Does York University give transfer credit for IB Physics HL?
Toronto, ON
Yes, Transfer Credit Available!
Minimum Grade Required
Credit Granted
SC/PHYS 1411 3.0 + SC/PHYS 1412 3.0 (6 credits)
💡Expert's Take
Two separate 3.0-credit course exclusions at York: SC/PHYS 1411 Physics Fundamentals 1 and SC/PHYS 1412 Physics Fundamentals 2. Each is described in York's handbook as "One term. Three credits," and together they cover a calculus-based survey of mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, and introductory modern physics, with three lecture hours and a tutorial per week plus laboratory hours in alternate weeks.
York presents its IB Exemptions and Credits table as a guide and notes that "missing courses does not necessarily indicate transfer credit will not be granted," so IB Physics SL (not in the table) is assessed case-by-case rather than ruled out in advance. The 6 credits count against York's 30-credit (5 full-course) cap on HL IB transfer credit. Lab hours are integrated into the 1411 and 1412 course descriptors, so no separate first-year lab course is implied by the award.
What to watch for:
- For the Physics, Applied Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Space Science streams of Physics and Astronomy, the program core specifies SC/PHYS 1011 + SC/PHYS 1012. PHYS 1411 is listed as a course credit exclusion of PHYS 1011, and 1412 of 1012. Per the Registrar, "if your degree requirements specify that one course of the pair is required to fulfill a program requirement, you cannot... use the other course to fulfill degree requirements." The IB HL transfer credit will not fill that Physics and Astronomy program core.
- Biomedical Physics is an explicit exception. Its Program Core accepts "SC/PHYS 1011 3.0 and SC/PHYS 1012 3.0, or SC/PHYS 1800 3.0 and SC/PHYS 1801 3.0, or SC/ISCI 1310 6.0, or SC/PHYS 1411 3.0 and SC/PHYS 1412 3.0 with a grade of C or higher." A student who meets the grade threshold on the IB-awarded 1411/1412 can apply the credit directly to the Biomedical Physics core.
- The handbook is explicit about intent for the 1011/1012 stream: PHYS 1011 "covers topics in greater depth than SC/PHYS 1411 3.00" and "should be taken by all those likely to enroll in 2000-level physics courses." Students heading into 2000-level physics under the Physics and Astronomy streams should plan around 1011/1012 rather than 1411/1412.
- For other Faculty of Science majors (for example Biology, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Chemistry, or Kinesiology), whether the 1411/1412 credit applies to degree requirements is program-specific. York notes that "not all credits may contribute toward satisfying the degree requirements of their program," so verify against the student's published program requirements before relying on the credit.
Students planning Physics, Applied Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, or Space Science should confirm with the department before locking in the credit. York does not publish a standalone decline-credit form; under the Eligibility for Transfer Credit rule, "if a student is granted a course exclusion and chooses to repeat the exclusion while at York, transfer credit granted will be forfeited." In practice, repeating the exclusion (for example, taking SC/PHYS 1011 after being granted the 1411 credit) is what triggers the loss under York's published language.
Official award line (IB Physics HL):
Minimum score: 5
Credit granted: SC/PHYS 1411 3.0, 1412 3.0 (two separate 3-credit exclusions, 6 credits total)
PHYS 1411 Physics Fundamentals 1
PHYS 1412 Physics Fundamentals 2
York University, IB Exemptions and Credits (Future Students: Advanced Secondary / CEGEP)
Need help preparing for IB Physics HL?
Your Potential Savings
Credits Earned
6
Tuition per Credit*
~$243
Est. Savings*
~$1,458
*Tuition rates are approximate and may vary by academic year, faculty, and program. Always verify with York University'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 | → | |
| 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 | → | |
| 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 | → | |
| McMaster UniversityHamilton, ON | N/A | No transfer credit | — | → | |
| University of WaterlooWaterloo, 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 York University
Related subjects you might be interested in at York University
Chemistry HL
Computer Science HL
Biology HL
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation HL
Data Disclaimer
This information is compiled from York 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
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