Admissions
The MRED program is an intensive program designed for individuals interested in building a career in real estate development. We look for applicants who demonstrate strong academic or professional preparation and the potential to succeed in the program.
Application Deadlines for Fall 2027
International students: March 1, 2027
Domestic students: June 1, 2027
Admissions criteria
The MRED is ideal for early-career professionals or recent graduates that are repositioning themselves for a rewarding career in real estate development. Relevant backgrounds may include business, urban planning, human geography, civil engineering, construction management, social sciences, mathematics, economics, and other related disciplines. This list is not exhaustive.
To be considered for admission to the MRED program, applicants must meet one of the following admission pathways:
- Academic pathway: Applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as business, urban planning, human geography, civil engineering, construction management, social sciences, mathematics or economics, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in their final 60 units of study. Other related disciplines may also be considered.
- Professional pathway: Industry professionals with a minimum of five years of relevant work experience may be considered for admission without an undergraduate degree. Applicants must also hold a real estate certification from the School of Business or an equivalent certification from a recognized certification body to demonstrate academic preparation.
The language of instruction at the University of Alberta is English. Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution in which the language of instruction is English are required to provide an official result from a test of English language proficiency (ELP). A list of ELP exempt institutions is available through the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS). If your institution is not listed on the exemption list, but you did complete your undergraduate degree with English as the medium of instruction, we can consider your application without a test of English language proficiency (you may still be asked to provide one).
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.
Application process
Admissions process
The Faculty of Graduate Studies & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) plays a key role in the admissions process by providing academic document verification and GPA calculations for all graduate students across the University of Alberta. There are a number of key points to be aware of with respect to the admission process and the unique roles the Business Master's Programs Office and GPS plays within it:
- If any documents are missing or outstanding from your application, GPS will contact you via the application portal.
- Shortly after you have completed your application and an internal review of your application has been completed, you will receive communication from the Master's Programs Office Admissions Committee regarding the decision for admission.
- You will subsequently receive an admission letter via email from the Master's Programs Office that will outline more specifics and details regarding the program.
Ready to Apply?
At the Cities Institute, we believe the future of real estate development lies at the intersection of expertise and innovation. The Institute will support the MRED program with industry-grade data, leading software, computing resources, and mentorship from scholars and professionals.
I warmly invite you to join us in this exciting endeavour. The MRED program is more than a degree; it is a pathway to becoming a leader in shaping the cities and communities of tomorrow.
Murtaza Haider
Executive Director, Cities Institute
