How to Apply

The application system opens October 1st each year and the deadline is February 1st in the year admission is sought, for Fall term (September) intake. 

*Note that there is only a Fall term intake in the MSc in Urban and Regional Planning.

Step 1: Prior to Applying

Review the entrance requirements for the Master's Degree Program and collect all the relevant documents that you will need to complete the application. Note that the requirements differ for the standard and accelerated streams. If applying for the 1-year accelerated stream, please indicate this in the application comments. 

Entrance Requirements - Two Year Standard Stream

  • Four year undergraduate degree from a recognized University
  • Minimum B average on last 60 credits
  • A resume or CV indicating planning-related courses or experience
  • Two letters of reference from academics (to be submitted directly through the application system by letter authors), or one letter of reference from an academic and one letter of reference from a professional. Letters must be on letterhead and signed with a physical signature.
  • Official transcripts, mark sheets/grade cards and degree certificates from all academic programs (including any courses completed during an exchange) *see requirements for academic documents*
  • Graduate certificates are required for applicants from China
  • Individual mark sheets/grade cards are required for applicants from India and Pakistan, consolidated transcripts are not acceptable
  • A Statement of Intent completed using the Urban and Regional Planning Statement of Intent Form (pdf)
  • Documentation indicating proficiency in the English Language where applicable (see the UAlberta English Language Proficiency (ELP) page for more information)

Entrance Requirements - One Year Accelerated Stream

  • Undergraduate degree in Planning (accredited by the Professional Standards Board for Planning Profession in Canada) and two or more calendar years professional experience in Planning, or
  • Case by case assessment of other combinations of experience and degrees, where the applicant has a significant number of years of professional experience in Planning (a minimum of 5 years) in the absence of a Planning degree

Applicants seeking to apply to the 1-year accelerated program will also require the following:

  • A resume or CV indicating planning experience
  • Two letters of reference from academics (to be submitted directly through the application system by letter authors), or one letter of reference from an academic and one letter of reference from a professional. Letters must be on letterhead and signed with a physical signature.
  • Official transcripts, mark sheets/grade cards and degree certificates from all academic programs (including any courses completed during an exchange) *see requirements for academic documents*
  • Graduate certificates are required for applicants from China
  • Individual mark sheets/grade cards are required for applicants from India and Pakistan, consolidated transcripts are not acceptable
  • A Statement of Intent completed using the Urban and Regional Planning Statement of Intent Form (pdf)
  • Documentation indicating proficiency in the English Language where applicable (see the UAlberta English Language Proficiency (ELP) page for more information)

Step 2: Use the Application Portal

How to Apply

  • Applicants should go to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS; formerly FGSR) website, review the information on the landing page, and click the Apply Now button when ready (or they can click the Apply Now button at the bottom of this page).
  • Create a login account for the portal if you have not already. If you already have an account, enter your login credentials and sign in. After you create an account, you will be prompted to search for the program. If you already had an account, after you sign in, click the Start a New Application button to continue.
  • Select Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the drop-down menu and click Search Now.
  • In the search results, find and select Master of Science (Crse) in Earth and Atmospheric Science, Urban and Regional Planning(or search by department).
  • Find your desired academic year and click Apply.
  • Fill out the relevant fields in the application forms and upload the appropriate documents to apply for the program. If applying for the 1-year accelerated stream, indicate this in the Comments section. To see the screenshots of the application process, review the How to Apply Process PDF.

Tips for Submitting a Complete Application:

  • Compile and scan your documents-this includes transcripts from every post-secondary institution you attended regardless of whether you passed, failed, or completed a credential or not
  • Contact your references beforehand so that they are prepared for the next steps. They are sent an email when you submit the application, in which they will be given a link to access the application system and provide an online assessment of you. They may also upload a letter at that time.
  • Complete the Statement of Intent Form specific to Urban and Regional Planning.

Step 3: After Applying

What to Do After Submitting Application:

  • Periodically check the application portal for updates. This can be accomplished by signing into the application portal and selecting the application under the In Progress heading. Please do not contact the Department about the status of your application.
  • Respond to communications promptly.
  • Respond to offers of admission promptly.
  • Realize that assessment of your application takes time, so please be patient.

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