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.
  • You may be required to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and Reference Letters

        Download the reference letter here        Download the CV here

 

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.

 

Please note:  When applying online you will be required to create an account using an active and valid email address (home, business or otherwise).  If you have previously applied to Grad Studies and used this particular email address before, you cannot use the email address again and create a brand new account.  Rather, you will require a password re-set if you have forgotten the password.  Please email grad.webadm@ualberta.ca and request a password reset. 

Also, if you have previously worked, applied or attended the University of Alberta before, you will likely have a student i.d. number.  Please make sure you use this 7 digit i.d. in the application where requested.  If you do not have a u of a student i.d. number, please leave the field blank when applying.

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.