International Applicants

We are currently accepting applications for Fall (September) 2025 admission. The application deadline is February 1, 2025.  Please note that we do not admit for the winter or spring/summer terms. Please email gradadmissions@chem.ualberta.ca to inquire.

 

1) Apply online

Use the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) online application. Please make note of the Username/Email Address and Password used to create the application. You will require this information to login to the Applicant Portal later. Before starting an application applicants should read the Application Requirements for Academic Documents.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that references and all required documents are received by the application deadline.

2) Upload required information

During the application process, you will be required to upload the following information directly to the online application:

  • Transcripts or Mark-sheets: One official copy (front and back of each page) from each post-secondary institution you have attended. The copy must include the grading scale used by the institution. If your previous education was completed in India or Pakistan, individual mark-sheets are required; consolidated transcripts are not acceptable. Individual mark-sheets should contain one semester of grades per page.
    • Transcript or Mark-sheet in Original Language.
    • Transcript or Mark-sheet English Translation (if original is not in English)
    • Degree Certificate in Original Language
    • Degree Certificate English Translation (if original is not in English)
  • Department Package: The department package is a single document that you are required to fill in. It includes the following sections: academic background, relevant professional employment experience, academic honours received, refereed contributions, non-refereed contributions, conference presentations, other contributions and a statement of purpose. You will also be required to list the names of three U of A Chemistry faculty members whose area of research are of interest to you. A link to the document is found on the application form. Use the space provided, additional pages will not be accepted.
  • Letters of reference
    We require three (3) letters of reference to support your application for graduate admission. They should be written by persons who are familiar with your Chemistry background and who are providing support for your application. You will be required to list the names and email addresses of the referees. The referees will receive an automatic email instructing them how to submit their letter of reference online. The email to the referees is sent once the application has been submitted. Please ensure that your referees are ready, willing and able to submit a reference and that you have entered their correct email address on the application form.
The Department recognizes that applicants and their referees from Iran and Ukraine have limited or restricted access to internet communications. As such, the Department is prepared to accept and receive reference letters from personal email addresses, but the letter should still be on appropriate letterhead.

3) Submit application and pay the application fee

Please note that as of September 1, 2021 the fee for applications to all graduate programs has increased from $100 CAD to $135 CAD.  If you have questions about this fee, please contact grad.webadm@ualberta.ca. 

The application fee is non-refundable.  Payment can only be made with a valid major credit card. If you are admitted, this fee will be reimbursed upon your arrival in Edmonton.

When the application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. This email is very important. Please KEEP this email. It contains information about the Applicant Portal. Please refer to the Applicant Portal Quick Reference Guide to manage your application.

4) Await response from the department

Once complete your application is forwarded to the Chemistry Admissions Committee for review. The review process can take several weeks, or longer during peak processing times. During this period, please refrain from contacting the Chemistry Graduate Office regarding the status of your application. The status of your application is updated via the Applicant Portal. If your application is successful, you will receive an official admission letter from the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

Please do not follow any instructions in Bear Tracks and do not make arrangements to send hard copies of your documents at this time. Hard copy original documents are only required by those students that have been admitted.

5) Accept our offer

We ask that you accept or decline the offer of admission via the Applicant Portal as soon as possible.

Immigration Documentation

To study in Canada for 6 months or longer, you must obtain a Study Permit from the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate. Where required, you may also need to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and/or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

You will need to apply for these documents before you arrive in Canada. To apply for a Study Permit, you will need an official letter of admission (from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research) and a letter of financial support (provided by us, the Department of Chemistry).

We suggest that you contact your nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for more information immediately after submitting your application. Additional information can be found at the link below:

Application to Study in Canada, Study Permits