The Department of Computing Science only accepts new graduate students for the Fall semester. We do not admit students in Winter, Spring or Summer terms. We will begin accepting new applications from November 1, 2017 to January 15, 2018 for Fall 2018 intake. Please continue to check back for updates on submitting new applications.
We encourage early submission of applications. Admission decisions will begin in February 2018 but the decision process will go until the end of April 2018.
Canadian students who hold major scholarships may contact the Department at any time via email (csgrad@ualberta.ca) - even if it is after the application deadline. Please attach a copy of your transcript.
Applying for Graduate Admission
- Minimum requirements
- Make sure you meet the background and minimum requirements for application. (M.Sc., Ph.D.).
- Gather the required documents
- Select a research area and a supervisor (Ph.D. applicants only)
- Review the requirements for acceptance of uploaded transcripts
- Apply to FGSR
Wait for a decision. Refer to the applicant portal for your application status.
- If you are admitted, send official documents to FGSR
- Official documents (transcripts, degree certificates, etc.) may be required upon receiving the conditional offer of admission letter.
- Documents must be sent directly from the post-secondary institution to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research office.
- If you have questions related to sending official documents to FGSR, please contact grad.admissions@ualberta.ca.
- Obtain your study permit
- To study in Canada, you must obtain a study permit from the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate.
- Depending on your country of origin, you (and your spouse and children) may also need to obtain a visitor visa. You will need to apply for these documents before you arrive in Canada.
- To apply for a Study Permit, you will need to wait for your official letter of admission (from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research) and a letter of financial support (provided by us, the Department of Computing Science).
- We suggest that you contact your nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for more information immediately after submitting your application.
- Application to Study in Canada, Study Permits
Required Documents
Following is the list of documents and information required on your application.
Three Letters of Reference
- Two of the referees should hold academic positions at an institution from which you graduated.
- If you have lost contact with your former professors or you are not able to obtain two academic reference letters, then it is up to you to determine the best reference letters to send under your circumstances.
English Language Proficiency
You must have a degree from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta in which the language of instruction is English. Otherwise you must take one of the following English Language Tests. (ELP exemptions)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Minimum score = 600 paper, 250 computer based, 100 internet with a minimum score of 20 per section.
- TOEFL Code: 78
- Institution Code: 0963
- MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery)
Minimum score = 90.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Overall band score of 7.0, with a score of at least 5.5 on each test band.
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
Overall minimum score of 70 with at least 60 on each subtest.
- PTE (Academic)
Overall minimum score of 68.
The Department of Computing Science reserves the right to require a demonstration of English language proficiency.
We do not require a paper copy. Please scan and upload the official paper to your FGSR application.
Curriculum Vitae
Transcripts
- Scan and upload official marksheets/transcripts from all the post-secondary institutions that you have attended, in the original language and in English.
Final Degree Certificates (if applicable)
- Scan and upload final degree certificates in original language and in English. (See FAQs below for more about acceptable English translations.)
- Graduates from North American Universities are not required to submit degree certificates.
Additional Documents for Ph.D. Applicants
In addition, Ph.D. applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Statement of Purpose: This statement outlining research goals and their relation to the research of Computing Science faculty member at the University of Alberta.
- Abstract of M.Sc. Thesis
Optional Documents
GRE
- The GRE is not required, however, for applicants who have received their degree outside of Canada, we highly recommend taking the GRE (General).
- It can help your application if you do not have a degree from a well-known North American university.
- It can help if your GPA is not very high.
- Strong applicants obtain a minimum score of 155 on the quantitative and 4.0 on the analytical writing section.
- GRE Code: 0402
- Institution Code: 0963
We do not require a paper copy. Please scan and upload official paper to your FGSR application.