Entrance Requirements
The deadline for receipt of applications for the entry-level stream is February 1 for September admission. Contact the Department for application deadline information on the postprofessional stream. Minimum requirements include a four-year baccalaureate degree (see Note) or equivalent from a recognized academic institution with a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the most recent ★60. Activity courses in Physical Education, studio courses in Fine Arts, and practicum courses are not considered part of the required ★60 admission requirements and are not included in the calculation of the admission GPA. One Statistics course (★3) and one human anatomy course (★3) are required prerequisites. Students may find it to their advantage to have taken a human physiology course prior to entering the program. Where applicable, applicants should refer to the English language requirement of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (English Language Requirement of the University Calendar). Applicants who use the TOEFL examination to fulfill the English language proficiency requirement of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research must present a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 100 with a score of at least 25 on each of the individual skill areas (Internet-based).
Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae in a pre-set format (available for download with the Online Application for Graduate Admission), two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement letter describing the applicant’s knowledge of occupational therapy and how their academic studies and personal experiences have prepared them to become an occupational therapist.
The selection process is competitive and will be based on the GPA in the most recent ★60 taken prior to January of the admission year. Applicants are initially rank ordered according to their Admission GPA. Applicants who have completed ★30 over two consecutive terms will be ranked above those who have taken fewer than ★30.
All aspects of a student’s record, including failures and withdrawals, are considered by the Admissions Committee. Students who have received a failing grade in any postsecondary course or courses may submit a letter to the Admissions Committee explaining the extenuating circumstances which contributed to an unsatisfactory standing.
Students with a very competitive GPA will normally be recommended for acceptance or conditional acceptance by March 15 of the admission year. The remaining applicants will be advised of their status by June 30 of the admission year.
Applicants who are admitted into the program but wish to defer their admission due to extenuating circumstances may at the discretion of the Department be granted this request for a period of one academic year. A written request must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Chair by August 15 of the academic year in which they are admitted. For those applicants who are granted a deferral, they must also notify the Graduate Admissions Chair of their intention to confirm their admission by June 15 following the deferred year.
Note: Courses completed 10 or more years prior to application will be reviewed.
Aboriginal Applicants
Two positions in the occupational therapy program are available to applicants of aboriginal ancestry as defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, Part II, Section 35(2). Applicants must meet all entrance requirements as specifiedbelow. If suitable Aboriginal applicants cannot be found, these positions will be filled by applicants from the general pool.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be available in the form of teaching or research assistantships. Other sources of funding may be sought as described at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca, from provincial bursaries, professional associations, private foundations, etc.