Entrance Requirements
The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a four-year undergraduate degree with an average of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution and a TOEFL score of 90 (internet-based with at least 21 per section) for tests written before January 21, 2026; or a TOEFL score of 4.5 (internet-based with at least 4.5 per section) for tests written on or after January 21, 2026; or an equivalent approved English language examination where applicable (see English Language Requirement).
Coursework
The PhD degree is a research degree. Courses in a doctoral program are assigned by the supervisor and supervisory committee, in consultation with the student. They are designed to enhance the depth and breadth of understanding in the field of study. The course requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the student’s background. Students in the doctoral program are expected to maintain a course average of 3.0 or higher before proceeding to their candidacy examination.
All doctoral candidates must prepare and defend a thesis of high calibre on an approved topic.
There is no second language requirement other than English for the degree of PhD.
The minimum period of residence is two academic terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta. The two terms need not be consecutive.
Ethics Requirement
Engineering students must complete GPS ethics requirements based on their programs
Professional Development Requirement
Engineering students must complete GPS’s professional development requirement.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the PhD will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. However, a minimum of three years is normally needed. The maximum time permitted for completion of the program is six years from the date of first registration.
Courses
Undergraduate and Graduate courses can be found in Civil and Environmental Courses, or Mining and Petroleum Courses.
Financial assistance is available through the Department to students in the form of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, tuition scholarships and a variety of awards administered by the University and affiliated institutions. Details may be found at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies site.The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $35 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students. Opportunities vary by faculty.
Please note: there are limited funding opportunities available to students pursuing part-time graduate studies or those completing a certificate program.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email cgradapp@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1