CHEM 110 + CHEM 120 (two 4-credi… | View estimate | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 1A03 + CHEM 1AA3 (up to 6 units) | View estimate | → | |
| Memorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John's, NL | 5/7 | CHEM 1050 + 1051 (St. John's) or CHEM 1810 + 1200 … | View estimate | → | |
| Ontario Tech UniversityOshawa, ON | 5/7 | Transfer credit, grade "T" (unspecified/elective, … | View estimate | → | |
| Queen's UniversityKingston, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 112 (6.0 units) | View estimate | → | |
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 5/7 | SFU CHEM 122 (2), Q; SFU CHEM 121 (4), Q/B-Sci | View estimate | → | |
| Toronto Metropolitan UniversityToronto, ON | 5/7 | CHY 103 and CHY 113 | View estimate | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | CHEM 101 (★3), Engineering: CHEM 103 (★4.3) | View estimate | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 6/7 | CHEM_V 121 (4 credits) | View estimate | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | Chemistry 201/203 or 209 (Engineering only) | View estimate | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 1040 (0.50 credits) | View estimate | → | |
| University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB | 4/7 | CHEM 1100 (3) & CHEM 1110 (3) & CHEM 112L (0) | View estimate | → | |
| University of New BrunswickFredericton & Saint John, NB | 5/7 | Saint John: CHEM 1041 & CHEM 1072 (engineering: CH… | View estimate | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, ON | 5/7 | CHM 1711 (3 units) | View estimate | → | |
| University of ReginaRegina, SK | 5/7 | CHEM 104 + CHEM 1XX (100-level) | View estimate | → | |
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | CHEM 112.3 + CHEM Jr.3 = 6 credit units | View estimate | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | CHM1**Y (1.0 credit) | View estimate | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | 5/7 | CHEM 101 (1.5 units) and CHEM 102 (1.5 units) | View estimate | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON | 5/7 | CHEM 120 + 120L + 123 + 123L (1.5 units ≈ 3 course… | View estimate | → | |
| University of WindsorWindsor, ON | 5/7 | CHEM-1100 + CHEM-1110 (General Chemistry I + II, 6… | View estimate | → | |
| York UniversityToronto, ON | 5/7 | SC/CHEM 1000 3.0 + SC/CHEM 1001 3.0 (6 credits) | View estimate | → |
Tip: Open a university to compare same-province, out-of-province, and international tuition values. Flat-rate or full-time billing can make the immediate cash saving $0.
Taking more than Chemistry HL?
Add all your IB subjects and predicted scores to estimate your total transfer credit across Canadian universities, side by side.
Other IB Subjects at Western University
Related subjects you might be interested in at Western University
Computer Science HL
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation HL
Physics HL
Biology HL
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL
Data Disclaimer
This information is compiled from Western University 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: July 2026
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