Graduate Admission Requirements + Processes

Students may undertake graduate study leading to the degree of MSc or PhD. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research's admission requirements, regulations and procedures. You can find this information in the University of Alberta Calendar - Graduate Programs.

Also see the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research's Admission Requirements.

Language Requirements

English language scores more than two years old are not accepted.

If you are not exempt you must demonstrate your English language proficiency by meeting the specific score listed on the five approved English language examinations listed below.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research recognizes the following five English language examinations:

  1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the minimum acceptable score is 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) or a total score of 88 with a score of at least 20 on each of the individual skill areas (Internet-based)
  2. Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB); the minimum acceptable score of 85
  3. International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS); a minimum overall band score of 6.5, with at least five on each test band
  4. Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment with an overall minimum score of 60 with at least 60 on each subtest
  5. PTE (Academic): Overall minimum score of 59

Alternate Option for Meeting the English Language Requirement - EAP 550

Graduate Institution Report of Scores (GRE) are not required.

Area of Specializations

Application Process

Verify if you meet the admission requirements.

Admission Requirements

  1. At least a baccalaureate or its academic equivalent.
    1. Degrees vary greatly from institution to institution and country to country, the U of A will examine course content to establish equivalencies to a U of A baccalaureate degree.
    2. List of minimum academic requirements by country.
  2. Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 in the last two years of study, or an equivalent qualification.
  3. Proof of English language proficiency is a prerequisite for graduate admission at the U of A.
    1. Refer to the specific English requirements.
    2. English language scores that are more than two years old are not accepted.

Identification of Supervisor

Applicants must have a supervisor and funding in place before they can be accepted into the program.  Applicants must have previously corresponded with a Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty member and have agreed to a tentative supervisory arrangement.

However, acceptance by the supervisor does not guarantee admission into the program.  The final decision is administered by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS).

Faculty of Graduate + Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) Application + Application Fee

Proceed with this step if a qualified faculty member has agreed to supervise and take you as a student.

Apply Online

There is a CAD $135 (Non-Refundable) application fee.

During the application process, you will be required to upload the following information directly to the online application.

  • official transcripts or mark sheets
  • degree certificates from each university or post-secondary institution previously attended
  • curriculum vitae or resume (do not use the University of Alberta's CV Form)
  • proof of English language proficiency (if necessary)
  • three letters of reference

Notes:

  1. Hard copies of transcripts are only required if you are admitted.
  2. The faculty does not notify applicants with regard to missing documents, check the applicant portal regularly.

Final Decision

Once the file is completed, it will go for review by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Studies Committee. Once a decision is reached the applicant will be notified through the applicant portal.

Applicants who are admitted must refer to the applicant portal to retrieve their admission letter, and to either accept or refuse the admission offer. If the offer is not accepted, the offer is not finalized. The offer is only finalized once the accept offer button has been clicked.

Application Deadlines

For those selected to move on.

Canadian Applicants

Applications from Canadian citizens and permanent Residents may be accepted up to the start of the term. However, applications should be submitted as early as possible. We recommend submitting the application and ALL supporting documentation according to the following schedule:

  • May 15 for September Admission
  • September 30 for January Admission 

Domestic Academic Requirements

International Applicants

Applicants are reminded that plenty of time (up to six months or more) may be needed to make arrangements to enter Canada. We encourage prospective students to submit their application and ALL supporting documentation well in advance of the recommended submission deadlines below:

  • May 15 for September Admission
  • September 30 for January Admission 

International Academic Requirements

Resources for Canadian + International Students

How Fees are Calculated

Fees are calculated based on the number of courses/thesis research you register for.

International Student Support

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