International students encounter challenges applying for graduate studies in other countries where the rules and procedures are different from their own country. This sight will provide simple and easy steps on how to apply for graduate studies in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science. This website was created to help you, international student, with basic information on the application process in our department.
Find a Supervisor: a faculty member in AFNS must agree to supervise a student's program before a student is admitted into a graduate program. The first step is to contact a potential supervisor. Find professors whose area of research interests you (Research Areas) and send this/these professor(s) an e-mail in regards to your interest in his/her research program (see Frequently Asked Questions for information required in the email). Wait for an answer. In order for you to be accepted as a graduate student in our Department, a professor must agree to have you as his/her student (must be able fund you and your research). Once you find a potential supervisor(s), you can continue the application process. TIP: You can and are encouraged to contact more than one supervisor. Have a list of supervisors (up to 3) for your application process.
English Language Test: Make sure you have enough time to prepare and take the test. The University of Alberta allows 4 possibilities for proving your English proficiency. (English Language Information). The Original copy of your English Language Test score is required.
Documentation: AFNS requires your previous degree marksheets and certificates in signed, sealed envelopes directly from your previous institutions. Your diploma and transcripts will be necessary for the application process. If you have not completed your undergraduate course yet, and therefore do not have this documentation, you can provide the last available official transcript that you have. As soon as you get your certificates, send them to AFNS. You will need the originals (your original language) and also a certified copy in English. It means that an official translator will have to translate your document.
Three Letters of Reference: Submit in signed, sealed envelopes, and complete on the Letter to Support Application for Graduate Admission (Letters of Support). For this particular step you have two choices - you could either ask your referee to write the letter in the English Language or, if the referee does not have proficiency in English, an official translation could be made. Arrange to maintain the confidentiality of the letter.
Curriculum Vitae: CV or resume which should include all previous education, work experience, list of presentations and/or publications, volunteer work relevant to research area. Your résumé should be clear and self explanatory.
Statement of Research plus Potential Supervisor(s): Write down a brief statement of your research interests (from a paragraph up to a page) and also provide a list of up to 3 faculty members in AFNS whose research area is in your area of research interest. Make sure you name professors that you have contacted and also rank your list (1st choice, 2nd choice and 3rd choice). If you already now the supervisor you will be working with, you can have just one name on your list.
Application Form: In order to submit your application go to "Submitting your application" at http://www.ualberta.ca/gradstudies/apply and click on "Online Application for Graduate Admission". A fee of $100 CDN is required when applying to the University of Alberta. For money conversions go to any money conversion website ( for example: http://www.xe.com/ucc/)
Housing Websites:
Below is a list of AFNS International Graduate Students who have volunteered to assist you with questions regarding the application process: