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Your Step-by-Step Guide to Graduate Admission Application

Are you ready to begin the process of applying to a University of Alberta graduate program? On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know to successfully prepare and submit your application to any of our graduate programs.

Step 1: Start early.

Applying to a graduate program at the U of A takes time. In general, we recommend beginning the process as early as one year before you wish to begin your program of study. 

Admission application deadlines vary depending on your program of interest; some are as early as 12 months before the program begins. And, many departments make funding decisions six to nine months before you might begin your studies. 

International students in particular should apply as early as possible because they will need to apply for a Study Permit. Processing times vary by country and can take up to six months. 

Contact your department well in advance to determine specific deadlines and to ensure you have time to make all necessary preparations to study and live in Canada.

See up-to-date application deadlines by finding your program page »

Step 2: Choose your graduate program.

The U of A offers more than 500 graduate programs in 300 research areas. To learn more about our programs and find yours, visit the Graduate Programs page.

Step 3: Review graduate entrance requirements and contact the department.

General entrance requirements

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) has general entrance requirements that apply to all applicants. 

Learn more about our general entrance requirements:

• Canadian Applicants
• International Applicants 

Entrance requirements by program

A program may have specific requirements and deadlines. To review your program’s requirements, navigate to your chosen program on this page. Each program page also contains contact information and a link to the department site if you have any further questions.

Thesis-based programs

If you are applying for a thesis-based program, please note that some programs require you to identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying.

Step 4: Prepare your application documents.

Before beginning your online application, ensure you have prepared all of the required supporting documents. The application requires digital, PDF copies of official documents. Below are some helpful links for preparing your documents.

• Instructions 
• Application Requirements for Academic Documents (transcripts, degree certificates, marksheets)
• English Language Proficiency (if applicable) scores such as IELTS, Pearson, TOEFL.

Your program may require additional documents, including:

• CV
• Statement of intent
• Writing samples
• GRE, GMAT, other test scores
• References:
  • You will be required to submit the name, title, organization and email address of all your referees. 
  • An email with a secure link will only be sent to your referees after you submit and pay for your application.

It is your responsibility to ensure that references and all required documents are received by the application deadline or your application will not be considered for admission.

Step 5: Create an account.

Start your application by creating a GSMS account. Use a valid email address as important information will be sent to this email.

If you already have a GSMS account, use the existing one to start a new application.

Each application requires a non-refundable fee of $135 CAD. Payments can only be made using a Visa/Mastercard debit card or valid credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discovery cards.

If someone else is paying your application fee, please review our FAQ page for third-party billing details. Contact our online application support team at webadm@ualberta.ca if you need support.

All applicants are required to pay the non-refundable application fee. We are no longer able to waive this application fee for students from specific countries.

Step 6: Apply online.

Ensure that you set aside at least an hour to complete your online application. 

We recommend using the latest version of one of these browsers for your application: 

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari

Please clear your browser cache before initiating your application form.

check your Application Status

Have you recently applied to a graduate program at the U of A? Are you looking for your application status?

Log in to your GSMS portal to view your graduate application status. Select your application and click “View Details.” Open the “Documents” tab to view your “Required Actions.” For more information on your “Required Actions,” click “Contact Us” to contact your department directly.

Scholarships

Have you applied for external scholarships?

You will be automatically considered for U of A entrance scholarships once you've applied for admission, but it's great to access your own external funding.

See Scholarships + Awards for some helpful tips, including information on scholarships and awards, international student funding and postdoctoral fellow funding.