FAQs

What is the minimum grade point average requirement for graduate study?

The grade point average obtained during the last 60 units of course weight of undergraduate (or graduate) study must be at least 3 on the 4-point grading scale used at the University of Alberta or an equivalent standing from another recognized institution. Information on international grade equivalencies can be found here.


What are the admission deadlines?

Early application is encouraged to ensure maximum opportunity to obtain funding. See admission deadlines for all programs on the Graduate Studies page


Do I need to secure supervisor before applying?

If you are applying to a thesis-based program, an EAS faculty member must have agreed to supervise you before you submit your application. If no prospective supervisor expresses interest, please DO NOT apply.

Supervisors are not required for course-based programs (Urban and Regional Planning and Integrated Petroleum Geosciences.


Do I need to provide proof of English Language Proficiency (ELP)?

International applicants must be able to demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) at the time of application. Possession of a degree or its academic equivalent from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta and where the language of instruction is English, or a satisfactory score on one of the approved English language examinations listed here. If you have Permanent Resident status and your degree is from an institution that is not on the above mentioned list, you must provide English proficiency via one of the approved examinations.

*Important: ELP test scores more than two years old cannot be verified. If an applicant's ELP test score is more than two years old, they will be required to re-take the test.


Do I need to submit documents for both Department Check 2 and Department Check 3?

No- if you are applying to the IPG program, or a thesis-based program, you only need to upload your research statement to Department Check 2. If you are applying to the Urban and Regional Planning program, you only need to upload your statement of intent to Department Check 3.


What are the requirements for referee letters?

Letters must be in English, on letterhead, signed with a physical signature, and in PDF format. It is preferred to have one academic reference and one professional, however, in certain circumstances we will accept either two academic references, or two professional references.


How much is the application fee?

$135 (non-refundable)


My application says that I have 'required actions', what does this mean?

If you do not have a document uploaded to a section, the system will note this as a required action. However, depending on various factors, such as- the program you are applying to, the institutions you have attended, and your current degree status- you may not need to upload certain documents, and can disregard the required actions. For example, if the original language of your documents is English, then you are not required to upload English translations. Or if you are still completing your degree, you will not be required to upload your degree certiticate. If we require any information from you, we will contact you.


When will I receive a response to my application?

We begin assessing applications as soon as we receive them, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you will receive a response. However, we cannot guarantee a timeline. The best way to ensure a timely response is to make sure that your application is complete and your documents meet all of the requirements. Common scenarios that delay the assessment of applications include: transcripts that don't include grade scales, transcripts not uploaded for coursework completed during an exchange, grade cards/marksheets not uploaded (for Indian or Pakistani institutions), and referees not submitting reference letters.


How will application status updates be communicated?

All status updates will be communicated via the application portal (GSMS). Please DO NOT contact the Department about the status of your application.


What type of funding is available?

Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, scholarships, and bursaries are available to eligible students. For further information on funding, see the Financial Assistance page. Early application is encouraged to ensure maximum opportunity to obtain funding.


Is housing available?

On-campus residences are available for prospective students, as well as assistance locating off-campus housing. Additional information is available through Residence Services.