IB Students
IB Students Excel Here
We know you are going places, and the U of A is going to get you there. As a top-tiered research-based institution, we provide the kind of academically-focused environment in which IB students can thrive. From undergraduate research opportunities, to honors and certificate programs, to co-ops and internships, you can pursue your academic interests and find your passion here!
We Recognize your Hard Work
We recognize your achievements in taking an academically rigorous program, and we want to see you continue your studies here.
Advanced Standing
If you achieve a final IB grade of 6 or higher, you can receive advanced standing and bypass certain courses by one of the following means:
- Transfer credit - university‑level credit for IB work completed in high school, meaning you will have the option not to take that course in university.
- Advanced placement - allows you to register in a senior‑level course without taking the junior‑level course first.
- Credit by Special Assessment (CSA) - enables you to challenge a university course for credit by writing a special exam. This is administered directly through the faculties; please contact your faculty for more information.
Ready for Research
Many IB students like to dive right into research opportunities — while still in high school. The Festival of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (FURCA) invites IB students to present their research work, network with U of A students who are involved in exciting research across all disciplines on campus, and receive constructive feedback. Find out more about IB events here.
Start with a Scholarship
In addition to the entrance scholarships available to all first-year students, IB students are eligible for the IB Scholarship which gives the top 25 IB students $1,000 to recognize their achievement of taking an academically rigorous program.
Admission for IB Students
Dual-admission Advantage
If you are completing IB exams in conjunction with your high school curriculum, we will use the higher of either your IB score or high school grade for admission. For example, if you present both IB English and English 30-1, we will use the higher of the two English grades when calculating your admission average required for your program. You are not at a disadvantage for choosing to write an IB exam.
IB Grade Conversion Scale
To calculate an admission average using your IB results, we will convert your scores into percentages:
| IB Result | Percent Equivalent |
| 7 | 98% |
| 6 | 90% |
| 5 | 82% |
| 4 | 73% |
| 3 | 55% |
| 2 or 1 | Not accepted for admission |
Alberta High School Equivalences
See the IB Equivalency Chart for more information on which IB high school courses may be used on your application for admission.
Admission for Diploma Candidates
The University of Alberta offers full IB Diploma candidates admission, based on predicted grades, to all direct-entry faculties.
To be considered for admission through this process, you need to:
- Apply to the University of Alberta.
- Present six IB courses (five of which need to be the required subjects for your program).
- Present a competitive diploma score with no grade less than 4. Competitive scores in previous years range from 30-37 points (including additional points) depending on your program.
- Have your IB Coordinator submit your predicted scores to the University of Alberta. The Predicted Grades Forms will be accepted between March 1 and April 30.
IB Transcripts
All IB students are required to submit a final and official IB transcript by August 1. After you apply »
How to submit transcripts: Ask your IB co-ordinator to request that your transcript be sent directly to the University of Alberta - or contact IBO directly.