Graduate student FAQ

Jan 15th – Official transcripts, referee forms and other required forms.

All other required documents must be uploaded to your Student Centre by the deadline stated above. The earlier your application is complete the better, so don't postpone uploading required documents.

When you fill out your online application form, list your two references and their contact information. The system will automatically generate an email notification to them with instructions on how to fill out the reference form and submit it to us.

If you are currently finishing your degree, upload all your transcripts including your most current transcripts for evaluation. It is possible to be offered tentative admission based on your current grades. It will be necessary for you to submit all complete and official transcripts as well as proof of being awarded your degree as soon as possible. 

To be considered official, your transcripts must arrive in a sealed envelope sent directly to us from the universities/colleges you've attended. Any pre-opened or unsealed envelopes will be considered unofficial and will not be accepted. Please note that any transcripts uploaded, emailed or faxed are considered unofficial. 

You must arrange to send one official transcript from each post-secondary attended. If coursework is still in progress, once done, you must send another transcript. Please note, it is not required that you send University of Calgary transcripts. 

Please provide one official set in the original language and one official set translated to English by a recognized and official translation office or in some cases, your government agency. 

Remember, the translation office you choose must be recognized as an official translation office, or in some cases the government. These translation documents must be received in a sealed envelope unopened by you or anyone else other than University of Calgary staff. If your degree is recorded as received on another document, such as a degree certificate, that document must be submitted to us as well.

You do not need to submit your transcript to us if you completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary. All University of Calgary transcripts are easily accessible by the Graduate Program Administrator. However, you must send any other transcripts from other universities/colleges you've attended. 

• Please review the application requirements for the program you wish to undertake.
• Start the process of submitting your application for admission as early as possible as it requires time to complete and upload the required documents.
• You must have all the required documents uploaded by the deadline date; however, it’s better to submit all required documentation as early as possible.
• You must have your reference names and contact information ready to enter into the application form. We will then contact those references to submit their information directly to us. IMPORTANT: The referees must submit their forms by January 15th, so it’s important to apply early.
• Please note, your application will not be reviewed if any information is missing or the application fee is not paid.
• If you have not contacted the professor with whom you want to work, then do so immediately. They can help you navigate the application process by giving you advice on your letter of intent, etc.
• Please be sure and check that you want to apply for all scholarships and grants on your application form. You will not be considered for university-wide funding unless you check this box.

We encourage you to contact a professor in the department as a potential supervisor to ask if they plan on accepting new students.

You should discuss potential avenues of research with potential supervisors prior to applying. 

Only those applicants whose primary language is English are exempt from this requirement. If English is your secondary language, and it is determined by this office that English is your secondary language, then you will be required to present ELP test results regardless of whether you have been attending any English speaking institution or living in an English speaking country. This is a mandatory and firm requirement.

Although financial support is provided to our graduate students, all students (Canadian and international) are responsible for checking and applying for available awards. You should also check with your home institution and/or government about awards and/or scholarships that will provide financial support for you to study abroad.