How to apply for graduate studies

Application form

A complete on-line Application for Admission

Statement of research interest

A statement of research interest (minimum length: 250 words) which will include research topic and the reasons for wishing to pursue graduate work in this program.

Writing sample

An academic writing sample (of approximately 3-5 pages): a term paper, research paper or other writing, which applicants consider representative of their best work.

References

Two confidential references addressing the applicant’s academic qualifications for graduate studies. A notification with the instructions will be e-mailed automatically to the referees listed on the application. We recommend that applicants contact their intended referees ahead of time, informing them that the notification will be sent when the application has been submitted.   

Transcripts

• Academic records (transcripts) of all post-secondary studies, including all studies that were started but not completed, and certified translations of any academic documents not in English or French.
• The online application system provides instructions on how unofficial copies of transcripts can be uploaded. The documents posted are considered unofficial but will allow the program to begin reviewing applications.
• Official transcripts are required if applicants are offered admission. To be considered official, academic records must be received in envelopes that have been sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. These must be sent directly by the institution to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Application fee

Payment of the application fee ($125 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents; $145 for international applicants).

Application form

A complete online Application for Admission

Statement of purpose

A statement of purpose (minimum length: 250 words) which will include research topic and the reasons for wishing to pursue graduate work in this unit.

Research proposal

A research proposal of approximately 2-3 pages.

Critical writing sample

A sample of critical writing: MA thesis or research paper or other writing, which the applicants considers representative of their best work. Either the sample research paper or the research proposal must be submitted in the target language of study.

References

Two confidential references addressing the applicant’s academic qualifications for graduate studies.  A notification and the instructions will be e-mailed automatically to the referees listed on the application.  We recommend that applicants contact their intended referees ahead of time, informing them that the notification will be sent when the application has been submitted.   

Transcripts

• Academic records (transcripts) of all post-secondary studies, including all studies that were started but not completed, and certified translations of any academic documents not in English or French.
• The online application system provides instructions on how unofficial copies of transcripts can be uploaded. The documents posted are considered unofficial but will allow the program to begin reviewing applications.
• Official transcripts are required if applicants are offered admission. To be considered official, academic records must be received in envelopes that have been sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. These must be sent directly by the institution to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Application fee

Payment of the application fee ($125 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents; $145 for international applicants).

Online application

A completed on-line Application for Admission, including three references (submitted by your referees on-line), and the $125 (CDN) application fee for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, or $145 (CDN) application fee for international students (student visa).

If you experience difficulties in making your application fee payment, please contact: Faculty of Graduate Studies 403.220.4936.

Transcripts

• Academic records (transcripts) of all post-secondary studies, including all studies that were started but not completed, and certified translations of any academic documents not in English.
• The online application system provides instructions on how unofficial copies of transcripts can be uploaded. The documents posted are considered unofficial but will allow the program to begin reviewing applications.
• Official transcripts are required if applicants are offered admission. To be considered official, academic records must be received in envelopes that have been sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. These must be sent directly by the institution to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. How to Submit Transcripts

TOEFL and IELTS test scores if required

The minimum requirements for English Language Proficiency (ELP) are listed in the Graduate Calendar. The Graduate Director may exempt an applicant whose first language is not English from the ELP requirement if the student has completed a Bachelor’s Degree (minimum of 3 years in length), or a graduate degree in an institution where the sole language of instruction and examination is English.

Eligible institutions must be listed as providing English language instruction in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Please remember that, even if you have a degree from an institution included on this list, exemption from ELP requirements remain at the discretion of the Graduate Director. 

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose in which you summarize your background, explain why you wish to pursue a graduate program in Linguistics, indicate the general area(s) in which you plan to specialize as well as your specific research interest, and list any potential supervisors. The statement should be no more than two double-spaced pages. 

Sample of previous work

A sample of your previous work in linguistics or a related field. This could take the form of a published article, M.A. thesis, undergraduate thesis, or a course paper.