How to Apply

Application Period

Domestic Applicants (Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents and Landed Immigrants) can apply starting on November 1, 2025. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2026.

International Applicants* can apply starting November 1, 2025 (see note below). The deadline to apply is February 1, 2026.

Have Your Supporting Documents Ready

Your application will require you to upload some documents. Having them ready will expedite your application process.

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

2. A Letter of Intent (about 1000 words) outlining your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree and area(s) of interest as potential research topics.

3. Two References: the names and email addresses of two people who will provide letters of professional recommendation, attesting to your academic aptitude and commitment to your profession. A link will be sent to your referees that will allow them to upload their letters.

4. 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 GSMS:
    • PDF copies of transcripts that have been mailed to you from the issuing institution
    • 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 GSMS).

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 mesinfo@ualberta.ca.

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 Master of Education in Educational Studies:
    • Faculty = Education
    • Academic Unit = Educational Studies
    • Program = Master of Education (Course)
    • Area of Study = Online Cohort
    • Course Load = Part Time
    • Intake = the year your program will start
    • Term = Summer
      • You must take a course in the term for which you apply, so be sure to choose carefully.

  6. Transfer Credit for Previous graduate-level coursework. Students entering the MES program may receive transfer credit for up to two courses (as electives). 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.

Questions? Contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca.