Admissions Process

It is the responsibility of the academic unit to compile the complete file, to review the application, to judge the suitability/capability of the applicant, and to recommend the acceptance of those applicants they wish to have admitted.

• Academic unit responsibility

Basic procedure

Recommendations for admission are made by the academic unit to the CGPS. They must be complete, and be accompanied by all relevant documentation. Where applicable, all recommendations for admission shall identify any and all conditions being placed upon the student’s admission including proof of degree, official transcripts and proof of English proficiency.

1. The graduate program administrator (or another designate) in the academic unit will calculate the admission average. See below.
   
   
2. In some cases, a prospective student who falls short of the minimum admission requirements may be identified as an excellent candidate for admission. In such cases, probationary admission may be considered. Such situations should be discussed with the CGPS Advisor to whom your academic unit is assigned before the admission recommendation is made.
   
   
3. Graduate units must submit the complete admission packages to CGPS. CGPS will review to ensure the application is complete and supports the recommendation made by the academic unit. 
   
   
4. CGPS will produce and issue the Letter of Offer for all graduate students.
   
   
5. The admission decision of the graduate program will be considered final.

A completed application package should include the following:

• completed application form (completed online)
  • non-refundable application fee (submitted online with application or to Student Central)
  • 3 letters of recommendation (completed via online application process, no need to send to CGPS from the issuing institution)
• copies of official transcripts of all post-secondary study
• copies of required admission exam results (e.g. English language proficiency test, GRE, etc.)
• statement for full time employees of U of S

Please ensure that all requirements and conditions which must be met prior to registration are listed clearly

• View admission policies and procedures

The graduate program will calculate the admission average.

1. Use all courses taken – starting with the most recent – no matter which university.
   
   
2. Take the whole term to get the minimum of 60 credit units – do not use portions of a term.
   
   
3. Use the last 60 credit units (or U of S equivalent) or last 2 years of full-time study.
   For example, the U of Victoria gives a ½ course a credit weight of .5 and a full course a one credit weight. Therefore one would only calculate the last 10 credit units. It usually is about 20 courses.
   For a Masters degree, take the last 60 credit units (equivalent to last two years of full-time study) from their undergraduate program – starting with the last courses taken, no matter which institution.
   For PHD students who have completed a Masters degree: Use the average of the entire Master's degree.

Contact the academic unit to which you are applying if you require assistance with grade conversion

Contact information for your academic unit can be found on the CGPS find a graduate chair or administrator page

• Grade Calculator

Per graduate policy, deferrals of up to one year may be granted at the discretion of the academic unit. Students requesting a deferral of admission must do so in writing to his or her academic unit. The academic unit will communicate approval/denial of the deferral request, and (where the request is approved), will request that the Graduate College issue a letter of offer for the new intake term.

 Academic units should contact the CGPS advisor assigned to them with questions or requests for information regarding deferrals.