International Applicants
How to Apply
It is important to submit the application well in advance of the application deadline to allow for referees to submit their references.
The application deadlines are:
- October 1 (Winter semester)
- May 1 (Fall semester)
Applications are completed online through the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research Graduate Student Management Solution (GSMS). There is a non-refundable fee of $100 CAD per application submitted.
The MatCH Program is not listed in the application system. Students may apply through any of the three departments associated with the MatCH Program (Medical Genetics, Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology).
Supporting Documents
The following required supporting documents must be uploaded to the online application. All documents (including references) must be received prior to the application deadline or the application will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Note: all uploaded supporting documents must comply with FGSR's Application Requirements for Academic Documents. Failure to comply with these criteria could result in a cancellation of the application or withdrawal of admission offer.
Academic Documents
- Transcripts or marksheet in original language
- Marksheet in English translation (if original is not in English)
- Degree certificate in original language
- Degree certificate in English Translation (if original is not in English)
Where the transcript states a degree has been conferred, an official degree certificate is not required.
Applicants are required to declare all academic education from all past and present universities, colleges, and post-secondary institutions attended (including the University of Alberta).
If an official admission offer is received from the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research, students must request official transcripts and degree certificates (if applicable) from the relevant institution be sent directly to the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research office. Do not send any official documents to the MatCH Program.
Language Requirements
English is the primary language of instruction at the University of Alberta and all applicants must be proficient in English. A current (within 12 months) test score (TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL, MELAB) must be submitted with an international application for students whose language of instruction was not English.
Minimum scores are as follows:
| Language Proficiency Exam | Minimum score - Overall | Minimum score - Each section |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (paper based) | 600 | n/a |
| TOEFL (internet based) | 100 | 20 |
| IELTS (academic) | 7.0 | 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | 68 | n/a |
| CAEL | 70 | 70 |
| MELAB | 91 | n/a |
International students who were educated in English must present an official letter from their institution stating that the instructional language of their degree(s) was English.
Letters of Reference
Three references are required from persons who are knowledgeable about the student's academic and research potential and capabilities. Ideally, references would be from a professor, teacher or employer (i.e. two academic and one professional). Reference letters must be on institutional letterhead, and signed by the referee (electronic signatures are acceptable).
Upon submission of the application, the GSMS system will automatically email the referees to complete references. Referees are permitted to upload a reference letter to the portal in addition to completing the referee form. If the referees have not received the reference email, contact the MatCH Program Administrator as soon as possible.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A current summary of the student's work and academic history must be included in the application.
Personal Statement
Students must submit a one page narrative summary of their background and explain their career goals and why they wish to pursue graduate studies in the MatCH Program.
MatCH Application Document
The MatCH application document (checked "yes") is uploaded to the application under the "other documents" section.
Study Permit
To study in Canada, you must obtain a study permit from the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need to obtain a visitor visa. Your spouse and children may also require a visitor visa.
Application for these documents must be made before you arrive in Canada. To apply for a study permit, you will need an official letter of admission (provided by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research). Additional information on application to study in Canada and study permits can be found on the Government of Canada website.
Please refer to the application documents for either the Canadian Admissions Protocol or International Admissions Protocol to ensure that all your academic application documents are acceptable.
Upon Submission
Once the application is submitted, students should contact the MatCH Program office with their list of five supervisors with whom they would like to work, ranked in order of preference. The MatCH Program Administrator will confirm receipt of the application and supervisor list. Supervisors who are interested in working with MatCH students can be found under Potential Supervisors.
Applications will not be adjudicated until the application deadline has passed. Incomplete applications will not be processed.