How to Apply

Applying to a graduate program involves three basic steps. You should begin the process as early as a year before you wish to attend.

 

1

Identify a Program
 

The U of A offers more than 110 master's and 70 doctoral programs in 300+ research areas. For a complete listing, see Programs.

 

2

Review Program Admission Requirements, Deadlines & Contact the Department
 

Visit the department website to review your program’s specific requirements and contact the department if you have questions. This step is critical because:

  • admission requirements vary by program. For general information, see Admission Requirements.
  • application deadlines and entry dates vary by program; some departments accept applications year-round while others only allowed entry once a year. For general information, see Application Deadlines.
  • application procedures vary; some programs require you to identify a potential supervisor before applying and some departments may require different documentation at different stages of the application process.

See Programs.

 

3

Apply Online
 

After consultation, most departments require you to complete the central graduate studies online application. The application takes 30-40 minutes to complete. A $100 CAD non-refundable application fee is required.

Apply Online

 

Always apply early....here's why:

  • Deadlines vary depending on your program of interest; some are as early as 12 months before the program begins.
  • Early applicants are considered for funding; many departments make funding decisions between January and March for students starting in September.
  • International students should apply as early as possible because they will need to apply for a Study Permit. Study permit processing times vary by country, taking up to six months.
 

Have you applied for external scholarships?

You will be considered for U of A entrance scholarships once you've applied for admission--but it's great to access your own external funding.

See Fees & Funding for some tips.
Can't apply online?
Departments may accept paper applications if you are unable to apply online. Contact the department to obtain a paper application.