Admission Standards

The first step in our application process is to submit the application on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) web site at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/applyadmission/.

The University of Alberta operates from September to August. The Winter Session is divided into two terms - the first, September to December; the second, January to April. In addition there are two special sessions; the spring Session consists of a maximum of six weeks commencing in May, and the Summer Session consists of a maximum of six weeks commencing in July.

Initial registration for graduate studies takes place in September. Requests to register at any other time will require special approval. Students should plan to be in Edmonton by the end of August.

Please ensure you meet the following entrance requirements:
Grading systems differ widely in various countries. Our experience with these systems over the years indicates that, to give reasonable assurance of success in our program, applicants must have academic backgrounds equal to the general requirements listed below.

United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries whose university systems follow that of Great Britain - applicants should hold at least Upper Second Class Honors degrees.

Canadian Universities - GPA of 3.0/4.0 on the University of Alberta marking system, B, second class standing or equivalent on other systems, in the work of the last two full years of previous degrees.

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh - applicants must hold at least a First Class or First Division Bachelor's degree.

Japan - students must have at least 3.2/4.0 or 2.3/3.0.

Philippines - applicants must have approximately 2 or 86%.

Taiwan - students must have at least 2.4/3, 3.2/4, 4.0/5.0, 80% or B.

Egypt - applicants must have an Honors degree with standings of at least "Very Good" or 7-85%.

United States of America - applicants should have 3.0 on a 4 point scale.

English Language Proficiency - Applicants will be required to demonstrate English Language proficiency prior to admission. This demonstration may be possession of a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta, in which the instruction of language is English. However, we reserve the right to require a demonstration of English Language proficiency.  Where this demonstration is required, a score of at least 550 on the paper-based test or a total score of at least 88 (with a score of at least 20 in each of the individual skill areas) on the internet-based test is required for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or a minimum of 6.5 (subject to change) with a band of 5 in each of the four areas is required for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

Enrolment in the PhD Business Management Program is limited and the number of qualified applicants greatly exceeds the number of positions available. Therefore, we can only accept those who have the highest academic records and best credentials. For this reason, a record that satisfies basic entrance requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission to the program.