Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs in Physics and Geophysics

Academic standing

We require a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4-point scale for each of the last two years of your undergraduate program and in post-graduate studies, if applicable.

Minimum requirements from other countries will be found on the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) website.

Additional assets include detailed and supportive reference letters, research experience, publications and conference presentations
Academic background

We require an honours or specialization degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Geophysics, Engineering, Astronomy, Geology or Mathematics.

Applicants must have completed a 4-year baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent by the time they start in our graduate program.

Applicants' degree(s) must be from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)

Applicants not exempt from this requirement (see the GPS requirements and exemptions lists) must achieve the minimum scores in one of the following tests:

  • TOEFL (internet) - 90 overall with a min. of 21 on each component
  • IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 overall with a min. of 6.0 on each band
  • CAEL or CAEL CE - 70 overall with a min. of 60 on each subtest
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PET Academic) - 61, at least 60 on each band
  • Duolingo English Test - 120 with no subscore below 100

The Department of Physics will not waive the English language proficiency requirement. An ability to communicate in written and spoken English is also a requirement for the awarding of a Graduate Teaching Assistantship.