Thesis-based Programs (MSc and PhD)
It is necessary for applicants to the thesis-based MSc and PhD programs to have a supervising research professor(s) willing to take you on as a student. There will be no exceptions. Before applying to the program, please contact a prospective research supervisor via e-mail to determine if they will consider accepting you as a graduate student while offering financial assistance.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for thesis-based programs in the Department of Biomedical Engineering are an undergraduate degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 or higher on a 4-point scale for the most recent two years of full-time study (or equivalent).
Students from countries other than Canada should check for minimum entrance requirements, but note that the tables given are for a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and thus will need to be adjusted for the higher entrance GPA required (3.3).
English Language Requirement
Students wishing to enter graduate studies in the University where their undergraduate or preceding studies took place in universities other than in Canada may be required to successfully pass an English-language examination in order to be considered for acceptance, exemptions to this for various countries and undergraduate universities being found here. If an English-language examination is required, the minimum acceptable score for consideration will depend upon the department the student wishes to enter, minimum acceptable scores being found here.
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: 100 | A score of at least 25 on each of the individual skills areas (internet-based) |
| Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Minimum overall band score of 7.5 | At least 7.0 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 70 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 |
Supporting Documents
- 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.
- Letters of support. Three letters of support from referees. The letters written by the referees are not to be seen by the student. Referees will be notified by e-mail to submit once the student has requested the referee letters within the online application.
- Curriculum vitae (CV). This must be written by the student and include:
- Personal information, including contact information
- Education and work experience in reverse chronological order
- Technical and language skills, including computer languages
- Honours and awards
- Research publications
- Personal statement. This should be a 1-2 page document that includes who you wish to work with, your research skills and interests, and why you are a suitable candidate.
- English-language examinations. For students who require the successful completion of an English-language examination, when the examination was or will be taken, and if taken, indication that the results have/are being sent to the department.
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 |
| May (spring semester) | August 1 | December 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.