This section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar outlines the admission pathways for Master's programs:

Standard admission

The minimum requirements for a Master's degree are determined by the University, but in some cases the requirements set by a Faculty or a department/school differ from these minima. Applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements for their program may be offered admission to the University.

Offers of admission may contain administrative requirements, such as submission of final official transcripts, as a condition of admission.

Admission with academic conditions

(a) Admission without meeting the minimum academic average requirement

An applicant who has completed a program of studies as outlined under the standard admission description above, but who has not attained the appropriate overall academic standing, may be admitted to a Master's program under admission conditions, indicating probationary status, provided that at least one of the following conditions is satisfied:

  1. The applicant has substantial relevant occupational experience (normally three years) beyond the Bachelor's degree.
  2. The applicant's academic standing (average) in the final year is substantially above 75% (normally 78% to 83%).

The minimum overall requirements for students admitted under probationary admission conditions are identical to those of regular students. However, students may be required to complete undergraduate or graduate courses additional to those required of regular Master's students.

For students admitted with probationary admission conditions, at least the first two courses in students' programs and the required average to be attained, normally the program’s admissions average, must be specified in writing at the time of departmental recommendation for admission and included in the student’s offer of admission.

Normally a student will not continue on probationary status for more than two terms.

(b) Admission from an academic discipline different than the intended field of study

In instances where an applicant is seeking admission to a program for which the applicant’s previous academic performance meets the standard admission criteria, but the major discipline or prior focus of study is considered by the applicant’s intended department/school to be sufficiently different from the field of intended graduate work, the applicant may be admitted to a Master's program under conditional admission as a transitional student.

An applicant conditionally admitted to a Master's program as a transitional student is normally required to complete a program of at most five undergraduate or graduate one-term courses in addition to those required of regular students. These additional requirements – both the courses to be taken and the averages to be obtained – must be specified in writing at the time the student is recommended for admission.  

(c) Clearing admission conditions

To satisfy either probationary or transitional admission conditions, upon completion of the stipulated courses:

  • The student’s potential for academic success, as demonstrated by their performance in the courses, will be evaluated by the Program;
  • A student who achieves an average that satisfies the conditions as stipulated in their offer of admission may continue in the Master’s program, subject to normal program requirements in subsequent terms;
  • If the student fails to meet the conditions as stipulated in their offer of admission, the student will be withdrawn by the Program.  

Alternative admission into a Qualifying program

Applicants who do not meet the University’s requirements for admission to a graduate program or who are not yet prepared to undertake graduate study, at the discretion of the University, may be considered for admission to a qualifying program – a prescribed set of academic requirements, normally at the undergraduate level, the successful completion of which demonstrates the student’s preparedness for their proposed program of study.

Students admitted to qualifying programs are not formally enrolled in a graduate degree but are registered as a qualifying student. As access to programming and services may be limited, students should assess the benefits and limitations of registering as a qualifying student.  

To be considered for a qualifying program, applicants must have completed a program of studies, in a field appropriate to the department/school of intended graduate study, at least to the level of a recognized three-year degree program in a Canadian university (or equivalent). In addition, applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:

  • In prior academic work, have met an overall cumulative three-year standing of at least 75%.
  • Have substantial relevant occupational experience (normally three years) beyond the completion of the prior program.
  • Have attained higher than 75% average in their final year of academic study. A qualifying program is normally equivalent to a full year (three terms) of undergraduate study with a minimum period of registration of two terms (or an equivalent in part-time registration).

A qualifying program normally includes a minimum of eight one-term courses (0.50 credit weight). Some Faculties or departments/schools may require more additional course completion. All of The courses and averages needed to satisfy the qualifying program requirements must be specified at the time of departmental recommendation for admission to the qualifying program and included in a student’s offer of admission. Only in unusual circumstances will individuals be permitted to take graduate courses as part of their qualifying program.

Completion of a qualifying program does not automatically guarantee admission into a Master’s program. Students who have completed a qualifying program and who wish to enter a Master's degree program must apply for admission for the term they wish to begin their Master’s studies. Academic work completed during the qualifying program will have more weight than previous academic performance within the admission decision.