Course-based MSc
(NEW program starting Fall 2023)
Admission Requirements
English Language Requirement
Demonstration of English-language proficiency is required. Proficiency is demonstrated by:
- Possessing a degree from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta and where the language of instruction is English OR
- A satisfactory score on an approved English language examination
The following table gives minimum scores for the Department of Biomedical Engineering:
| Approved English Language Examinations | Minimum Score | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT, in-person or special at-home edition) | Internet Based Test: 90 | A score of at least 21 on each of the individual skills areas (internet-based) |
| Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Minimum overall band score of 6.5 | At least 6.0 on each test band |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | Minimum score of 61 | With a minimum band score of 60 |
| Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (either CAEL [paper] or CAEL CE [computer]) | Overall minimum score of 70 | With at least 60 on each subtest |
| Duolingo English Test as an ELP alternative (approved for all applicants to graduate programs through to the 2028-29 admission cycle) | Minimum 120 for English Language Proficiency | With no subscore below 100 |
Learn more about English Language Proficiency requirements as defined by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
Supporting Documents
All supporting documents must be uploaded to the online application system. Please read the Application Requirements for Academic Documents information.
- Official transcript(s) — an official transcript from each university (undergraduate and/or graduate) the student has attended. Transcripts must be original copies issued by the institutions with an official stamp.
- Official degree certificate(s) — this is not a transcript; it provides proof that the degree has been completed. Certificates must be original copies issued by the institutions, with an official stamp.
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume — uupload your curriculum vitae or resume in PDF format to provide information about your previous educational and professional experience.
- Letters of support — three letters of support from referees. The student will request support letters through the online application by supplying their referees’ email addresses. Referees will then be notified by e-mail to submit. Students will not see the reference letters.
- Personal statement — this should be a 1-page document that outlines your academic and/or work experiences, skills and interests, and why you want to complete a graduate degree in biomedical engineering at the U of A.
For documents in languages other than English, English language translations should be uploaded in addition to the documents in the issuing language.
The department does not notify applicants if they are missing documents, so please check the GPS GSMS Portal regularly. Your application will not be reviewed until all documents have been uploaded.
Once the application is complete, it will go to review. When a decision is reached, the applicant will be notified through the GPS GSMS Portal.
Applicants who are admitted can review their admission letter in the GPS GSMS Portal, where they must either accept or refuse the admission offer. The offer is only finalized once the applicant accepts in the portal.
Application Deadlines
| Program Start Date | Applications Open | Applications Close |
|---|---|---|
| September (fall semester) | December 1 | April 1 |
| January (winter semester) | April 1 | August 1 |
We will continue to accept applications after the application close dates from Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents. Please email bmeinfo@ualberta.ca to request a post-deadline application link if you are applying after the applications are closed.