How to Apply

Application Period

The application portal will open on November 1 and close on March 31.

Note: Applications will be processed after the March deadline. We will contact you once your application has been reviewed.

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 legibly and in its entirety (front and back pages), including the transcript legend typically printed on the back of the transcript. 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, scanned front and back
    • PDF copies from Bear Tracks for 海角社区 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

International applicants are welcome, but due to the part-time nature and blended delivery format of this program, admission into this program 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.

In addition to the Supporting Documents mentioned above, international applicants must also provide the following:

  1. An official degree certificate

  2. Official (original) mark sheets and

  3. Certified English translations of each mark sheet outlining all courses taken and grades obtained for all post-secondary institutions attended

  4. English Language Proficiency through one of the following:
  • A TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based), 237 (computer-based) or a total score of 93 with a score of at least 24 on speaking and writing and 21 on reading and listening (internet-based)
  • An Academic IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.5 on each band
  • A PTE Academic score of 63
  • Duolingo (see Special Note)

Please contact gces@ualberta.ca if you have any questions.

Application Process

When you click the yellow Apply Now button below, you will be redirected to the SLATE 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 Educational Studies:
    • Faculty = Education
    • Academic Unit = Education (Professional Learning)
    • Program = Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies
    • Area of Study = Contemporary Literacy: K-9
    • Course Load = Part Time
    • Intake = the year your program will start
    • Term = Summer

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

Remember: you must take a course in the term for which you apply, so be sure to choose carefully.