Unit-Based System: Waterloo measures transfer credits in units (0.5 units = one Waterloo course). Credits/caps differ by faculty; switching faculties can change or refuse credits.
Faculty Credit Caps:
- • Arts: up to 4.0 units
- • Mathematics: up to 1.5 units (no CS/ITGS credit)
- • Science: up to 3.0 units
⚠ Engineering Warning:
Engineering does not grant first-year course exemptions for IB courses (including Math, Physics, Chemistry, and electives).
IB credits require official results sent to Waterloo (code 000108). Credits are assessed after results arrive and details are emailed in August. You can decline credits.
13
IB Subjects
0.5 units
= 1 Waterloo course
~$400-550
Domestic/course
~$1,800-2,800
Intl/course
*Tuition per 0.5-unit course. Rates vary by faculty (Engineering/Math/CS higher). HL courses only, min grade 5. Always verify with official sources.
IB Transfer Credit Policies
Biology HL
Expert's Insight: This is a named-course award, not a generic placeholder. Many IB subjects... View Details →
Chemistry HL
Expert's Insight: Waterloo will consider awarding this credit for IB Chemistry HL where a... View Details →
Computer Science HL
Expert's Insight: Waterloo does award transfer credit for IB Computer Science HL, but eligibility... View Details →
Economics HL
Expert's Insight: With a 5 or higher at Higher Level, Waterloo will consider Economics... View Details →
English A: Language and Literature HL
Expert's Insight: Treat this credit as likely, not guaranteed. Waterloo's IB transfer-credit table lists... View Details →
English A: Literature HL
Expert's Insight: Treat this credit as likely, not guaranteed. Waterloo's IB transfer-credit table lists... View Details →
French A: Language and Literature HL
Expert's Insight: A Higher Level result at the usual minimum of 5 will have... View Details →
French A: Literature HL
Expert's Insight: A Higher Level result at the usual minimum of 5 will have... View Details →
French B HL
Expert's Insight: A Higher Level result at the usual minimum of 5 will have... View Details →
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL
Expert's Insight: Waterloo's official IB transfer credit table lists Analysis and Approaches at Higher... View Details →
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation HL
Expert's Insight: Waterloo's official IB transfer credit table lists Applications and Interpretations at Higher... View Details →
Physics HL
Expert's Insight: Waterloo's official IB transfer credit table lists Physics at Higher Level as... View Details →
Psychology HL
Expert's Insight: This is two half-unit credits, 1.0 Waterloo unit in total, and the... View Details →