TESL Graduate Studies Application Procedures

Graduate Studies Application Procedure for Teaching English as a Second Language Program (MEd, PhD) in Educational Psychology

For application deadlines, please check your specialized program within your area of interest. Applications are reviewed by faculty members in the program area to which the student has applied. The faculty members independently review the application, then rank order the applications and make recommendations for admission to the Admissions Committee.

Please indicate which program you are applying for:

MEd Course-based Program in Teaching English as a Second Language

PhD Program in Studies in Teaching and Learning English as a Second Language

Apply online at

https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/prospective-students/apply-for-admission

Supporting documentation required

1. Curriculum Vitae (Resume)

Current CV is required when applying for admission.

2. Statement of Intent (2 pages)

For MEd applicants: The letter of intent should include your professional goals; how this program will address your professional needs and interests, with specific reference to program content; your educational background, especially in the area of second language teaching and learning; your ESL/EFL teaching experience (type of program, learners, number of hours, etc.) and any other information that you feel might be relevant.

For PhD applicants: The main purpose of the statement of intent is for you to outline your research interests and goals. Please include a personal statement that briefly outlines why you want to go to graduate school, your academic career to date, and your tentative career plans. You may also include any additional information that you feel would be helpful to the Admissions Committee.

3. Transcripts (from all post-secondary institutions attended)

You are required to scan and upload each page (front and back) of your transcript(s).

Applicants from other countries must provide:

  • Original language marksheets/transcripts, or attested true copies, directly from each institution;
  • Original language final degree certificates, or attested true copies, directly from each institution;
  • Original English translation of marksheets/transcripts directly from each institution or an official translator and;
  • Original English translation of final degree certificates directly from each institution or an official translator.

If admitted to the program, original documentation will be required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

4. Three Letters of Reference (preferably 2 academic, 1 teaching)

Please provide the system with electronic addresses of your 3 referees. The system will then send an electronic invitation to each referee requesting a letter of reference.

5. Proof of English Language Proficiency

Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must provide proof of proficiency in the English language. Students applying to the MEd program must have one of the following English language scores: TOEFL iBT overall score of 94 with a minimum of 22 in Listening, 22 in Reading, 22 in Speaking and 24 in Writing; OR an IELTS Academic overall score of 7 with a minimum of 6.5 in each skill area; OR a Duolingo total score of at least 120 with minimum of 100 in each band; OR a CAEL overall 70 with a minimum of 60; OR a PTE total score of 64 with a minimum of band score of 61.

Students applying to the PhD program must have an overall TOEFL iBT score of 101 with a minimum of 23 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 22 in Speaking and 26 in Writing; OR an overall IELTS Academic score of 7 with no band less than 6.5.

6. MEd applicants: Documented ESL/EFL classroom teaching experience

PhD applicants: Documented empirical research experience and documented ESL/EFL classroom teaching experience

Applications are considered complete when all supporting documents and application fee ($100) have been received.