IB Admission and Recognition (2024)

Saint Mary’s welcomes IB students from across the globe! We wholeheartedly embrace the mission of the International Baccalaureate Organization, acknowledging IB courses and programs as exceptional academic foundations for university success. Our recently implemented IB recognition policy stands out as one of the best in Canada and globally.

Outlined below are the University’s policies on admission and recognition for students presenting IB qualifications, effective for Fall 2024 intake and beyond.

Admission Information

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) Requirements

IBDP is accepted for admission as per the following:

Arts

• English (SL or HL)
• Four other SL or HL subjects

Commerce

• English (SL or HL)
• Mathematics (SL or HL, Analysis and approaches or Applications and interpretation)
• Three other SL or HL subjects

Science

• English (SL or HL)
• Mathematics (SL or HL, Analysis and approaches or Applications and interpretation)
• One science (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Programming, or Physics)
• Two other SL or HL subjects

Engineering

• English (SL or HL)
• Mathematics (SL or HL, Analysis and approaches or Applications and interpretation)
• Chemistry (SL or HL)
• Physics (SL or HL or Biology SL/HL)
• One other SL or HL subject
• Minimum predicted IBDP score for admission to any SMU program: 24/42 (anticipated/projected grades)
• Minimum 36 credit hours, up to a maximum of 42 credit hours, will be awarded for final IBDP scores of 30+/45 including up to 12 credit hours for those receiving a minimum of two points on the IB Core (TOK, EE, CAS)
• IBDP students presenting English HL or SL with a minimum grade of 4+ will meet our minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements and will not have to submit additional tests or proof of English Language Proficiency

International Baccalaureate Career-related Program (IBCP)

The IBCP diploma is recognized for admission purposes as per the following:

• Minimum requirements include:
  • 1 Higher Level IB subject (minimum score 4+ on each) plus
  • 2 Higher Level or Standard Level IB subjects (minimum score 4+ on each)
  • Description of Career-Related Study being completed unless completing a CRS from approved IBO recognized CRS Strategic Provider
• Maximum 9 credit hours awarded for minimum score of 4+ on HL or SL courses
• Maximum 6 credit hours awarded for CRS
• Additional credit hours awarded for additional HL or SL courses or for successful completion of TOK, EE and/or CAS up to total maximum of 42 credit hours
• Students will be assessed for admission on a case-by-case basis
• IBCP students presenting English HL or SL with a minimum grade of 4+ will meet our minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements and will not have to submit additional tests or proof of English Language Proficiency

IB Courses

Individual IB Courses are accepted for admission purposes with predicted scores of 3+ in subject requirements as per the following:

• In order to receive admission based on individual IB courses, students must also present a high school diploma or leaving certificate in addition to the individual courses
• Potential credit for individual IB courses as follows:
  • HL courses for final scores of 4+
  • SL courses for final scores of 4+
• Maximum 30 advanced credit hours for individual courses (non-IBDP or non-IBCP applicants)

IB Course Equivalencies Chart for Advanced Credit

For information on scholarships, awards and bursaries, including IB specific awards, please visit our scholarship website.