University of Calgary

International Baccalaureate - IB Subjects

English A1 or A2 (Standard or Higher Level) or English B (Higher Level) is required for admission to all undergraduate programs. English B (Standard Level) is not acceptable in lieu of this requirement. Text and Performance (SL) may be accepted in lieu of English A1 (SL).

For admission purposes, the University of Calgary classifies all other subjects into the following four groups:

Group A:
Languages offered under the Language A1, A2, Language ab initio or Language B selections (excluding English); Geography, one of History or History of the Islamic World
Group B:
Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics (Higher Level), Mathematical Methods, Mathematical Studies, Physic, Computer Science
Group C:
Art, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts
Group D:
Business and Management, Economics, Information Technology in a Global Society, Philosophy, Psychology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Design Technology, Environmental Systems

Admission to all programs is competitive and it may not be possible to accommodate every applicant who satisfies the minimum entrance requirement.

Applicants are required to present a specific IB Diploma score as determined by that faculty. At least three subjects must be successfully completed at the Higher Level, while the remaining three subjects may be successfully completed at the Standard Level. Grades below 3 are not accepted for admission.

Specific subject requirements are outlined below:

Faculty of Arts (except fine arts majors):

  • English
  • three subjects from Group A or B
  • subject from Group A, B, C or D

    • Mathematics is required as a prerequisite for courses in the following programs: Archaeology, Economics, Geography, and Psychology. 

    Faculty of Arts (Dance, Drama, Music or Visual Studies majors)

  • English
  • two subjects from Group A or B
  • one subject from Group A, B, C
  • one subject from Group A, B, C or D

    Auditions are required for applicants to the BA (Dance) and Bachelor of Music programs. A portfolio is required for applicants to the BFA in Visual Studies.

    • Haskayne School of Business:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • subject from Group A or B
  • subject from Group A or B
  • subject from Group A, B, C or D

    • Kinesiology:

  • English
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • subject from Group A, B, C or D

    • Medicine (BCR):

  • English
  • Biology
  • two subjects from Group A or B
  • one subject from Group A, B, C or D

    • Medicine (BHSc)*:

  • English
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • subject from Group A, B, C or D

    *A supplemental application is required by all applicants.

    • Nursing:

  • English
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • subject from Group A, B, C or D

    • Schulich School of Engineering:

  • English Language
  • Mathematical Methods or Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Subject from A, B, C, or D

    Applicants who present Further Mathematics or Mathematical Studies in place of Mathematical Methods or Mathematics (HL) must present one additional subject from Group A or B.

    Applicants to the Schulich School of Engineering who present Further Mathematics or Mathematical Studies may be considered on a individual basis. Such applicants will be required to present a higher IB Diploma score and will be required to follow an alternative Mathematics program in their first year to clear content deficiencies.

    • Science:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • two of Biology, Chemistry or Physics
  • subject from Group A, B, C or D

    Chemistry is required for all Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geology & Geophysics and Physics & Astronomy programs. Biology is required for all Biological Sciences programs. Physics is recommended for all Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geology & Geophysics, Physics & Astronomy, and Applied Mathematics programs. Mathematical Methods or Mathematics (Higher Level) is strongly recommended for all programs.

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