Application Information

Application Period

The application portal opens on September 1 annually. You can start your program in any semester:

Winter Term (Courses start in January)
Application deadline: October 31

Spring Term (Courses start in May)
Application deadline: February 28

Summer Term (Courses start in July)
Application deadline: April 30

Fall Term (Courses start in September)
Application deadline: June 30

Have Your Supporting Documents Ready

Once you have finalized your application (see instructions below), you will be able to upload these required documents. Having them ready will expedite your application process.

1. A 1-2 page résumé outlining teaching and other relevant work experience

2. A statement of intent (1-2 pages). In your letter, please indicate how your current work would benefit from participation in the program and/or how you may be able to enter or alter your career because of receiving the certificate. 

3. Scanned, up-to-date transcripts from all of the post-secondary institutions you have attended (including incomplete studies, exchange and transfer credit courses). Note: your application will not be processed until up-to-date transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are provided.

  • Up-to-date is defined as transcripts dated or issued in the fall/winter session of the year of application (if currently registered) or within a year of the term for which you are applying (if not currently registered). For example, if you are a new student applying for the Fall term, the print date on your transcript must be no later than September 1 of the previous year.
  • The transcript must be scanned in its entirety (front and back pages), including the transcript legend typically printed on the back of the transcript, and be legible. Ensure that no information is cut off during scanning.
  • The following are acceptable for uploading to Slate:
    • PDF copies of transcripts that have been mailed to you from the issuing institution, scanned front and back
    • PDF copies from Bear Tracks for U of A students
    • PDF copies from other institutions' student portals (must have the institution's URL clearly visible)
    • PDF copies from MyCreds (email to yourself, then upload PDF copy to Slate).

Please review the Application Requirements for Academic Documents page to ensure that your transcripts meet ALL of the listed requirements.

When you receive your letter of admission from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), you will be asked to send official transcripts directly to them. Instructions will be provided in the letter.

International Applicants

This is a part-time, online program. International applicants are welcome, but admission will not qualify the applicant under the Canadian Study Permit and/or Post Graduation Work Permit programs. For more information, visit International Education + Enrolment's page on Immigration. If you are looking for full-time graduate studies, visit the Faculty of Education's Graduate Programs page.

For this program, international applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements as defined by the program. Check out our page on International Academic Requirements for information on application documents, academic requirements, and English Language Proficiency.

Questions? Contact gcsl@ualberta.ca if you have any questions.

Application Process

When you click the yellow Apply Now button below, you will be redirected to the Graduate Studies Application Center.

1. If you are logging in for the first time, click 'Create Account'. You will receive a code to activate your account and log in.

2. If you are a returning user, click 'Login' to be directed to your previous applications.

3. Once you have logged in, click 'Start New Application' then 'Open Application'.

4. Complete the 'Personal Information' and 'Academic History' pages.

5. On the 'Program Selection' page, click 'Select a Program'. Enter the following to choose the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership:

  • Faculty = Education
  • Academic Unit = Education (Professional Learning)
  • Program = Graduate Certificate in School Leadership
  • Area of Study = School Leadership
  • Course Load = Part Time
  • Intake = the year you're applying for
  • Term = the term your program will start: Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer
    • You must take a course in the term for which you apply, so be sure to choose carefully.

6. Transfer Credit for Previous U of A Coursework. Students entering the GCSL program may receive transfer credit for the following (subject to approval):

  • EDU 520 Foundations of School Leadership
  • EDU 521 School Leadership: Theory and Practice
  • OR one approved elective (EDU 523, EDU 530, EDU 596)
    Complete the Transfer Credit Form and upload it to your application.

7. Complete the rest of the application. If you have any financial support (scholarships, bursaries, etc.) be sure to include any deadlines for those applications.


Please note: This Graduate Certificate meets the academic requirements for in ß÷ßäÉçÇø (course-dependent). You must hold an ß÷ßäÉçÇø Permanent Professional Certificate (PPC) in order to obtain those certifications.