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

All applicants for the thesis-based graduate programs (MSc, PhD) 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.

Course-based applicants (MF, MAg) do not require a supervisor prior to applying. Course-based applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Program Coordinator who will contact successful applicants to help find a suitable advisor that matches the applicant's research interests and career objectives. Applicants mark the field for potential supervisors as "To be determined" in the application. Applicants must carefully state their research interests and career objectives in the Research Statement Form to aid in the selection of an advisor.

Contact faculty members in the research area of interest about pursuing a graduate degree under their supervision. Items to include in your email:

• 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

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. In order to successfully submit your application for admission you will be required to upload the following supporting documents to the online application system:

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

Please observe the following timelines:

• All students for course-based programs (MF, MAg) must apply before March 15 and can only start their programs in the subsequent Fall term.
• Students for thesis-based programs (MSc, PhD) may apply according to the Admission Deadlines at the bottom of this page.

Note: A non-refundable application fee of $135 CAD will be assessed when you apply.

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 Studies and Research (FGSR) 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 FGSR 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 Studies and Research office. Detailed instructions will be outlined in the Official Admission letter.