Q: What are the application deadlines?

A: Deadlines for domestic and international applications are different, and are set by departments. Please consult with the appropriate department.  

Q: I might miss the application deadline; can I have an extension?

A: As application processes are decentralized at our University, please consult with the appropriate department.

Q: How much is the application fee?

A: A $100 CAD non-refundable application fee is required to submit your application. This fee is non-transferable.

Q: When I log into the application portal after I have submitted and paid, it shows that my application has not been submitted or paid for.

A: As soon as your application fee payment is processed, you should receive an e-mail receipt. This receipt is confirmation that your payment has been processed. Your application will be automatically updated to reflect your payment. If your application does not update to "Submitted" within 24 hours, then please e-mail your confirmation receipt to grad.webadm@ualberta.ca. Do not attempt to pay for your application again.

Q: What are the payment options for the application fee?

A: Payments can be made using a valid credit card only. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discovery Card. If you do not have a credit card, a third party may pay on your behalf. The system does not accept Visa/Mastercard debit cards or prepaid credit cards. The application fee is waived for those whose citizenship, mailing address and home address is from one of the following countries.

Q: What to do if I have been charged twice for my application?

A: E-mail your transaction receipts to grad.webadm@ualberta.ca and they will investigate and issue a refund if applicable.

Q: Why is my payment being declined?

A: Consult with your banking institution. You only have three payment attempts, after which your account locks and you cannot continue with your application.

Q: What happens when the payment limit has been exceeded?

A: Contact grad.webadm@ualberta.ca.

Q: I do not have a credit card to pay the application. What can I do?

A: Anyone can pay the application fee on your behalf with a valid credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discovery Card. In the Application Fee shopping cart, you are given the option of "Third Party Payment". You enter the name of the payer and their e-mail address. An e-mail will be then sent to the third party, requesting them to submit the online payment on your behalf. The e-mail has a link to the secure payment portal. Once payment has been made, you will receive an e-mail indicating that they have completed your request.

Q: I'm eligible for a fee waiver. How do I apply?

A: The application is waived for those whose citizenship, mailing address and home address is from one of the following countries. You will not be asked for a fee when you complete the online application.

Q: I have logged into the system to complete my application or check the status of my application. Why is my application no longer there?

A: Please ensure that your are logging into the correct graduate GSMS Portal.

Q: What should I do if I cannot log into my application portal?

A: Ensure that you are logging into the correct application GSMS Portal. We advise that you clear your web browser's cache and click on the "Forgot Your Password" link to reset your account.

Q: The "Forgot Your Password" link tells me that my e-mail address does not exist in the system. 

A: Please contact grad.webadm@ualberta.ca.

Q: I used the "Forgot Your Password" link but the password that was sent to reset my account does not work.

A: Please contact grad.webadm@ualberta.ca.

Q: How do I monitor the status of my application?

A: You can use the GSMS Portal (Not Bear Tracks) to check the status of your application, determine if references have been received, replace referees, and upload documents. To access the portal, please sign in using the e-mail address and password initially used when you created your account.

Q: How do I know the department (program) has everything they need from me?

A: You can use the GSMS Portal (Not Bear Tracks) to check the status of your application, determine if references have been received, replace referees, and upload documents. Please sign in using the e-mail address and password initially used when you created your account.

Q: It says that I have required actions to upload English translations but my documents are already in English.

A: If the official language of your institution is English and all the documents from your institution are English, then you do not need to upload an English translation.

Q: When will I receive my admission results?

A: You can use the GSMS Portal (Not Bear Tracks) to check the status of your application, determine if references have been received, replace referees, and upload documents. Please sign in using the e-mail address and password initially used when you created your account. Or you may consult with the department directly for admission decisions.

Q: How do I find about my admission decision?

A: Please monitor the GSMS Portal (Not Bear Tracks) frequently as your admission decision will be posted there.

Q: How do I accept my offer of admission?

A: Log into the GSMS Portal (Not Bear Tracks) and download your Official Offer of Admission. You will see "Respond to Offer" button where you can respond to the University of Alberta to accept the Official Offer of Admission.

Q: Where should I have ELP exam results sent?

A: You are required to upload your exam results to the application. If you have not written your exam, then you must provide the upcoming examination date in the application. You are not required to send any official documents by mail until you receive an Offer of Admission from us, unless you are instructed to do so by the department.

Q: Is my ELP score high enough?

A: Please consult our website for the minimum scores accepted for the approved English Language Proficiency Exams.

Q: I did my undergrad at “X” university,  do I have to provide an ELP?

A:  ELP exemptions are made for applicants with international qualifications based on both the institution and the country where post-secondary instruction was taken. Refer to ELP Exemptions.

Q: What is the University of Alberta’s Institutional code?

A: The University of Alberta’s Institutional code is 0963.

Q: What to do if my exam is after the application deadline?

A: If you have not yet written your exam, then you must enter the upcoming exam date into the application so that you can upload your results after you have submitted and paid for your application.

Q: Do I have to list all the schools and institutions I've attended?

A: You must declare all schools and institutions you've attended with the corresponding current transcript including completed and incomplete programs of study.

Q: My degree hasn't been conferred yet because I am still attending but I plan on finishing soon. How should I address this in my application?

A: You must declare all schools and institutions you've attended with the corresponding current transcript.

Q: How do I upload an updated document after I have submitted my application?

A: You can upload or replace your documents in the GSMS Portal (Not Bear Tracks) as long as the document status is "Pending/Outstanding", or prior to department locking your application for review.

Q: When and where do I send my official documents once I have received an Offer of Admission from the University of Alberta?

A: The Offer of Admission letter will provide detailed instructions on when and where to send your official documents to clear admission conditions.

Q: What is the difference between unofficial and official documents?

A: Unofficial documents are scanned or photocopied documents of official transcripts, marksheets, and degree certificates - these are required for your application and are provided electronically.

Official documents are original or an attested true copy, in a sealed and endorsed envelope mailed directly from your post-secondary institution and are required for authentication purposes - these are required if you receive an Offer of Admission.

Documents submitted in support of an application become the property of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and will not subsequently be released or copied except to other University of Alberta Offices.

Q: I have two or more degree from a single post-secondary institution. How do I upload these transcripts?

A: You are required to complete a separate Educational entry under the Educational Info section for each degree. You will need to enter the name of the post-secondary institution for each degree you received (e.g., one for your Bachelor’s degree and one for your Master’s degree, even if they are from the same institution). You will then need to upload transcripts and degree certificates (if applicable), for each entry. Unofficial documents are scanned or photocopied documents of official transcripts, marksheets, and degree certificates - these are required for your application and are provided electronically.

Q: I have applied previously and provided documents at that time. Can my old documents be used for my new application?

A: No. A full set of current supporting documents must be uploaded for each application.

Q: I am having trouble uploading my documents. What can I do?

A:

• Only PDF file format will be accepted, make sure there it is NOT password protected
• Each upload field can only support one file, if your transcript is saved in multiple files, then it needs to be combined into one document prior to uploading to your application
• Ensure all security features (e.g.g passwords and encryptions) are removed from the documents before uploading them
• The maximum size for transcripts/marksheets is 10MB and all other documents are limited to 5MB. You will need to compress the file size if it exceeds the 10MB
• Do not refresh the web page after you have uploaded a document, this may result in the same document being uploaded unnecessarily

If you need guidance in converting documents to PDF, please click here.

A: Your CCID and password combination will be e-mailed to you within three days after you have submitted your application and paid the application fee. The e-mail with your CCID information will be sent to the e-mail address you entered when you first created your account for the online application system.

Q: I did not receive an email with my UAlberta CCID (Campus Community ID) and Password.  Who do I contact?

A: The e-mail containing your CCID and associated password will be sent to the e-mail address you entered when you first created your account for the online application system. If you do not receive this information within five business days after your have submitted and paid for your application, you may contact the UAlberta Information Services and Technology (IST) department for further information. You will be required to provide your University of Alberta student ID number (7 digits).