FAQs
Programs of study
What degrees are offered?
The Department of Pediatrics offers two degrees, M.Sc. (Master of Science) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree programs. Both degrees are administered under the Medical Sciences Graduate Program in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and your degree parchment will indicate Master of Science - Medical Sciences (Pediatrics) or Doctor of Philosophy - Medical Sciences (Pediatrics). Additional information on each program is available on the Programs of Study page.
Do I need to complete a master's degree before I can enroll in the PhD program? Can I change my program of study once I am enrolled?
Applicants without a PhD must enter the M.Sc. program initially. Once admitted, students in the M.Sc. program may enrol in the PhD program after a minimum of one year, subject to supervisor and committee approval.
How long does each degree take to complete and what is the maximum time allowed?
The length of program can vary depending on the type of research. Students take a minimum 1.5 years for a M.Sc. and a minimum of four years for PhD. The maximum allowed is four years for a M.Sc. and six years for a PhD from the initial date of entry.
Can I change from full-time study to part-time or vice versa?
Students that register full-time at the onset of their program must maintain full-time registration throughout their program. Students that register part-time initially can change to full-time at any time during their program but then must maintain full-time registration for the remainder of their program.
Applying to the Graduate Program
What are the minimum admission requirements for applying for graduate studies?
Currently the minimum admission requirement is 3.3 on a 4-point grading system or B+ on most letter grading systems, based on your most recent two years of full-time study (or equivalent).
Do I need to have an MD degree to apply?
No, applicants are not required to have an MD degree to apply.
Can I submit my reference letters by email?
The department accepts letters of reference sent by email as long as the letters are sent directly from the referee to the graduate studies coordinator and not the applicant.
How long does it take the department to review my application?
Reviewing an application can take 1-2 weeks depending on the volume of applications and the time of year. September and January have the highest volume of applications.
Why does my application status say "pending" in BearTracks?
All applicants will receive this status in BearTracks. Your status will be updated as documents are received. Final admission decisions are also updated in BearTracks.
My application for graduate studies was accepted. When will I receive my admission letter?
Once the Department of Pediatrics has reviewed your application, it is then forwarded to Medical Science and then to the Faculty of Graduate Studies to process the admission letters. Applicants will receive their official letter of admission by email. This process can take 1 to 2 weeks, again, dependent on the volume of applications.
What happens to my admission if I have problems obtaining official documents?
If official transcripts cannot be obtained due to time constraints, the student's application may still be processed and the condition indicated on the applicant's official letter. Applicants are required to clear the condition by the deadline indicated by FGSR in order to continue in the program. Conditions on an official admission letter will not affect study permit or visa applications.
If an applicant is having difficulties obtaining a study permit the applicant can request an admission deferral to the start of the next academic term. Please note you are only allowed to defer the start date once.
English language proficiency requirements
Do I need to take an English proficiency test?
English proficiency is demonstrated by possession of a degree or its academic equivalent from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta and where the language of instruction is English (proof that the instruction for the degree was in English will be required) OR by a satisfactory score on one of the following approved English language examinations:
- TOEFL - minimum score of 570 (paper-based) or 88 (IBT) with a minimum of 20 on each section
- IELTS - minimum overall band score of 6.5, with a least 5 on each band (Academic)
- MELB - minimum score of 85
- CAEL - overall minimum score of 60, with at last 60 on each subset
- PTE - overall minimum score of 59
Scores more than two years old cannot be verified; therefore the applicant normally would be required to re-take the test.
English is the language of instruction at my university. Do I need to take a test?
The FGSR makes exemptions for certain countries and institutions where English is recognized as the official language of instruction. For more information see the FGSR exemption list.
My university isn't on the list of exemptions but English was the language of instruction. Do I need to take a test?
If your institution is not on the list of exemptions, we will require an official letter from your institution stating that your entire degree program was taught in English. The letter should be mailed directly to the Graduate Education Coordinator.
What happens to my admission if I have problems meeting the English language proficiency requirements?
In those cases where a student presents a score report that meets or exceeds FGSR's total score requirements, but where the speaking or listening scores are 18 or 19, the departments can contact the student by phone or Skype to determine the student's level of speaking and listening comprehension. If the student is able to carry on a conversation, and if the listening skills meet the supervisor's expectations, the department can send a supporting letter addressing the low English language proficiency test score.
Tuition, financial support, and scholarships
What are the tuition fees?
Please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research website.
Will I be getting a teaching assistantship (TA)?
Due to the small class sizes the Department of Pediatrics does not offer any teaching assistantships. However students can obtain teaching assistantships with other departments depending on availability.
How long will I be guaranteed funding?
Students are guaranteed funding for two years total in the M.Sc. program and four years total in the PhD program. Funding can be from any combination of supervisor and/or scholarships. Students in the M.Sc. program receive a minimum of $18,500/annum and $21,000/annum for a PhD student. The Department of Pediatrics does not support funding/stipends/tuition for graduate students.