International students

With one of Canada's highest international enrolment rates, UCalgary is a top choice graduate education.

Welcome to the University of Calgary!

The University of Calgary is a world-class university that inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. In addition to working with some of the best minds in your field, you will have access to workshops and services dedicated to your academic and professional development, ensuring that you have the best student experience possible. And you get to live in Canada's most enterprising city!

If you are thinking of working with an agent, please note that only applications made through the official UCalgary web application will be considered for admission. If successful, an offer will be sent directly to you from the university and made available in the Student Centre. The university does not release admission information to third parties, including agents. To accept your admission, you will need to log in to the Student Centre with an eID, a personalized unique ID for electronic access.

Before you apply

To be considered for admission to your graduate program, you must meet the admission requirements set out by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and by your graduate program of interest.

We encourage you to apply for a study permit as soon as possible after accepting your offer of admission. For best results, international students intending to study at University of Calgary beginning in Fall 2024 should submit their study permit application before May 1, 2024. You can check the average current processing times for study permits on the IRCC website.

Study Permit Application Notice

As of January 22, 2024, international graduate students in most non-degree granting graduate programs will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to apply for a study permit. 

Learn more about PALs


English language proficiency (ELP) score reporting

The Faculty of Graduate Studies sets minimum requirements for ELP in the Academic Calendar. Please note that some graduate programs have ELP requirements that are higher than the minimum requirements set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. English Language Proficiency (ELP) scores must be received directly from the test score agency. We are unable to accept test results sent directly from applicants.

Below are common tests and how to report your score to the University of Calgary. To see all the available ELP requirement fulfillment options, see the Graduate Calendar.

To avoid delayed processing times please refrain from sending application documents before submitting your application.

English language proficiency (ELP) exemptions

A Graduate Program Director may exempt an applicant whose first language is not English from the ELP requirement if they meet the following criteria:

The student has completed

  • a Bachelor’s Degree (minimum of 3 years in length), or  
  • a Graduate Degree

in an institution where the language of instruction and examination is English. If the institution has multiple languages of instruction, the Graduate Program Director may ask for confirmation of the language of instruction for your degree.

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



International admission requirements

If you completed your previous studies in a country other than Canada, you will need to look up the grade equivalency for your country.

Choose the continent from this list, then the country where you received your previous degree(s).

Learn more about UCalgary graduate programs at a graduate recruitment event

Supports and resources for international graduate students

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UCalgary Welcome Centre

Contact the Welcome Centre before you arrive and get help with your transition.

Liliana helps a student

International Student Services

Meet friends and colleagues, and get support during your graduate program.

Welcome sign

Information about immigration

For information on obtaining a study permit, please contact the university's International Student Specialist.

Jaya helping a student

Academic support for graduate students

The Faculty of Graduate Studies has a team of Graduate Academic and International Specialists to help you succeed in your program. 

Learn more

Ready for graduate studies at UCalgary? Explore programs