Graduate Application Information

Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Cell Biology graduate program at the University of Alberta. To apply for graduate admission please visit the following site: https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/prospective-students/apply-for-admission.

Please note that as of July 5, 2021, the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is no longer able to waive the graduate application fee for students from specific countries; all applicants are required to pay the non-refundable application fee. Furthermore, as of September 1, 2021, the fee for applications to all graduate programs has increased from $100 CAD to $135 CAD. For additional information, please contact grad.webadm@ualberta.ca.

For the Cell Biology graduate program, a complete application should include:
  • An online application
  • Three letters of reference
  • Official University transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • A CV
  • An Interest Indicator form
  • A Statement of Interest (1000 words maximum; students will outline qualifications for Cell Biology research and indicate why Cell Biology at the University of Alberta was chosen)
  • A valid English proficiency score (please see table below).

Language Proficiency exam

Minimum score - overall

Minimum score

- each section

TOEFL (paper-based)

600

n/a

TOEFL (internet-based)

100

20

IELTS

7.0

6.0

Pearson Test of English (Academic)

68

n/a

CAEL

70

70

MELAB

91

n/a

The Department will consider the following English language proficiency tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB); International English Language Testing System (IELTS); and Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL). Please see our Graduate Program Manual for further information (page 5).

All documents are to be submitted online. All transcripts and English proficiency tests should be the original documents. Applications received by any other means will not be considered. Only completed applications will be circulated to the Faculty.

Canadian Applicants

Requirements for admission to our Graduate Program:

  • GPA of 3.3 on a 4-point scale
  • Application documents as outlined above
  • Application received by due date


International Applicants

Note: Applicants with qualifications from certain countries and international universities are exempt from the English language requirements. Please see the exemptions list here: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-studies/admissions-programs/apply/international-academic-requirements/english-language-proficiency/index.html .

An international student (i.e. neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident) studying in Canada requires a Study Permit (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/international/international-student-services/immigration/study-permit.html) from Canadian Immigration authorities. Some students will also require a VISA. These documents must be obtained prior to coming to Canada, as they cannot be issued from within Canada.

While it is not possible to obtain a Study Permit until an official letter of acceptance from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies has been issued, students are advised to begin the process to secure admission into Canada and to complete the documentation required by Employment and Immigration Canada as soon as possible after submitting an application for admission. Information on immigration regulations is available from Canadian Embassies, High Commissions and British Consular Offices. Immigration officials in these offices will be able to offer advice and assistance.

Departmental Admission Deadlines

September Admission June 1
January Admission October 1
May Admission March 15
July Admission May 15

Note: It is highly recommended that applicants contact faculty members at time of application. Although it is not required to have a confirmed supervisor to apply to our program, having one or more potential supervisors willing to accept you for training will greatly increase your chances of acceptance. Suggested contact methods: email and/or videoconferencing.

For further Department Admission Procedures, please click here.