Admission

General Admission Requirements

General Information

The Admission Requirements in this section apply to admission for ministerially-approved programs, however, standards and criteria for admission to a certificate, occupational, academic upgrading and ministerially-approved non-credit options may be established at the program level and can vary from the University standards and criteria for admission stated in this section.

The University has both a General Admission Policy as well as specific admission requirements for each undergraduate program. General Admission Requirements can be found in this section. In addition, all applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency for the purpose of admission if their First Language is not English (meaning primary language learned, used as a child and still understood). Program-specific admission requirements can be found in the program section of this calendar. See Academic Faculties & Programs .

Admission to Mount Royal University is competitive and as such, admission will be granted to those applicants who have the highest Competitive Admission Average based on the Conditional Admission criteria for each Admission Category indicated below.

Final, official transcripts are required from all high school and post-secondary institutions regardless of the level attained for all Admission Categories.

For some programs, applicants may be required to participate in Non-Academic Criteria. See Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties & Programs  section.

Admission Categories

There are three Admission Categories for admission to the University:

• High School Admission Category
• Post-secondary Admission Category
• Mature Admission Category

The Admission Category that the applicant will be considered under will be determined by the University on the following basis:

1) High School Admission Category

Applicants will be considered in the High School Admission Category, if the applicant is currently in high school or has left or completed high school, but has not completed sufficient post-secondary courses to be considered in the Post-secondary Admission Category. Applicants must present five appropriate Grade 12 Subjects (or their equivalents) with no grade below 50%. Reporting of high school courses is required to ensure successful completion of the specific high school course requirements for the applicant’s program of study as indicated in the Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties & Programs  section of this calendar and to provide grade information required for consideration for Conditional Admission - see below.

Conditional Admission 

The Competitive Admission Average for Conditional Admission will be calculated on the two highest self-reported or final grades (as determined by the University) from the list of Grade 12 Subjects in Group A. Verification of self-reported grades (where permitted) may be required. Equivalent post-secondary courses may be substituted for required high school Subjects. Post-secondary courses used for admission to a program may also be applied to program graduation requirements, depending on the applicability of the course to the curriculum, the standard of performance achieved and the time limits of the program.

For some programs, applicants may be required to participate in Non-Academic Criteria. See Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties & Programs  section of this calendar.

Final Admission 

Final admission is based on verification of admissibility once all final, official transcripts, including all previous high school and post-secondary coursework, have been received and reviewed and all conditions of the applicant’s admission have been met. Unless a specific (higher) admission average is required as indicated in the Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties section of this calendar, high school applicants are required to have an overall admission average of 65% for degree programs and 60% for diploma programs and appropriate non-credential offerings on five appropriate Grade 12 Subjects and remain in good academic standing if currently enrolled in any post-secondary coursework. Official transcripts must include final grades for all Subjects required by the program as indicated in the General Admission Requirements and the Admission Requirements for each program and be received by Aug. 1 for admission to the Fall Semester or by Dec. 1 for admission to the Winter Semester.

2) Post-secondary Admission Category

Courses presented for admission must be from a recognized post-secondary institution and must be transferable courses as determined by the University. Applicants will be considered in the Post-secondary Admission Category, if they have completed four post-secondary courses (minimum 12 credit hours) by Dec. 31 and will have completed eight post-secondary courses (minimum 24 credit hours) by June 30 for admission to the Fall Semester or will have completed eight post-secondary courses (minimum 24 credit hours) by Aug. 31 for admission to the Winter Semester. 

Conditional Admission

The Competitive Admission Average for Conditional Admission will be calculated based on the four most recently completed courses (minimum 12 credit hours) by Dec. 31 for the Fall Semester or the eight most recently completed courses (minimum of 24 credit hours) by Aug. 31 for the Winter Semester. Official transcripts showing all post-secondary courses completed by these dates are required to be considered for Conditional Admission. Post-secondary courses used for admission to a program may also be applied to program graduation requirements, depending on the applicability of the course to the curriculum, the standard of performance achieved and the time limits of the program.

All final, official high school transcripts are also required by Mount Royal University. Reporting of high school grades is required to ensure successful completion of the specific high school course requirements for the applicant’s program of study as indicated in the Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties section of this calendar. Equivalent post-secondary courses may be substituted for required high school subjects.

For some programs, applicants may be required to participate in Non-academic Criteria. See Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties & Programs  section of this calendar.

Note: Students who have been Required to Withdraw from another Post-secondary institution for academic reasons should refer to (Re)-Admission to the University following a Requirement to Withdraw.

Final Admission

Final admission is based on verification of admissibility once all final, official transcripts, including all previous high school and post-secondary coursework, have been received and reviewed and all conditions of the applicant’s admission have been met. Unless a specific (higher) admission average is required as indicated in the Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties section of this calendar, post-secondary applicants are required to have a minimum of 2.00 Grade Point Average (GPA) on the eight most recently completed post-secondary courses (minimum 24 credit hours).

Official transcripts must include final grades for all Subjects required by the program as indicated in the General Admission Requirements and the Admission Requirements for each program and be received by Aug. 1 for admission to the Fall Semester or by Dec. 1 for admission to the Winter Semester.

3) Mature Admission Category

Applicants will be considered in the Mature Admission Category if they do not meet the requirements associated with the High School Admission Category and have not completed sufficient courses to be considered in the Post-secondary Admission Category, and are 21 years of age by Sep. 1 for the Fall Semester or January 1 for the Winter Semester to which they are applying. All official high school and post-secondary transcripts are required regardless of the level attained. Reporting of high school courses is required to ensure successful completion of the specific high school course requirements for the applicant’s program as indicated in the Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties & Programs  section of this calendar and to provide grade information required for consideration for Conditional Admission.

Conditional Admission 

The Competitive Admission Average for Conditional Admission will be calculated on the two highest final grades from the list of Grade 12 Subjects in Group A. Equivalent post-secondary courses may be substituted for required high school subjects. Post-secondary courses used for admission to a program may also be applied to program graduation requirements, depending on the applicability of the course to the curriculum, the standard of performance achieved and the time limits of the program. 

For some programs, applicants may be required to participate in Non-academic Criteria - see Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties & Programs  section of this calendar.

Final Admission 

Final admission is based on verification of admissibility once all final, official transcripts, including all previous high school and post-secondary coursework, have been received and reviewed and all conditions of the applicant’s admission have been met. Mature applicants are required to remain in good standing if currently enrolled in any post-secondary coursework.

Official transcripts must include final grades for all Subjects required by the program as indicated in the General Admission Requirements and the Admission Requirements for each program and be received by Aug. 1 for admission to the Fall Semester or by Dec. 1 for admission to the Winter Semester.

Repeated Courses

When an applicant presents the same course with more than one grade (i.e. the course has been repeated), the higher grade shall be used for evaluating admissibility in all Admission Categories.
 

Admission to Non-Credential Offerings

University Entrance Option

University Entrance Option is intended for students who wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree or diploma but do not currently meet the Admission Requirements and/or Competitive Admission Average for their intended program. Admission is competitive and applicants are required to meet specific course and grade requirements. Applicants will be considered in the High School or Mature Admission Categories only. Applicants who have completed four or more post-secondary courses by December 31 for the Fall Semester or by Aug. 31 for the Winter Semester are not eligible to be considered for admission to the University Entrance Option.

A student is limited to a maximum of 30 credits (typically ten, three-credit courses) in the University Entrance Option and Open Studies combined. Any awarded grade (including ‘F’ grades) will count towards the limitation but withdrawals will not. Refer to the University Entrance Option  section in this Calendar for more information on admission to the University Entrance Option and to a degree/diploma program following study in the University Entrance Option.  

Open Studies

Open Studies is intended to remove many of the significant barriers inherent in a competitive admission process by providing opportunities for a variety of students to pursue academic courses outside of degree, diploma or certificate programs. A student is limited to a maximum of 30 credits (typically ten, three-credit courses) in Open Studies and the University Entrance Option combined. Any awarded grade (including ‘F’ grades) will count towards the limitation but withdrawals will not. Refer to Open Studies  section in this Calendar.

Admission of Indigenous Applicants

Indigenous applicants may be admitted under two admission routes:

Indigenous applicants will qualify under the general admission route if they meet all Admission Requirements and the Competitive Admission Average for the specific program. 

Indigenous applicants may qualify under the special consideration for designated seats through a program-specific Indigenous admission target if they:

1. self-identify as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission
2. meet the definition of an Indigenous applicant
3. meet the minimum Admission Requirements as indicated in the General Admission Requirements for the University, as well as any program-specific admission requirements

Designated seats, through program-specific Indigenous admission targets, will be filled by Indigenous applicants on a competitive basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply during Early Admission Oct. 1 - Feb. 1. Designated seats will be held until July 15 for the Fall Semester, at which time they will become available for other applicants.

Indigenous Applicant Definition

For the purpose of the application and admission process, an Indigenous applicant is defined as a Canadian who is a Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.

Appropriate Grade 12 Subjects

Applicants must have the required Subjects for their intended program of study as specified within the Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties & Programs section of this calendar. The additional courses that may be presented for evaluation of admissibility include the following courses from Group A, B and C. Equivalent post-secondary courses as determine by the University may be substituted for required high school Subjects.

High School Admission Category

Degree programs

Specific courses required by the program must be included in the five subjects below.

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. Group A course
3. Group A course
4. Group A or B course
5. Group A, B or C course

Diploma programs

Specific courses required by the program must be included in the five subjects below.

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. Group A course
3. Group A, B or C course
4. Group A, B or C course
5. Group A, B or C course

Post-Secondary Admission Category

Specific courses required by the program must be presented for admission.

Mature Admission Category

Specific courses required by the program must be presented for admission.

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. Group A course

University Entrance Option - Non-credential

1. Group A course
2. Group A course
3. Group A course
4. Group A or B course
5. Group A, B or C course

Group A Courses:

• English Language Arts 30-1
• Mathematics 30-1 (or Mathematics 30-2 if accepted by the program)
• Mathematics 31
• Biology 30
• Chemistry 30
• Physics 30
• Science 30
• Aboriginal Studies 30*
• Social Studies 30-1
• French 30, French 31, French Language Arts 30, Francais 30
• All other Languages 30

_{*Aboriginal Studies 30 (five credit) can be used in lieu of Social Studies 30 - 1 to meet a program-level Admission Requirement}

Group B** Courses:

• Art 30
• Art 31
• Computer Science 3 or 4 (CTS Advanced)*
• Drama 30
• Music 30
• Physical Education 30
• Religious Studies 35
• Social Studies 30-2

_{** Courses must be five credits.}

Group C Courses:

• Other five credit Grade 12 subjects or a combination of two-three credit grade 12 subjects
• Five credits of Advanced Career and Technology (CTS) courses

Notes:

• Special Projects 30 cannot be used for admission.
• Applicants cannot use two courses from the same Subject area for the purpose of admission with the exception of Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 and Mathematics 31.
• More than one language at the 30-level can be used to fulfill Group A requirements. (E.g. French 30-3Y and Spanish L&C 30-6Y).

High School Matriculation Equivalents

Mount Royal University academic upgrading courses may be used in lieu of Alberta Grade 12 (30-level) Subjects for the purposes of admission to the University and many other post-secondary institutions in Alberta. It is important to check with the institution directly to confirm the use of any of these courses within the admission process at other post-secondary institutions in Alberta.

* Indicates course has a prerequisite.

Notification of Admission Status

Significant decisions regarding the outcome of the admission evaluation will be communicated through a letter mailed to the applicant’s address as provided on the application for admission. The University will not be responsible for incorrect mailings or for missed deadlines due to an applicant’s failure to report a change of address or to have supporting admission documents delivered to the University by the dates required.

Email will also be used to communicate with the applicant throughout the admission process where appropriate. The email address provided as part of the application for admission will be used for this purpose. 

Application Timelines

Fall Semester

Early Admission: October 1 - February 1

To be considered for Early Admission, the Application for Admission with self-reported courses and/or final, official high school transcripts and final, official post-secondary transcripts must be received at Mount Royal by Feb. 1.

Ongoing Admission: February 2 - until the program is declared full

Applicants who submit their Application for Admission with self-reported courses and/or final, official high school transcripts and final, official post-secondary transcripts on or after Feb. 2 will be considered on an ongoing basis until the program is declared full. Programs will be removed from the online application when they are declared full.

Application Deadlines

For application deadlines for specific programs, refer to the Admission Requirements for each program found in the Academic Faculties & Programs  section of this calendar. If no deadline is specified, applications will be processed until the program is declared full. Some programs may continue to accept applicants until Aug. 31.

For programs with a specific application deadline, all documents as specified under Early Admission and Ongoing Admission above, must be received by the application deadline for that program.

International Student Application Deadline: April 1

International Student Document Deadline: May 1

Winter Semester

Check Programs Offered or the online Application for Admission to determine which programs are accepting applications for the Winter Semester as the list of programs is limited and may vary from year to year.

Early Admission: October 1 - November 1

To be considered for Early Admission, the Application for Admission and final, official high school transcripts and final, official post-secondary transcripts must be received at Mount Royal by Nov. 1.

Ongoing Admission: November 2 - until the program is declared full

Applicants who submit their Application for Admission and/or final, official high school transcripts and final, official post-secondary transcripts on or after Nov. 2 will be considered on an ongoing basis until the program is declared full. Programs will be removed from the online application when they are declared full.

Application Deadline

Applications will be processed until the program is declared full. Some programs may continue to accept applicants until December 20.

International Students (Study Permit Applicants)

There are two categories of international applicants:

1. Applicants residing and applying from outside Canada. This type of applicant may be considered for admission to the Fall Semester only.
2. Applicants presently living or studying in Canada at the University or another institution. This type of applicant may be considered for admission to the Fall Semester or the Winter Semester (depending on program availability).

For applicants applying from outside of Canada with the exception of citizens of the United States, the Application for Admission and all supporting documentation including all final, official high school and post-secondary transcripts and evidence of meeting the English Language Proficiency (Institutional) requirement must be received at Mount Royal by May 1 for admission to the Fall Semester. This is to allow time to process your application and to provide sufficient time to obtain a study permit.
 

Admitted international students are solely responsible for all arrangements relating to their immigration status and entry into Canada.

English Language Proficiency (Institutional) Requirement

The primary language of instruction and communication at Mount Royal is English and it is essential that all students have proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the English language to be successful in their studies. All applicants for whom English is not their First Language (meaning primary language learned, used as a child and still understood) must satisfy two separate and distinct English requirements for admission to the University:

1. Applicants must have successfully completed the English course required for admission to their intended program of study (or equivalent); and
2. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. 

An applicant can demonstrate English Language Proficiency for the purposes of admission in one of the following ways:

1. Successful completion of the equivalent of two years of full-time study (minimum of three courses per semester excluding English as an additional language course) in English-language secondary or post-secondary institution* or a combination of the two. Study must have been in an English-speaking country** as recognized by the University and include the successful completion of English Language Arts 30-1 (or equivalent).
2. Successful completion (with a grade of B- [80%] or better) of the highest level of Academic English (Level 3 Advanced) or LEAP 4 Low Advanced/Advanced taken at the University.
3. Presentation of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)*** with an overall minimum score of 86 and a minimum score of 20 in each of the four testing sections. 1.800.468.6335
4. Presentation of the International English Language Test (Academic IELTS)*** with an overall minimum score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each band).
5. Presentation of the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)*** with an overall minimum score of 70 (with a minimum score of 60 in each band).
6. Presentation of the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)*** with an overall minimum score of 85 (must include the oral component with a minimum score of 3).
7. Presentation of the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)*** with an overall minimum score of 58 (with a minimum score of 55 in each area).
8. Presentation of the Cambridge Assessment English (CAE)*** with C1 Advanced or C2 proficiency with a minimum score of 180.
9. Presentation of the Can TEST with an overall minimum score of 4.5.

Notes:
* Courses must be from a recognized post-secondary institution and must be transferable courses as determined by the University. 
** List of English-speaking countries for the purpose of this ELP requirement.
*** All test results must be “official” meaning they must be issued by the institution/organization directly to Mount Royal University in either print or digital format. IELTS, PTE and CAEL test results can be electronically downloaded by Mount Royal University when applicable information required to download is provided by the applicant.
 

Limitations on Enrolment

Enrolment in University programs and courses is limited to the number of students who can be accommodated within available resources while maintaining the quality of education. As a result, all programs have a fixed capacity. All students who have been issued a letter of acceptance will be required to pay a $425 non-refundable Tuition Deposit by the specific date indicated in their (conditional) offer of admission. The deposit will apply toward tuition and fees for the semester to which the student is admitted. An offer of admission is valid only for the semester indicated on the offer letter. Failure to pay the Tuition Deposit by the required date will result in cancellation of acceptance and the vacancy created will be offered to another qualified applicant.

Program admission waitlists will be formed where required. Applicants whose name is placed on a waitlist may be notified at any point in the admission cycle if a space in the program becomes available. If the applicant does not gain admission by the first day of classes for the semester to which he or she has applied, the waitlist will not be carried forward to the next semester and the applicant must reapply to be considered in a subsequent semester.

Registration in specific courses is subject to the availability of those courses at the time the student registers. Delay in registering in a program may result in limited availability of some or all courses.

Admission Deferral

Applicants offered admission into an undergraduate credit program may request a deferral for up to one year. To be eligible for consideration for a deferral, the applicant must:

1. Accept the offer of admission and pay the Tuition Deposit.
2. Meet the Final Admission criteria for the initial admission offer.
3. Meet any Admission Requirements that may have been implemented for the new semester of admission.
4. Submit the Request for Admission Deferral Form by Aug. 15 for the Fall Semester or by Dec. 15 for the Winter Semester outlining the reasons for the request and including the appropriate supporting documentation such as: 
   • a doctor’s letter that explicitly states that a physical or psychological condition makes it impossible to attend the University for the specified time period;
   • proof of intended participation in an exchange or volunteer program with clear required timelines; or
   • Proof of study permit delay (but not denial) including proof of timely submission of a completed application for a study permit to study in Canada.

If the admission deferral is approved, the applicant may not attend any high school or post-secondary institution during the period of deferred admission. The University has the right to refuse any request and there is no appeal process. 

Re-Admission to the University

Students are permitted to interrupt their studies for a maximum of six consecutive semesters (including the Spring and Summer semesters) and return to the same program of study. Students who have interrupted their studies for a longer period of time must apply for admission to a semester that has an intake for their program (normally Fall Semester), complete the application procedures in accordance with the application timelines, pay the non-refundable application processing fee, and be admitted upon each return. To qualify for graduation status, re-admitted students must fulfill the graduation requirements in effect at the time of their re-admission.

Re-Admission following an Interruption of Program of Studies

Students who have interrupted their program for longer than the allowable period and wish to return to the same program will be required to reapply for admission and meet the current admission requirements in place for that program but will not be required to meet the competitive admission average if:

1. they apply during Early Admission;
2. there is space available in the program to which they are seeking re-admission; and
3. they have not taken courses outside of their program at the University or attended another post-secondary institution in the interim.

The student’s application will be processed in the same timeframe using the standard admission processes. A student readmitted to the program is governed by the program requirements in effect at the time of the most recent admission.

Re-Admission to the University following a Requirement to Withdraw

A student who has been Required to Withdraw from the University, or any other post-secondary institution, will not be admitted to the University until at least a 12-month period has elapsed since the student was Required to Withdraw.

Applicants who have been Required to Withdraw from the University, or another post-secondary institution, for academic reasons, may be considered for admission to their intended program through the High School Admission Category or Mature Admission Category, after a 12-month period has elapsed unless they have completed four or more additional post-secondary courses by Dec. 31 for the following Fall Semester or by Aug. 31 for the following Winter Semester, in which case they will be considered under the Post-secondary Admission Category.

A student may register in non-credit academic upgrading courses, during the 12-month waiting period. Students who have been Required to Withdraw must apply for re-admission in accordance with re-admission procedures.

Re-Admission to the University following a Requirement to Withdraw from a Specific Program

A student who has been Required to Withdraw from a specific program at the University, will not be re-admitted to that same program until at least a 12-month period has elapsed since the student was Required to Withdraw. A student will only be considered for re-admission to the same program where program requirements allow it.

A student who has been Required to Withdraw from a specific program at the University or another post-secondary institution may apply and be considered for an alternate program without serving the 12-month waiting period. A student applying for admission under these circumstances will be considered for admission under the same Admission Categories and timelines as all other applicants.

Admission Appeals

Students who have not been offered admission can request that the Dean or designate consider an Exceptional Admission. There is no appeal to the decision.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Applicants who successfully complete Advanced Placement (AP) courses may use applicable AP courses for the purpose of admission and/or transfer credit. Applicants, who complete both Advanced Placement courses and high school courses, will be assessed on the grades that are most advantageous for the student within the High School Admission Category. Official transcripts must be ordered through the Advanced Placement program at College Board.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Applicants who successfully complete International Baccalaureate (IB) courses may use applicable IB courses for the purpose of admission and/or transfer credit. Applicants, who complete both IB courses and high school courses, will be assessed on the grades that are most advantageous for the student within the High School Admission Category. Official transcripts must be ordered through the International Baccalaureate Organization. Information on how to request official transcripts can be found here.

Home School

Home-schooled applicants who present recognized secondary credentials will be considered for admission to Mount Royal.