IB Students

Neha, a Psychology student and a volunteer research assistant at the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine
Neha is a Psychology student and a volunteer research assistant at the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine, working to analyze data from head and neck cancer patients to help with treatment. She is also a language instructor teaching kids how to read, write, and speak Hindi. See more of Neha’s story along with other inspiring students at @ualbertastudents.

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!

Hear from one of our current U of A students who participated in the International Baccalaureate program!


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

The U of A administers over $34 million in undergraduate financial support every year. Historically, more than half of eligible IB students receive a scholarship offer. 

Enriched Scholar Scholarship: As an IB student, you may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 as recognition for your achievements in 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:

  1. Apply to the University of Alberta.
  2. Present six IB courses (five of which need to be the required subjects for your program).
  3. 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. 
  4. 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 IB directly.