Visiting Student Applications

Visiting graduate students are those who are registered in a graduate degree program at another university or institution, and who have permission from their home university and the University of Alberta to take one or more graduate courses for transfer credit toward their degree program.

There are two different types of visiting students:

  1. Exchange student: a visiting student at the U of A through an exchange program
  2. Non-exchange student: a visiting student at the U of A who is enrolled in Research 900 (RSCH 900)

Admission is valid for one calendar year from the student's start date. Exchange students are not required to pay the $135 CAD application fee.

For more information, see Section 5.12 of the Graduate Program Manual, "Visiting Graduate Students".

Visiting & Exchange Student Resources
Incoming Exchange Students

Exchange Students

The U of A has ratified formal exchange agreements that either allow U of A graduate students to study abroad, or students from other countries, institutions or universities to attend the U of A. Application procedures for visiting student exchanges vary according to the regulations of the exchange agreement. Contact the administrator or agency from your home department who is overseeing the exchange for complete details.

Find an Exchange Program

  1. Contact a U of A department to find out if there are any exchange opportunities available.
  2. Contact the University of Alberta International (UAI) centre at goabroad@ualberta.ca or check the Go Abroad section of UAI's website.

Apply for an Exchange Program

Western Deans' Agreement

Established in 1974, the Western Deans' Agreement (WDA) is a formal exchange program between 17 participating institutions in Western Canada. Its primary purpose is the reciprocal enrichment of graduate programs throughout Western Canada.

Students who wish to participate in the WDA should contact their home department at their home institution. General information and the WDA application form are available on the WCDGS website.

Each university has its own rules and regulations, deadlines and fee requirements regarding the WDA. The U of A requires payment of certain non-instructional fees.

Students from other institutions wanting to take courses at the U of A should consult Section 5.12 of the Graduate Program Manual. U of A students who wish to take courses at other institutions should consult Section 6.8 of the Graduate Program Manual.

Canadian Graduate Student Research Mobility Agreement

The Canadian Graduate Student Research Mobility Agreement (CGSRMA) allows graduate students enrolled in a degree program at a Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS) member university to complete or enhance their research by spending time at another CAGS member university within Canada to foster an exchange of ideas, provide specialized training, research collaboration and interdisciplinarity.

Canadian University Graduate Transfer Agreement

The Canadian University Graduate Transfer Agreement (CUGTA) allows registered students enrolled in a graduate degree program at a CAGS member university to take courses offered at another CAGS member university for transfer credit.

NOTE: Each university has its own rules and regulations, deadlines and fee requirements regarding CGSRMA and CUGTA. The U of A requires payment of certain non-instructional fees for incoming students.

Non-Exchange Students

Coursework

If you are a visiting student in a graduate program at another university and wish to complete courses at the U of A but are not in an exchange program, you must ensure the courses are stated in your letter of permission. Registration will only be permitted in the courses indicated in this letter.

To apply, you must complete the Application for Visiting Graduate Students form and submit it to the correct U of A department along with a letter of permission from the dean of graduate studies of your home university.

  • The U of A department must indicate on the Application for Visiting Graduate Student form the specific course(s) to be taken.
  • The letter of permission must confirm that you are currently registered in a graduate degree program at your home university and should state the specific U of A courses that will be accepted for credit toward your degree program.
  • The letter of permission must also specify the exact start and end dates of the period of study at the U of A.

Research Only

Visiting graduate students in a degree program from another university who wish to study at the U of A in a research-only capacity without taking courses can register in Research 900 (RSCH 900). This research will be conducted at the U of A under the supervision of U of A faculty members.

To apply for Research 900:

  • Complete the Application for Visiting Graduate Student form and submit it to the correct U of A department, indicating the specific RSCH 900 course(s) to be taken.
  • Submit a letter of permission from the dean of graduate studies of your home university that confirms you are currently registered, the start and end dates of the period of study at the U of A and the specific courses at U of A that will be accepted toward your degree program.

Learn more about studying at the U of A as a visiting student.