University of Calgary

How to Apply

Application is made using the Faculty of Graduate Studies online system. First follow this link to create an account on the Graduate Studies system, then fill out the online application form. You must also apply for scholarships and bursaries, using this link to the Graduate Studies online scholarship application form. Use the links in our left navigation bar or here (MA Admission Requirements; PhD Admission Requirements) to find out what additional requirements apply to your application.

For advice on how to go about requesting letters of reference, applicants might want to consult this note by Dr. Gavin Richardson (Union University in Tennessee). 

The following is a list of additional instructions and documentation that you must submit in support of your application. Please follow these instructions and ensure that any documents in support of your application are received by the Department of English before January 10 each year. (If January 10 falls on a weekend, documents are due on the Monday following January 10).

  • Two letters of reference which must include the University of Calgary's reference letter form from referees prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.   Letters of reference must arrive at the Department of English by the application deadline. If you are applying to the Open Scholarship competition, please check the Scholarship box on the line above your name on the University reference form, the form you give to your referee when you request a letter.
  • Reference letters may be sent by the applicant as long as the reference letter is in a sealed envelope with the referees signature across the seal. Reference letters are to be sent directly to Barb Howe, Graduate Program Administrator, Department of English, SS 1148, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4. If your referee is sending their reference letter directly, please make sure that they also have this address.   
  • If applicable, an official TOEFL score of at least 600 (written test), or an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher. The tests must have been taken within the last two years.
  • Two official sets of transcripts (and degree certificates from those institutions that do not indicate the awarding of degrees on the transcript) from all post-secondary institutions attended, regardless of the number of courses taken or the amount of time spent there. Transcripts and degree certificates issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified, word-for-word English translations. To be considered official, all academic records must be received in envelopes that have been sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. (For work done at the University of Calgary, many departments will print and certify an Infonet transcript for an applicant. This will be accepted in place of an official University of Calgary transcript. Infonet transcripts printed by the applicant will not be accepted.)
  • Please submit a sample of your critical writing ((5-10 pages) and, if you hope to do a creative writing thesis, a sample of your creative writing (5-10 pages).

Deferral*

Students who cannot attend in the year for which they have been accepted may request a deferral for one year; otherwise, should they wish to enter our graduate program in subsequent sessions, they must re-apply.

Regulations

Prospective graduate students should read all the regulations governing graduate work set by the "Faculty of Graduate Studies", available on the web here, paying particular attention to such matters as dates of registration, deadlines, thesis and dissertation format and fees. On all matters affecting courses and academic work, incoming students should consult the Associate Head (Graduate Program). On matters affecting their duties as Graduate Assistants, they should consult the Head of the Department. The Graduate Executive Committee is responsible for advising the Head on all aspects of the graduate program and student progress.

*Note: all application materials should be sent to: Barb Howe, Graduate Program Administrator, Department of English, SS 1148, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4.