How to apply for Graduate programs in Physics and Geophysics

Apply online for our graduate programs

Application Step 1: Submit your application and supporting documents as soon as possible during our department's intake period of October 1st to March 31st. Minimum academic requirements and the online application are on the website of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS).

We strongly recommend that applicants reach out to faculty members who are in their area of study to determine whether the faculty member has any opportunities for the applicant in their research group.

Competition to get into our graduate program is quite stiff.  Each year we get around 170 applications for 30 spots.  Admission recommendations involve a number of complex variables and depend on an applicant's academic performance related to our academic requirements and finding an academic match on a number of levels. This means, in addition to the academic requirements, it also requires a match between an applicant's interests and  a supervisor's area of expertise, funding availability and project availability.  


Application Step 2: Supporting documents (below) to attach to your electronic application form as PDF files:

  • transcripts/marksheets and degree certificates, plus English language translations if required;
  • three (3) letters of recommendation, submitted by the referees -- applicants are responsible for following up with their referees to see that the references are submitted;
  • proof of English language proficiency if required, e.g., TOEFL or IELTS (Academic) exam results. Check the GPS English Language Proficiency webpage to see the most up-to-date information regarding exemptions from this requirement;
  • curriculum vitae/resume -- three (3) pages or less, including publications and references;
  • statement of purpose in 500 words or less (1 single-spaced page) tell us why you want to study physics at the ß÷ßäÉçÇø;

 Attach only the documents requested above. Hard copies of any documents are not required during the application process.


Application Step 3: Complete applications will be reviewed by our Graduate ß÷ßäÉçÇø Committee. Applicants will be contacted by email after the Committee makes a final recommendation about the application; it might be several weeks before a final decision is made. Please check the department's How to Apply FAQs page for more information.

Please submit any questions regarding your application  to sci.gradadm@ualberta.ca