
Course at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- North Campus (Edmonton), CanadaLocation
- Political ScienceField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- North Campus (Edmonton)Campus
- Master of ArtsAwards
- $10,519Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The Department of Political Science offers programs leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, and the Master of Arts in Policy Studies. The following fields of study are offered in the master’s and doctoral programs: Canadian politics, comparative politics, gender and politics, international relations, and political philosophy/theory.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeCourse Based; Thesis Based
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
The Department’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an average of 3.3 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. For all programs, an undergraduate degree in Political Science or close cognates such as International Relations or International Political Economy is strongly preferred. Applicants with other undergraduate majors should normally have at least equivalent to 30 units of graded credits of coursework in Political Science. For the MA in Policy Studies, an undergraduate degree in Public Policy is also acceptable. For the MA in Policy Studies course-based route, relevant work experience in the policy community is required. A TOEFL (Internet-based) score of 100 for tests written before January 21, 2026, or a TOEFL (Internet-based) score of 5 for tests written on or after January 21, 2026, or an equivalent score on a test acceptable to GPS is required where applicable. A statement of intent, a writing sample, and a CV are also required. For more information on the University’s commitment to the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Indigenous students, see Indigenous Applicants . APPLY NOW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Faculty: Arts Delivery Mode: On Campus Program Type: Course Based, Thesis Based Degree Level: Master's Program Requirements · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); 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
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$10,519 CAD / year≈ $7,734 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsThe 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. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: Starting term(s): Fall. All applicants: Fall application window: Sept. 1 – Jan. 15 Deadline row covers specializations: Policy Studies (Course and Practicum); General Source: Graduate Program Application Deadlines (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-stu…
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Master of Arts (Political Science) cost?
CAD 10,519 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
What are the entry requirements?
The Department’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an average of 3.3 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. For all programs, an undergraduate degree in Political Science or close cognates such as International Relations or International Political Economy is strongly preferred. Applicants with other undergraduate majors should normally have at least equivalent to 30 units of graded credits of coursework in Political Science. For the MA in Policy Studies, an undergraduate degree in Public Policy is also acceptable. For the MA in Policy Studies course-based route, relevant work experience in the policy community is required. A TOEFL (Internet-based) score of 100 for tests written before January 21, 2026, or a TOEFL (Internet-based) score of 5 for tests written on or after January 21, 2026, or an equivalent score on a test acceptable to GPS is required where applicable. A statement of intent, a writing sample, and a CV are also required. For more information on the University’s commitment to the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Indigenous students, see Indigenous Applicants . APPLY NOW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Faculty: Arts Delivery Mode: On Campus Program Type: Course Based, Thesis Based Degree Level: Master's Program Requirements · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); 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
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