Eligibility

The University of Alberta is a Top 5 Canadian university and is considered one of the Top 150 universities in the world. As part of the larger University of Alberta, the Alberta School of Business is renowned as a leading institution for business education and research. It holds the distinction of being the longest-standing business school with continuous accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Each year, we welcome nearly 100 exchange students from our partner institutions, comprising roughly one-third of all incoming exchange students studying at the University of Alberta. Upon arrival, exchange participants gain access to a vibrant and dynamic campus community where they can engage in a wide range of activities, clubs and events.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

All incoming exchange candidates are expected to have an above-average academic record at their home institution. Incoming exchange students must complete equivalent courses prior to their studies at the Alberta School of Business:

  • Introduction to Applied Statistics (STAT 151)
  • Calculus for Business and Economics I (MATH 154)
  • Introduction to Microeconomics (ECON 101)
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics (ECON 102)

English Language Proficiency

Undergraduate Students

  • TOEFL iBT: A score of 90 or higher, with no individual band score below 21 or an equivalent
  • IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): a score of at least 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
  • Duolingo English Test: a score of at least 120 for English Language Proficiency, with no subscore below 100
  • CAEL (the Canadian Academic English Language assessment exam): a score of at least 70, with no band less than 60
  • Cambridge C2 Proficiency (Certificate of Proficiency in English): a score of at least 180, with no less than 170 in each skill
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English): a score of at least 180, with no less than 170 in each skill
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): a score of at least 61, with no less than 60 in each communicative skill

Note: The TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program) and TOEIC are not recognized by the University of Alberta and cannot be accepted as proof of English language proficiency for admission.

Graduate Students

  • IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 on each band
  • TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), or 100 (internet-based test)
  • PTE (Academic): Overall score of 68
  • CAEL: Overall minimum of 60, with at least 60 on each subtest

Note: Due to issues with testing caused by the pandemic, we are able to accept the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator for visiting MBA applicants.

Students from select countries may demonstrate English Language Proficiency through confirmation of sufficient English language coursework at the secondary school level. For the official English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate students and all ways to satisfy those requirements, please visit the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies website.

Academic Standing

All incoming exchange candidates are expected to have an above-average academic standing at their home institution. MBA-level exchange applicants must meet the minimum graduate academic standards set by our central graduate admissions office.

Nomination

Partner universities must formally nominate their students to the Alberta School of Business by the specified deadline. They must submit the following information of their nominees:

  • student's full name (as it appears on their passport)
  • student's email address
  • academic level of study
  • exchange term(s)/duration of stay

Nominations can be submitted through our online Nomination Form  or by completing and emailing the Nomination Spreadsheet  to the Alberta School of Business Exchange Coordinator.