Does Western University give transfer credit for IB Economics HL?
London, ON
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
Economics 1021A + 1022B (1.0 credit)
💡Expert's Take
This is named credit, not a generic placeholder, and it covers the gateway Micro and Macro courses that sit at the entrance to the Department of Economics undergraduate modules. Western grants Economics 1021A (Principles of Microeconomics) and Economics 1022B (Principles of Macroeconomics) as specific named equivalencies, not a TRN elective, satisfying the 1.0-credit Economics first-year requirement used across the Honours Specialization, Specialization, Majors, and Minor in Economics offered by the Department of Economics at Western's main campus.
The credit satisfies the Economics component of module admission, but the math requirements depend significantly on which module a student intends to pursue.
For the Honours Specialization in Economics, students must also complete Calculus 1000A/B or 1500A/B (minimum 60%) before entering the module, and complete Calculus 1501A/B (or Calculus 1301A/B with at least 85%) and Mathematics 1600A/B by the end of their second year in the module. Module admission also requires a minimum 70% average across 3.0 principal courses, the threshold is higher than the 60% floor. The Major in Economics and Major in Financial Economics similarly require a first-year Calculus course for module entry.
By contrast, the Specialization in Economics and the Minor in Economics have no formal math admission requirement, Economics 1021A/B and 1022A/B with a minimum 60% are sufficient for module entry. Students in these paths should note, however, that several second-year Economics courses (including Econometrics and Intermediate Microeconomic Theory) require high school calculus or a first-year math course for individual course registration.
Western's IB program preparation guidance notes that students planning to enter Economics modules will need IB Math Applications (HL only) or IB Math Analysis (SL or HL), this applies to the modules requiring a first-year Calculus course. Students without a qualifying IB Math score who are targeting one of those modules will need to take Calculus at Western.
What to watch for:
- Transfer credit is assessed after offer acceptance. For Ontario applicants, Western evaluates IB credit after the student accepts their offer, not at the initial admission stage. Plan first-year registration with that timing in mind, and confirm the credit with Western Launch once the assessment is complete.
- Full IB Diploma required. Eligibility applies only to students who complete the full IB Diploma with a score of 5 or higher in the HL subject. Individual subject certificates do not qualify.
Students targeting the Honours Specialization or a Major should prioritize completing Calculus in first year, it is a required component of module admission for those paths and cannot be deferred without delaying module entry. The freed Economics slots can be directed toward the Calculus sequence, breadth requirements, or electives. Students uncertain about their module path or how the IB credit interacts with their specific program should discuss their course plan with a Western Launch academic advisor after accepting their offer and once the transfer-credit assessment is finalized.
Official award line (IB Economics HL):
Minimum score: 5 or higher
Credit granted: Economics 1021A and Economics 1022B (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 Economics 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 Economics HL at Other Universities
See how Economics HL transfer credits compare across Canadian universities. Click column headers to sort.
| University | Min Grade | Credit Granted | Est. Savings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGill UniversityMontreal, QC | 5/7 | ECON 1XX (6 credits) | $2,520 | → | |
| Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS | 5/7 | Economics 1101.03 + Economics 1102.03 = 6 credit h… | $2,052 | → | |
| Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC | 5/7 | SFU ECON 103 (4), Q/B-Soc; SFU ECON 105 (4), Q/B-S… | $1,864 | → | |
| University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SK | 5/7 | ECON 111.3 + ECON 114.3 = 6 credit units | $1,554 | → | |
| Queen's UniversityKingston, ON | 5/7 | ECON 110 (6.0 units) | $1,398 | → | |
| University of OttawaOttawa, ON | 5/7 | ECO 1102 + ECO 1104 (6 units) | $1,320 | → | |
| University of AlbertaEdmonton, AB | 6/7 | ECON 101 (3 units) + ECON 102 (3 units) | $1,302 | → | |
| University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC | 5/7 | ECON_V 1st-year level (6 credits) | $1,242 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | 5/7 | ECON 1B03 + ECON 1BB3 (up to 6 units) | $1,200 | → | |
| University of CalgaryCalgary, Alberta | 5/7 | ECON 201 and ECON 203 | $1,194 | → | |
| University of GuelphGuelph, ON | 5/7 | ECON 1050 (0.50 credits) | $720 | → | |
| University of TorontoToronto, ON | 5/7 | ECO1**Y (1.0 credit) | $659 | → | |
| University of VictoriaVictoria, BC | 4/7 | ECON 103 (1.5 units) and ECON 104 (1.5 units) | $555 | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON | 5/7 | ECON 1XX (0.5 units) — Elective credit | $450 | → |
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
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 Economics HL at Western University.