Entrance Requirements
The Alberta MBA is an intensive program. Success requires a high scholastic aptitude, a superior command of English communication skills and strong time-management abilities. Admission to the Alberta MBA Program is highly selective. We seek motivated, bright and articulate individuals who have a strong standard of personal ethics. No formula is employed in admission decision-making. Rather, each candidate is evaluated individually to assess compatibility between the applicant and the program.
Admission Criteria
Since we value the diversity of backgrounds, we accept students from all disciplines. To be considered, an applicant should hold a four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 (see international equivalents) over their last two years or 60-credits of study. For otherwise strong applicants, we can consider applicants with three-year undergraduate degrees.
Our transcript guide outlines exactly what you would need to include as part of your online application and what you may later need to provide to our Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
The admission committee gives strong consideration to professional experience and early career accomplishments, including potential for career growth and advancement. Applicants will possess at least two years of full-time work experience after completion of an undergraduate degree. Alberta MBA students possess an average of five years of work experience.
In your application, you need to include a résumé with sufficient details of your professional work experience including months and years for each term of employment, full-time or part-time hours of work, and a brief description of employment duties. Education, volunteer experience(s), accomplishments achieved at work, and any extracurricular activities should also be highlighted. You do not need to use the generic CV form.
Successful applicants will have demonstrated their English language proficiency by achieving the following minimum scores:
TOEFL: For tests taken before January 21, 2026:
Overall score of 100 (Internet Based)
For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, only the 1-6 score scale* is considered:
Overall score of 5.0, with no individual band score below 4.5
*Requirements shown are subject to final approval by the university governance.
IELTS (Academic): Overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 on each band
PTE (Academic): Overall score of 68
CAEL: Overall minimum of 70, with at least 60 on each subtest
Duolingo English Test: 140 with no integrated subscore below 120
*ELP scores are valid for two (2) years.
Candidates are required to submit two letters of reference. These assist the School in evaluating the candidate's managerial, administrative, and academic skills. Letters of reference will ideally be professional, with at least one from a current or past supervisor. In the online application system, you will need to supply the names and email addresses for your referees. They will be emailed instructions on how to submit their reference into the online application system. Referees can complete their reference directly in our online application system.
The statement of intent introduces you to the Admissions Committee as an individual, and not only showcases your personality but how you are unique as compared to other applicants with a similar profile. It is recommended that the statement of intent be approximately 1 to 2 pages in length, and should outline details around but not limited to the following:
Why you want to enter the program?
What your career goals are?
How the strengths of the program match your career goals and will support you in achieving your goals?
What you will contribute towards the program?
Individuals who have completed a certificate program through the Alberta School of Business Executive Education, who hold the CFA designation, who hold the CPA designation, or who hold the SCMP designation may be eligible for a 3-unit reduction in the MBA program requirements.
Individuals who complete SEMDP may be eligible for up to a 6-unit reduction in the MBA program requirements.
Admission Interviews
Selected candidates will be invited to an interview with a member of the Admissions Committee. Interviews are conducted in person for applicants in the Edmonton area, or virtually for those outside the region. This interview allows the committee to ask both application-specific and behavioural-based questions, while also providing candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their fit for the UAlberta MBA program beyond meeting the basic admission requirements.