Master of Arts (Modern Languages and Cultural Studies)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Master of Arts (Modern Languages and Cultural Studies) cost?

  CAD 10,519 / year.

• What English score does it need?

  IELTS 7.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.

• What are the entry requirements?

  The Department’s minimum admission requirement for the MA program is an undergraduate degree in a related field or the equivalent with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. The minimum admission requirement for the PhD program is an MA degree or the equivalent, related to the area of specialization with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last «60 of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. Graduate students entering a degree program in MLCS are required to have at least one language other than English, as assessed by the Graduate Committee. Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable: a TOEFL (Internet-based) score of: For tests written before January 21, 2026: 100 or equivalent, For tests written on or after January 21, 2026: 5 or equivalent, an IELTS score of 7.0, other acceptable English language proficiency tests. Applicants are also required to submit the following Curriculum Vitae Three references (for PhD applicants, one referee should be the Master’s supervisor) Statement of Purpose – describe academic background and reasons for pursuing graduate studies Two academic writing samples – one written in English and one in the language of focus area. Applicants to the thesis-based MA or PhD programs must also submit a Research Proposal – 4-5 pages, including a review of background literature, general information regarding methodology and goals, and a bibliography. For information on how to apply see Admissions on the Department website. Visit Graduate program application deadlines to see deadlines for all programs in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies. APPLY NOW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Faculty: Arts Delivery Mode: On Campus Program Type: Course Based, Thesis Based Degree Level: Master's Program Requirements · English: IELTS 7.0; TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 61 · English test waiver: Applicants may satisfy the requirement without a test by holding a degree, or its academic equivalent, from an institution recognised by the University of Alberta at which the language of instruction is English; GPS also maintains a list of international post-secondary institutions at which the language requirement is English. The requirement is not waived for students temporarily in Canada, and departments and GPS may require further demonstration of proficiency. Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-studies/resources/policies-procedures/graduate-program-manual/section-5-admissions/5-8-english-language-proficiency-requirement.html · Application fee: CAD 135.00 for all applications to graduate programs, charged at the end of the online application and payable by credit card only (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover; Visa/Mastercard debit and prepaid cards are not accepted). Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-studies/resources/policies-procedures/graduate-program-manual/section-5-admissions/5-4-application-fee.html

• Is there a scholarship?

  The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over CAD 35 million each year in scholarships, awards and financial support for graduate students; opportunities vary by faculty. GPS states that there are limited funding opportunities for students in part-time graduate study or completing a certificate programme. Source View scholarship page