Application Process

Man and child opening their mouths wide

Please note: for the next admission cycle we will be transitioning from the GSMS platform to Slate (GAP - Graduate Admissions Portal). Please check this page frequently for information updates before the opening of the admissions window on November 1st, 2025.

 

Questions about your application?

For answers to quick questions about how to apply, consider talking to one of our advisors during a virtual Drop-In Admissions Session, scheduling every Friday, 1pm-2pm, from November 7 - January 30 (no sessions on December 26 or January 2). An advisor will be online to answer quick questions from applicants on a first come, first serve basis. Please keep your questions short, and expect to be in a waiting room and admitted when it's your turn.

Virtual Advising Session Graphic

 Zoom Link

 

Online Application Process

The online application process opens on November 1 for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. On November 1, 2025, you can begin your application by logging in to the Graduate Application Portal.

Please note: the admission window is open from November 1st, 2025 through to February 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm. If you apply before your Fall term courses are complete, you must wait to upload your transcripts until January, or when those fall term grades are reported. Applications are not reviewed until the admission window has closed.

A non-refundable, mandatory, online $135 application fee is required before your application is officially submitted. Applicant referees will be contacted via email after the application has been submitted and fee has been paid. Referees will have until February 1 to submit their letters. After February 1 the applicant's file will be closed and no further documents may be added.

Ensure that when completing the online application the following choices are made:

  • Department: Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Program: Master of Science (Crse)
  • Specialization: Speech-Language Pathology
  • Proposed Start: Fall 20XX (year that you will be starting the program)

Online Application

There are 2 options, course-based and thesis, for the MScSLP program. Students interested in completing a thesis or registering for the combined MScSLP/PhD program can request to do so after acceptance into the program and once the program has started.

Students can apply online until 11:59 pm February 1. After that time, online applications will not be accepted for the MScSLP program.

 We strongly advise you not to wait until the last day to complete your online application. The application process can take at least a week (e.g. to obtain reference letters).

If you have any technical difficulties applying to the program contact GPS through the Service Portal or phone 780-492-3499.

To complete your application for admission to the MScSLP graduate program, ensure you have uploaded the following materials. Be sure to title your documents as your last name, first name, document description (e.g. Fraser_John_Resume.pdf) for each file. All file names should end with ".pdf".

If you have any questions, please contact mscslp@ualberta.ca

  1. Casper Test: You can register for the test using your first and last name, date of birth, and a piece of government-issued ID. It is recommended that you use the same email address to register for the Casper test as well as for the online graduate applicant portal. List of test dates and times, with a January 2026 deadline. You can sign up for the test at takecasper.com. More information about the test.  
  2. Transcript(s): Upload a scanned copy (no screenshots).
    • CURRENT Official transcripts and marking/legends are required.
    • If you studied abroad, you will need to upload a copy of the original transcript, as well as a marksheet translated into English if necessary.
    • If you are completing courses outside of your degree, or prerequisite courses at a different institution than where you received your degree, please select "incomplete" as the degree status on the online application form. This will enable you to access your application and upload an updated transcript after you have submitted your application.
    • Make sure to save your file as Last Name_First Name_Document type_Related Institution.pdf (if applicable). All file names should end with ".pdf". For example: Fraser_John_Transcript_McGill.pdf, Fraser_John_DegreeCertificate_UBirmingham.pdf.
    • A maximum of 2 prerequisite courses can be in progress during the Winter term or noted to be taken in Spring or Summer sessions. As soon as a student has registered for a spring or summer course the student should send in proof to the department at mscslp@ualberta.ca. All courses must be completed before the start of the Fall term.
    • Transcripts cannot be replaced once they are uploaded. Please ensure that you are uploading the correct document.
  3. English Language Proficiency - If applicable.
  4. Resume: Students are to provide a personal resume outlining relevant information to strengthen their application. Specific focus on personal skills, knowledge, learning experiences, etc. related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) is recommended.  Make sure to save your file as Last Name_First Name_Document type.pdf. All file names should end with ".pdf". For example: Fraser_John_Resume.pdf.
  5. Statement of Interest:

    Please use the Statement of Interest Guide to inform your submission. Question 4 is optional. Our goal is to get to know you better in terms of your interest in Speech-Language Pathology and alignment with the values of the department. Your application will be reviewed in detail initially by two faculty members and then by the admissions committee. Do not exceed two double spaced pages in total.

    1. Why do you want to pursue graduate training in Speech-Language Pathology and, why at the University of Alberta?
    2. What unique qualities will you bring to a graduate training program in communication sciences and disorders?
    3. Please describe your perspective on equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) and/or your personal experiences with respect to EDI. How will these perspectives impact your role as a future SLP or student in the MSc-SLP program?
    4. We may not have asked something that you find important to share with the admissions committee. Let us know if there is anything else that we should know when reviewing your application.
    Make sure to save your file as Last Name_First Name_Document type.pdf. All file names should end with ".pdf". For example: Fraser_John_CareerInterests.pdf.
  6. Request Section (References): Ensure that you enter the referee names and email addresses correctly.
    • Students are required to submit 3 letters of reference, at least 2 of which need to be academic. Three academic references are acceptable but no more than one work reference.
    • The "work" reference can be academic, work, or a volunteer reference.
    • References will be contacted via email once the application fee has been submitted. It is the student's responsibility to ensure references/referees receive their link from the UofA admission portal.
    • The reference appraisal form is done online. NEW IN 2025: Please have your referee use the 2025 MScSLP Reference Form to complete their reference. The document can be downloaded, filled out, and then uploaded by the referee to the reference request portal. You can share the form directly with your reference, or share the link with them through your application reference request (include it in the message section).
  7. Re-Applications: Students who are re-applying to the program will have to submit all new documents and retake the Casper test. CURRENT transcripts are also necessary.

Applicants must apply online, upload all required documents and make a nonrefundable payment of $135 by February 1, 2026, to be considered for Fall 2026 Admission. Check the GAP system regularly to keep track of material that has been received. It is your responsibility to follow up if an acknowledgment is not received regarding a complete application.