Admission to Undergraduate Programs

Return to: Undergraduate Admission  

Programs of Study

The Faculties of the University offer programs leading to a degree, a diploma, a certificate, or entrance to a further program, as shown below. Years of study are counted from matriculation unless otherwise noted. Certificate offerings may be available to students in any Faculty. Students wishing to pursue a Certificate should refer to the appropriate Faculty section for information on availability. 

Residence Requirements

The University of Alberta is committed to admitting highly qualified students from Alberta, Canada and the international community. To meet the needs of the community the University serves, some Faculties have established program enrolment targets regarding the citizenship and residence* of undergraduate students. No non-resident shall be admitted to a Faculty who is less qualified than any Alberta resident who is denied admission to that Faculty.

*A resident of Alberta is defined as a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident (Landed Immigrant) who has been continuously resident in the Province of Alberta, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut for at least one year immediately before the first day of classes of the term for which admission is sought. The one-year residence period shall not be considered broken where the admission committee is satisfied that the applicant was temporarily out of the province on vacation, in short-term employment, or as a full-time student. Applicants on study permit cannot establish residence during a period as a full-time student in an Alberta secondary or postsecondary institution because a stay under study permit is considered to be a visiting period.

Language Proficiency Requirements

English Language Proficiency

English is the primary language of instruction in all Faculties except Faculté Saint-Jean. All undergraduate applicants to any program or course except Faculté Saint-Jean need an adequate level of English language proficiency before admission, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin.

The University of Alberta reserves the right to use discretion in determining adequate levels of language proficiency to ensure success in academic programs. In some cases, additional English language testing, conducted by the Faculty of Extension, may be required to confirm English proficiency.

Proficiency in English may be fulfilled in one of the following ways:

1. Successful completion of three years of full-time education in English
   1. In Canada (see Notes 1, 2, 3 and 8).
   2. In another country where English is recognized as an official language of instruction (see Notes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8).
   3. At a recognized secondary school which uses English as the primary language of instruction (see Notes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8).
   4. At a recognized postsecondary institution which uses English as the primary language of instruction (see Notes 1, 2, 3, and 5).
2. Successful completion of the equivalent of three years of full-time instruction in a school/institution in Canada in which the major language of instruction is other than English, but where the level of English proficiency required for graduation is equivalent to that in English language schools/institutions in Canada.
3. Completion of one of the following:
   1. A final blended grade of 75% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 from Alberta or English 12 from British Columbia. The blended grade is the final mark from the provincial Ministry of Education which includes the diploma or provincial examination mark,
   2. A final or predicted grade of 5 or better on the International Baccalaureate English A1, A2, or a grade of 6 or better on English B,
   3. A final or predicted grade of 5 or better on the International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or English A: Language and Literature
   4. A grade of 4 or better on the Advanced Placement English College Board examination,
   5. A grade of B or better in a GCE Advanced Level (A-level) or Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS-level), GCSE, IGCSE or O-level English Language or Literature course,
   6. A grade of B+ or better in ★6 of university-level English studies completed at a recognized English language institution which must be transferable as ★6 of English at the University of Alberta.
4. Graduation from a recognized degree program offered by an accredited university at which English is the primary language of instruction or in a country where English is the primary language (see Note 5).
5. One of the two TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test formats with the appropriate score;
   1. Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) of at least 90, with no less than 21 on each band (see Note 4).
   2. Paper-based TOEFL of at least 580 with a TWE of 4.0 or better (see Note 4).
6. A score of at least 85 on the MELAB (Michigan English Assessment Battery) with no band less than 80 and a score of at least 3 in the Speaking Test (see Note 4).
7. A score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) with no band less than 5.5 (see Note 4).
8. A score of at least 70 on the Canadian Academic English Language assessment: CAEL (paper) or CAEL CE (computer) with no band less than 60 (see Note 4).
9. A score of at least 61 on the PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) with no less than 60 in each communicative skill (see Note 4).
10. A total score of at least 4.5 on all four sections (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening) on the CanTEST (Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees) with no part lower than 4 (see Note 4).
11. An overall Cambridge English scale score of at least 180 on the CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) with no less than 165 in each skill (see Note 4).
12. An overall Cambridge English scale score of at least 180 on the CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) with no less than 165 in each skill (see Note 4).
13. Successful completion of the University of Alberta’s EAP 140/145.

Bridging Program Stages 1 and 2
Applicants with superior academic standing who meet all other Faculty specific program requirements but do not meet the English language requirements may be considered for admission to the Bridging Program with the following scores:

Stage 1:

- A score of at least 5.0 on the IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) with no band less than 4.5 (see Note 4).

- Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) of at least 65, with no score less than 16 on any band (see Note 4).

Stage 2:

- A score of at least 5.5 on the IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) with no band less than 5.0 (see Note 4).

- Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) of at least 70, with no score less than 17 on any band (see Note 4). 

For more information, students should contact the Office of the Registrar.

Notes

1. Enrolment in English as a second language courses or programs will not be included in the calculation of three years of full time study. Enrolment must be in a regular high school or postsecondary for-credit program. Where students are registered in both EAP and regular programs, the EAP hours will be deducted from the total educational hours.
2. Proof of three years of education must be submitted in the form of official transcripts (including details on course enrolment and hours of instruction).
3. Failing grades/courses will not be counted when calculating full time attendance. Only courses with passing grades will be considered.
4. Standardized test results must be issued directly from the testing office. Photocopies will not be accepted. Test scores must be valid and verifiable.
5. For a list of countries and institutions that are recognized as having met the University of Alberta’s English language proficiency requirement, visit our website at: www.studyincanada.ualberta.ca/ELPExemptions.
6. When requesting official TOEFL test results to be forwarded to the University of Alberta, applicants should indicate institution code 0963 and department code 00.
7. Applicants who are asked to provide English Language Proficiency and who can demonstrate by other means that their proficiency exceeds the specified minimum levels, should direct inquiries to the Assistant Registrar, Admissions, Office of the Registrar.
8. The three years of full-time education in English must include Alberta grade 12 year (or equivalent) if secondary education is the highest level completed or if combination of secondary and postsecondary education is used.

Spoken English Requirement

Besides demonstrating overall English language proficiency, applicants to the teaching and health sciences disciplines need a further level of spoken English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. The University of Alberta reserves the right to use discretion in determining adequate levels of spoken English language proficiency. To determine whether or not proof of spoken English proficiency is required, applicants should verify specific admission requirements for intended program(s). See Admission Requirements by Faculty .

Spoken English proficiency may be shown in any of the following ways:

1. Six full years of education in English in Canada or the equivalent in another country where English is the principal language. Education must include the Alberta Grade 12 (or equivalent), if secondary education is the highest level completed or if combination of secondary and postsecondary education is used.
2. Successful completion of the equivalent of six years of full-time instruction in a school/institution in Canada in which the major language of instruction is other than English, but where the level of English proficiency required for graduation is equivalent to that in English language schools/institutions in Canada (see Notes 1, 2, 3 and 5).
3. A minimum speaking score of 26 points on the TOEFL iBT test or a minimum speaking score of 7.5 on the IELTS test (see Note 4)

Notes

1. Enrolment in English as a second language courses or programs will not be included in the calculation of six years of full time study. Enrolment must be in a regular high school or postsecondary for-credit program. Where students are registered in both EAP and regular programs, the EAP hours will be deducted from the total educational hours.
2. Proof of six years of education must be submitted in the form of official transcripts (including details on course enrolment and hours of instruction)
3. Failing grades/courses will not be counted when calculating full time attendance. Only courses with passing grades will be considered.
4. Standardized test results must be issued directly from the testing office. Photocopies will not be accepted. Test scores must be valid and verifiable.
5. For a list of countries and institutions that are recognized as having met University of Alberta’s English language proficiency requirement, visit our website at: www.studyincanada.ualberta.ca/elp.aspx

Exceptions

1. Faculté Saint-Jean

   French is the primary language of instruction in the Faculté Saint-Jean. All applicants to the Faculté must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken French, as outlined in French Language Proficiency .

   With the exception of applicants to the BCom (Bilingual) and BScN (Bilingual) programs, applicants to Faculté Saint-Jean do not have to show proficiency in English before admission. However, they must demonstrate proficiency in English before they may be granted a degree from this institution.

   See English Language Proficiency for Admission  for further information on meeting proficiency in English after admission to Faculté Saint-Jean.

2. Formal International Visiting and Exchange Programs

   Applicants under formal international visiting and exchange program agreements are exempt from English Language Proficiency requirements.

   The agreement specifies that the partner institution will ensure that the student has sufficient English language skills.

Categories of Undergraduate Admission

Three categories of admission exist for entry into undergraduate degree programs:

1. Matriculated* Applicant-High School Applicant, see High School Applicants  
2. Matriculated* Applicant-Postsecondary Transfer Applicant, see Postsecondary Transfer Applicants  
3. Nonmatriculated Applicant, see Nonmatriculated Applicants  

*Matriculation is the achievement of a minimum level of academic preparation that would allow a prospective student to undertake and successfully complete a particular university degree.

Note: Prospective students with a disability who are seeking admission should consult with Accessibility Resources.

Application and Registration as an Open Studies Student

For information regarding registration as an Open Studies student, see Admission and Registration .

Admission Decision Process

Offers of Admission

In order to receive an offer of admission, applicants must satisfy the University’s general undergraduate admission requirements and any other additional requirements that are determined by the programs of study. Faculty/ program specific requirements are detailed in Admission Requirements by Faculty .

Presentation of the minimum admission requirements and average does not guarantee admission. Admission to all programs at the University of Alberta is competitive.

Admitted students will have their admission offers revoked if they do not meet the conditions specified on their offers of admission.

Offers of admission are only valid for the term(s) and program specified on the admission offer letter.

Applicants are encouraged to submit certified or notarized copies of irreplaceable documents. Documents submitted in support of an application become the property of the University and are not returned to the applicant unless they are irreplaceable as determined by the Office of the Registrar. For more information, please visit our website at www.studyincanada.ualberta.ca/documents.

1. High School applicants

   To be considered for admission, applicants must submit an official transcripts of all in-progress and/or completed high school courses and grades. All in-progress courses and grades, as well as courses to be taken, can be self-recorded. See Admission Chart 1 for high school courses used for admission.

   All applicants must submit final and official transcripts by the document deadline. See Admission and Readmission Deadlines . For more details, please visit www.admissions.ualberta.ca. Admitted students will have their admission offers revoked if they do not meet the conditions specified on their offers of admission.

2. Postsecondary Transfer applicants

   To be considered for admission, applicants must submit official transcripts of all completed postsecondary course work as well as interim transcripts of first term results and second term registration. Some programs may require final and official high school transcripts.

   All applicants must submit final and official transcripts by the document deadline. See Admission and Readmission Deadlines . Admitted students will have their admission offers revoked if they do not meet the conditions specified on their offers of admission.

   For more details, please visit www.admissions.ualberta.ca.

3. Readmission and Internal Transfer applicants

   Admission is offered in a number of programs to current University of Alberta students applying for internal transfer, or previous University of Alberta students applying for readmission, who have achieved above average academic standing in their completed coursework.

4. Admission on Academic Probation

   At the discretion of the Faculty an applicant may be admitted on academic probation in the following circumstances:

   1.  When the applicant’s previous academic attainment is difficult to assess (e.g., refugees lacking academic records); or
   2. When the applicant’s previous academic record is either deficient in some respect or below the standard ordinarily required.

The Faculty may require the student to meet specified course, program, and performance standards to maintain eligibility in the program.

5. Appeal of Admissions and Readmissions Decisions

   Admission and readmission decisions are final. There is no formal appeal to any other body or person within a Faculty or the University. Applicants who wish to improve their qualifications for admission or readmission in a subsequent year may seek advice from the office of the Faculty to which they want to apply.

Admissions Chart 1 Classification of High School Courses Used for Admission

Grade 12 courses listed below are based on the Alberta Education curriculum and nomenclature.

• In addition to English Language Arts 30-1, acceptable Alberta academic Grade 12 courses have been placed in three groups below. 
• Prospective students who completed high school education outside Alberta should review the Provincial Admission Course Equivalents for acceptable high school courses in the three categories at www.admissions.ualberta.ca.
• English Language Proficiency is an admission requirement for all Faculties, with the exception of Faculté Saint-Jean which requires French (see English Language Proficiency).
• Faculties may accept other Grade 12 courses not contained in these three groups. Please see Faculty admission requirements (Admission Requirements by Faculty ) for each program of study for further information.
• Only 5-credit courses will be used for admission purposes.
• If Final Grade 12 marks are not available at the time when an admission decision is made, marks from Final Grade 11 or Interim Grade 12 prerequisites to the following courses may be used.

Notes

1. Applicants wishing to present either a 35-level Language or a language other than one of those presented at the Grade 12 level in Alberta should contact the Admissions Unit, Office of the Registrar. 
2. Equivalents of Music 30: Conservatory Canada, Grade 8 Practical and Grade IV Theory; Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto, Grade 8 Practical, Grade II Theory, Mount Royal University, Grade 8 Practical and Grade II Theory. Documents must be presented to Alberta Education for evaluation.
3. Mathematics 30-2 will be accepted as a Group C admission subject to some programs. For further information, please see Faculty admission requirements (Admission Requirements by Faculty ) for each program of study.

4. If Final Grade 12 marks are not available at the time when an admission decision is made, marks from Final Grade 11 or Interim Grade 12 prerequisites to the following courses may be used.

Acceptance of Admission Offers

Upon notification of admission, admitted students except those admitted to programs listed in Program-specific Deposits on Confirmation of Admission are required to accept the admission offer and pay the tuition deposit by the posted deadline on BearTracks at https://www.beartracks.ualberta.ca. The admission offer will be cancelled if it is not accepted by the deadline or declined by the student.

An admitted student can only accept an admission offer to one program in a term. If a student has accepted an offer and paid the tuition deposit and is subsequently admitted into a different program, the student can transfer the acceptance and payment to the other program if desired.

The deposit will be credited toward payment of tuition upon completion of registration. The tuition deposit is nonrefundable unless an admitted student fails to meet the conditions on the admission offer and the offer is revoked.

For more details, please visit www.ualberta.ca/apply.

Program-specific Deposits on Confirmation of Admission

Upon notification of admission, successful applicants to certain programs listed below must confirm their admission and intention to register by submitting a nonrefundable program-specific deposit within the time specified in the letter of acceptance. The deposit will be credited toward payment of tuition upon completion of registration. Should a candidate withdraw after accepting a position or not meet specified conditions as stated in the offer of admission, this deposit is forfeited. The following undergraduate programs require a deposit:

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
DDS Advanced Placement
Diploma in Dental Hygiene
Juris Doctor (JD)
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) for Practicing Pharmacists 
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy

Applicants should contact specific Faculties for more information about program-specific deposits, including specific amounts. (See Tuition Deposit )

Registration

After an offer of admission has been accepted, students will receive information regarding registration in Bear Tracks, see Registration .