Does Western University give transfer credit for IB Computer Science HL?
London, ON
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
Computer Science 1026A/B (0.5 cr) + Computer Science 1027A/B (0.5 cr) = 1.0 credit
💡Expert's Take
This is named credit, not a generic placeholder, and it covers the first two core courses of Western's CS program. Western awards Computer Science 1026A (Fundamentals I) and 1027B (Fundamentals II), not a TRN elective, which together satisfy two of the three mandatory intro-level CS requirements listed in the department's first-year course requirements. For a student heading into Computer Science, this is one of the most directly actionable IB HL transfer credits Western offers.
The IB credit covers two of the three required first-year CS courses, but the third, CS 1020A/B (Foundations of Computer Science), is not part of the IB award and must still be completed at Western. Students pursuing a CS specialization or major will need CS 1020 regardless of their IB standing. Additionally, Western's transfer credit is only assessed for students who complete the full IB Diploma with a score of 5 or higher in the HL subject, individual subject certificates do not qualify.
What to watch for:
- CS 1020 is not waived. CS 1020A/B (Foundations of Computer Science) is a distinct required course with its own content and a minimum 60% grade requirement for module progression. IB credit does not substitute for it. Note also that CS 1026 and CS 1027 themselves each carry a minimum 65% threshold for module progression, students who hold the IB credit but later retake either course will need to clear that bar.
- Non-CS-program students face enrollment limits. Students not registered in the Computer Science program may only enrol in a maximum of 1.5 CS courses per academic year. Students in this situation should discuss how their IB credit interacts with that limit with an academic advisor before planning their schedule.
- Transfer credit is assessed after offer acceptance. For Ontario applicants, Western evaluates IB credit after you accept your offer, not at the time of admission. Credit is not guaranteed until that assessment is complete.
Students admitted to Computer Science should connect with Western Launch one-on-one advising after accepting their offer to confirm how CS 1026 and CS 1027 credits apply to their intended module. Students confident in their programming foundations may benefit most from redirecting those two course slots toward Calculus, breadth requirements, or electives, creating more flexibility in first-year planning. Students who feel underprepared for upper-year CS coursework may choose to retake 1026 or 1027 despite holding the credit; Western explicitly notes this is permitted.
Official award line (IB Computer Science HL):
Minimum score: 5 or higher
Credit granted:
Computer Science 1026A
and
Computer Science 1027B
(0.5 cr each) = 1.0 credit total
Requires full IB Diploma (HL individual certificates are not eligible).
Western University, International Baccalaureate transfer credit table
Need help preparing for IB Computer Science HL?
Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
6
Tuition per Credit*
~$240
Est. Savings*
~$1,440
*Tuition rates are approximate and may vary by academic year, faculty, and program. Always verify with Western University's official sources before making decisions.
📊 Compare Computer Science HL at Other Universities
See how Computer Science HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Est. Savings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | 5/7 | Computer Science 1100.03 + Computer Science 1101.0… | $2,052 | → | |
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | CMPT Jr.6 = 6 credit units | $1,554 | → | |
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 5/7 | SFU CMPT 1XX (3); SFU CMPT 120 (3), Q/B-Sci | $1,398 | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | CMPUT 174 (3 units) + CMPUT 175 (3 units) | $1,302 | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | CPSC 231 + 3 units junior Computer Science | $1,194 | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, ON | 5/7 | CIS 9110 (0.50 credits) | $720 | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | CSC1**Y (1.0 credit) | $659 | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 6/7 | CPSC_V 1st-year level (3 credits) | $621 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | 5/7 | Elective credit only (Engineering/iBioMed/CS) | $600 | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | 4/7 | CSC 110 (1.5 units) and CSC 115 (1.5 units) | $555 | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, 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 Western University
Related subjects you might be interested in at Western University
Chemistry HL
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL
Physics HL
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation HL
Economics 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: December 2025
Save Your Transfer Plan
Download a PDF of this transfer credit information for Computer Science HL at Western University.