How to Apply

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Faculty of Education will only consider applicants to the PhD program with full-time status if they meet one of the following conditions: 

  • Remains professionally employed at or above .5 FTE (this includes four over five arrangements) during their studies. 
  • Has a supervisor who has expressed in writing the ability and intention of funding the student to $25,000 for each of the first two years (this includes financial co-sponsorship with another faculty member).
  • Is applying as an Indigenous student (1 studentship) or a member of an equity-denied group (1 studentship). 
  • Is sponsored by an external agency at or above $25,000 per year or has an external scholarship at or above $25,000.

Application is made through an on-line application at the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research website. All applicants who are admitted will receive an official letter of acceptance directly from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Admission to each program is limited and carried out on a competitive basis.

On this page:

Admission requirements

Master's Programs

Minimum admission requirements are:

  • a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta
  • a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4 point scale in the most recent two years of full-time study (60 units) or equivalent
  • a program advisor (course-based) or thesis supervisor (thesis-based) who is willing to assist with program planning and to supervise the student's project or thesis research.
  • English language proficiency
  • two years teaching experience or equivalent

Doctoral Programs

Minimum admission requirements are:

  • a master's degree or its academic equivalent from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta
  • a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4 point scale in the most recent two years of full-time study (60 units) or equivalent
  • a dissertation supervisor who is willing to assist with program planning and supervise the student's research
  • English language proficiency

In addition, it is highly recommended that applicants have two years teaching experience or equivalent experience in a formal or informal educational context.

Application documents

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) requires all documents to be uploaded to the application system in PDF format.

Applicants are not required to mail copies of documents to Secondary Education.

Programs in Secondary Education require applicants to submit the following:

  • Current curriculum vitae

    • Include post-secondary education, list of awards, publications, presentations, and relevant work and volunteer experience.

  • Statement of Intent

    • Must specify at least one Research Area and include plans for study in the Secondary Education graduate program.
    • Should describe your interest in graduate study in Secondary Education, the reasons for wanting to pursue advanced study in this specialization, an indication of your research interests.
    • Doctoral students must also include a statement outlining how and when the residence requirement will be fulfilled.
    • Doctoral applicants must also identify the potential supervisor in their Statement of Intent who has agreed to supervise their program and research.
    • Doctoral applicants must address how they meet the funding requirements in their letter of intent. If you are a working professional employed at or above the 0.5 FTE, please upload the Confirmation of Employment form into the GSMS portal, or email the signed copy to essgrad3@ualberta.ca to be added to your application.
    • Master's students are not required to identify a potential supervisor (thesis-based) or program advisor (course-based) in their Statement of Intent, but it is recommended.
    • Maximum length of 3 pages.

  • Three letters of reference

    • From persons qualified to comment on the applicant's academic work and potential for graduate study. Where possible, one or more of the letters should be from persons at the institution last attended.
    • Within the on-line application system, applicants must provide e-mail addresses for three referees. Referees will automatically receive an e-mail request to complete both an on-line form and upload a letter of reference in PDF format.

  • Transcripts

    • The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research requires all transcripts and marksheets to meet specific guidelines.
    • Official transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions attended. Scan and upload each page (front and back) of all official academic transcripts in PDF format.
    • International Applicants must scan and upload the following in PDF format:
      • Transcripts or Marksheets -- Original Language
      • Transcripts or Marksheets -- English Translation (if original is not English)
      • Degree Certificate -- Original Language
      • Degree Certificate -- English Translation (if original is not English)
    • Please note that if admission is approved, applicants will be required to submit original official copies of all transcripts to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research prior to the start of the program.

  • English Language Proficiency

    • English Language Proficiency: The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) requires all applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency. Applicants with degrees/qualifications in a language other than English need to demonstrate English Language Proficiency by completing an approved English language exam.
    • To be admitted to a program in Secondary Education, applicants must meet the minimum exam scores as outlined below:
      • TOEFL: a total score of 93 with a score of at least 24 on speaking and writing and 21 on reading and listening (internet-based)
      • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6.5 on each band
      • CAEL: overall minimum score of 70, with at least 60 on each subtest
      • PTE (Academic): overall minimum score of 64
      • Duolingo: minimum score of 120, with no subscore below 100.
        • Please Note: If you are in a region impacted by Pearson, IELTS or TOEFL test centre closures due to COVID-19, the university will temporarily accept the Duolingo English Test as one of the ways to meet our English Language Proficiency requirements. This option is currently available until Winter 2024 admission. See FGPS for more information.
    • Note: Applicants with qualifications from certain countries and international universities may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirements.

Contacting a potential advisor or supervisor

Applicants are encouraged to correspond with academic staff who may be suitable as a potential supervisor or program advisor. Review the faculty member's profile before contacting them. Please include a detailed CV, a statement indicating your interest in their program, a brief background of completed courses and work/research experience.

At the doctoral level, applicants must have a faculty member agree to supervise their program before admission is approved. We strongly recommend obtaining supervision prior to applying online.

At the Master's level, applicants are not required to identify a potential supervisor (thesis-based) or program advisor (course-based) at time of application, but it is recommended.

Application deadlines

Complete application packages, including supporting documentation and reference letters, must be submitted by 11:59 PM MST on the deadline indicated.

For Fall (September) or Summer (July) admission:

  • PhD & EdD: December 1
  • MEd (course-based & thesis-based): March 1
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Contact

Graduate Advisor:
Email: essgrad3@ualberta.ca