For the MSc, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are a four-year undergraduate degree with a strong background in mathematics, physics and/or statistics, 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.
For the PhD, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an MSc degree in mathematical, physical, or statistical sciences, 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.
Previous credentials for applicants to Mathematical Finance should be in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering or Finance.
Previous credentials for applicants to Statistical Machine Learning should be in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences or Computing Science.
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.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to
). Any one of the following is acceptable:
a minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) score of:
For tests written before January 21, 2026:
100 with a minimum score of 22 in each individual skill area, or equivalent;
For tests written on or after January 21, 2026:
5 with a minimum score of 4.5 in each individual skill area, or equivalent;
a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 on each band;
a minimum PTE overall score of 68 with a minimum of 60 in each category;
The Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences offers graduate programs leading to the degree of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Finance, Mathematical Physics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, Statistical Machine Learning, and Modelling, Data, and Predictions. Currently there is no course-based MSc program in Statistical Machine Learning, no thesis-based MSc or PhD programs in Modelling, Data, and Predictions, and no PhD program in Biostatistics. Prospective graduate students should consult the Department about facilities available and the background required for the field in which they are interested.