Graduate Admission Requirements and Processes
Graduate Admission Requirements
Students may undertake graduate study leading to the degree of MSc or PhD. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research's admission requirements, regulations and procedures. You can find this information in the University of Alberta Calendar - Graduate Programs.
Also see the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research's Admission Requirements.
Language Requirements (Note: English language scores more than two years old are not accepted).
If you are not exempt you must demonstrate your English language proficiency by meeting the specific score listed on the five approved English language examinations listed below.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research recognizes the following five English language examinations:- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the minimum acceptable score is 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) or a total score of 88 with a score of at least 20 on each of the individual skill areas (Internet-based)
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB); the minimum acceptable score of 85
- International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS); a minimum overall band score of 6.5, with at least five on each test band
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment with an overall minimum score of 60 with at least 60 on each subtest
- PTE (Academic): Overall minimum score of 59
Alternate Option for Meeting the English Language Requirement - EAP 550
Graduate Institution Report of Scores (GRE) are not required.
Area of Specializations
Application Process
Application Steps:
Step 1 - Verify if you meet the Admission Requirements
All applicants require:
- At least a baccalaureate or its academic equivalent. (Since degrees vary greatly from institution to institution and country to country, the University of Alberta will examine course content to establish equivalencies to a U of A baccalaureate degree. For a list of minimum academic requirements by country, please click here.)
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 in the last two years of study, or an equivalent qualification.
- Proof of English language proficiency is a prerequisite for graduate admission at the University of Alberta. Please refer to the specific English requirements found here. (NOTE: English language scores that are more than two years old are not accepted).
Access the application page here. NOTE: there is a CAD 135 (Non-Refundable) application fee.
During the application process, you will be required to upload the following information directly to the online application.
- official transcripts or mark sheets
- degree certificates from each university or post-secondary institution previously attended
- curriculum vitae or resume (do not use the University of Alberta's CV Form)
- proof of English language proficiency (if necessary)
- three letters of reference
- Hard copies of transcripts are only required if you are admitted.
- The faculty does not notify applicants with regard to missing documents, so please check the applicant portal on a regular basis.
Applicants who are ADMITTED must refer to the applicant portal to retrieve their admission letter, and to either accept or refuse the admission offer. If the offer is not accepted, the offer is not finalized. The offer is only finalized once the accept offer button has been clicked.
Applications from Canadian citizens and permanent Residents may be accepted up to the start of the term. However, applications should be submitted as early as possible. We recommend submitting the application and ALL supporting documentation according to the following schedule:
September 30 for January Admission
Additional information for Canadian Applicants is available at the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies website.
Applicants are reminded that plenty of time (up to six months or more) may be needed to make arrangements to enter Canada. We encourage prospective students to submit their application and ALL supporting documentation well in advance of the recommended submission deadlines below:
Applications for Canadian and International Students
Resources
Fees are calculated based on the number of courses/thesis research you register in.
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