Admission Process

Step 1 - Check Your Eligibility

Minimum Requirements

A 4-year undergraduate degree in a related area, or its academic equivalent, from a recognized institution.

Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 in the last two years (approximately 60 credits) of post-secondary study.

International Applicants

Review the following links to assess your eligibility:

• GPA Equivalencies
• English Language Requirements

Note: We do not require GRE test scores for admission purposes.

Step 2 - Obtaining Supervision

Thesis-based MSc and PhD applicants must have a faculty member agree to supervise their program before admission is approved. Applications without a secured supervisor listed will not be reviewed for admission and will subsequently be declined. Following the links on the departmental research area page you can find lists of potential supervisors and contact them by email with the following information: 

• A description of your research interests (Why are you interested in their work and why do you feel you would be a good fit in their lab?)
• Attach your Curriculum Vitae (resume), including any publications
• Attach a scanned copy of your transcripts
• If applicable, attach a scanned copy of English language proficiency

Course-based MF and MAg applicants do not require a supervisor prior to applying. The Graduate Program Coordinator will contact successful applicants to arrange for a suitable advisor, based on the applicant’s preferences. Successful applicants carefully review the departmental research area page before writing their Statement of Motivation and Interest. We do not normally accept applicants who want to study topic areas not covered by the research programs of our faculty members. 

Step 3 - Applying Online & Submitting Documents

Once you have verified your eligibility please apply for admission by clicking on the Apply Now button at the top of this page. Note that a non-refundable application fee of $135 CAD will be assessed when you apply. Find our programs listed under the Department of Renewable Resources. At the application stage, you will only be required to upload scans of official documents. Upon acceptance into the program, will we request original hardcopies of original documents.

Thesis-based MSc and PhD applicants may apply according to the Admission Deadlines at the bottom of this page. Upload the following supporting documents to the online application system:

• Scans of official Transcripts/ Marksheets in original language & English translations. Scans must be from OFFICIAL documents and must include the grading system used at that institution.
• Scans of official English languages scores (if applicable)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement Form (available on the application portal)
• Names & contact information of three references

Course-based MF and MAg applicants must apply before March 15 and can only start their programs in the subsequent Fall term. The following supporting documentation is required:

• Scans of official Transcripts/Marksheets in original language & English translations. Scans must be from OFFICIAL documents and must include the grading system used at that institution. 
• Scans of official English languages scores (if applicable). 
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Motivation and Interest Form (available on the application portal)
• Names & contact information of two references (any combination of academic or professional referees is acceptable)

Step 4 - Await the Official Admission Decision

Once we have received all of the required documents, your application is considered complete and the application will move forward to the review process. Applicants will be contacted by email once an official decision has been made.

Successful applicants will receive a department letter of offer that will outline the details of the admission. The official letter of acceptance will be issued by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studes (GPS) at a later date, and be sent by email to your University of Alberta email address.

To check status of your submitted application, download a copy of your official letter of acceptance if approved, and accept your admission offer you may log in to the GPS Applicant Portal.

IMPORTANT: Official documents (transcripts, degree certificates, etc.) are required upon admission. Documents must be sent directly from the post-secondary institution to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) office. Detailed instructions will be outlined in the Official Admission letter.