U Alberta SLP: Admissions Guide 2026-2027

University of AlbertaSpeech Language PathologyEdmonton, Alberta, Canada2026-2027 cycle

The University of Alberta's MSc in Speech-Language Pathology is offered in Edmonton and at Augustana campus in Camrose. Applicants need a four-year undergraduate degree, seven specified prerequisite courses, a minimum admission GPA of 3.3 and Casper. The program combines coursework with clinical training and offers a course-based route and an optional thesis track.

Program: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSc-SLP)
Credential: MSc-SLP
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Casper: Required
Next deadline: February 1, 2027 (Application, payment and required documents (11:59 p.m.))
Length: Normally at least two calendar years; the thesis track will most likely require an additional term

Casper Requirement for University of Alberta Speech Language Pathology

University of Alberta Speech Language Pathology requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Languages: English
Distribution fee: Check Acuity Insights for the current distribution fee

Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.

Casper is required for every applicant. Results are valid for one admissions cycle, so reapplicants must retake the test. The department lists a January test cutoff without an exact day.

Casper format

Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.

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University of Alberta Speech Language Pathology Application Deadlines 2026-2027

Apply through: University of Alberta Graduate Application Portal
Applications open: November 1, 2026
Application fee: $135 CAD, non-refundable

What	When
Application, payment and required documents (11:59 p.m.)	February 1, 2027upcoming
Referee letters	February 1, 2027upcoming
Casper test cutoff	January 2027; exact day not published

No more than two prerequisite courses may remain in progress or be planned after the application deadline; all must be complete before fall entry. Submit proof of registration for spring or summer prerequisites to the department. Files close after the application deadline.

Eligibility Requirements for University of Alberta Speech Language Pathology

Degree / credits: A four-year undergraduate degree or recognized equivalent, plus the seven specified prerequisites.
Language proficiency: Applicants whose recognized degree was not taught in English must meet the program's English-language test requirements.

Admission pathways

Indigenous admission positions: Two positions per admission year are reserved for Indigenous applicants who meet the department's minimum admission requirements; applicants seeking consideration must provide documentation of Canadian Indigeneity.

Degrees from outside Canada are assessed for equivalence to a University of Alberta bachelor's degree. Internationally trained applicants should contact the department about prerequisite-course approval.

Other requirements

Indigenous perspectives in Canada course: Admitted students must complete an approved course or the certificate version of the Indigenous Canada MOOC and provide proof before program start.

Selection Factors University of Alberta Considers

Prerequisites

Course	Requirement
Statistics	required 3 credits
Child Development or Developmental Psychology	required 3 credits
Cognitive Psychology	required 3 credits
Neuroanatomy or Neuropsychology	required 3 credits
Introductory Linguistics	required 3 credits
Articulatory Phonetics	required 3 credits
Child Language Development, Child Language Acquisition or First Language Acquisition	required 3 credits

GPA

How it is calculated: Admission GPA uses the most recent applicable 60 graded credits completed by the start of the admission year; if 60 credits falls mid-semester, the whole semester is used. Eligible spring/summer, exchange and graduate courses count; diploma, certificate, practicum and pass/fail courses do not.
Minimum: 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
Competitive: Accepted applicants usually have an admission GPA substantially above the 3.3 minimum; no specific competitive cutoff is published.

Admissions tests

TOEFL iBT (required for some applicants): For tests taken under the revised scoring scale: overall 5.5; reading, listening and speaking 5 each; writing 5.5.
IELTS Academic or General Training (required for some applicants): Overall and each of the four sections: 7.5.

Supplementary application

Upload current transcripts, a résumé and a statement of interest of no more than two double-spaced pages. Provide three references, at least two academic. The statement addresses your interest in SLP and UAlberta, your qualities, and your perspective or experiences concerning equity, diversity and inclusion; its fourth prompt is optional.

How applicants are ranked

Applications are first reviewed in detail by two faculty members, then by the admissions committee. Review includes academic requirements, Casper, the statement of interest, résumé and references. Personal interviews may be used if needed for final decisions; no interview-ranking formula is published.

Interview Format at University of Alberta

Personal interviews may be used if needed for final decisions; no routine format is published.

Who is invited: Applicants selected if an interview is needed for a final decision

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Curriculum at University of Alberta Speech Language Pathology

Program length: Normally at least two calendar years; the thesis track will most likely require an additional term
Structure: Integrates coursework with clinical practicum. Competency-based assessment model tracking essential skills and attributes (ESAs).
Campuses: Edmonton, Augustana (Camrose)

The course-based program includes coursework, clinical practica and a research project. Students must accrue at least 350 supervised clinical hours, including 300 direct-contact hours; the thesis track has the same academic and clinical requirements.

Campus and facilities

The MScSLP program is offered in Edmonton and at Augustana campus in Camrose. Students at both campuses complete the same core program; campus-specific electives may differ.

Tuition and Funding at University of Alberta

Clinical operations and practicum fee: $3,450-$4,000 CAD, variable
First-year materials: $45-$60 CAD, variable

These are listed additional program costs, not total tuition; tuition for the incoming class is not stated here.

University of Alberta's Mission and Values

The program emphasizes developing core competencies in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and management of articulation, language, fluency, voice, and resonance disorders.

What Applicants Are Saying

Students report a program culture that prioritizes hands-on clinical experience, with graduates typically accumulating 400-500 clinical hours by completion. Matriculated students describe the learning environment as one that balances rigorous academics with practical placements, fostering essential skills and attributes (ESAs) for scientific knowledge and professional attitudes in speech-language pathology. Current students recommend balancing academics with volunteer hours to demonstrate commitment.

Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.

How to Prepare Your University of Alberta Speech Language Pathology Application

Check your four-year degree and all seven specified prerequisites.
Calculate your admission GPA from your most recent applicable 60 graded credits.
Book Casper within the department's published testing window.
Prepare your transcripts, résumé, statement of interest and three references.
Review both Edmonton and Augustana campus options.

More About University of Alberta Speech Language Pathology

Department: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Program clinical minimum: 350 supervised hours, including 300 direct-contact hours

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Alberta Speech Language Pathology

What is the minimum GPA for University of Alberta SLP admissions?

The minimum admission GPA is 3.3/4.0, calculated from the most recent applicable 60 graded credits. No numerical competitive cutoff is published.

Is Casper required for University of Alberta Speech Language Pathology?

Yes. All MScSLP applicants must complete Casper, and results are valid for one admissions cycle.

What are the prerequisite courses for U of A SLP program?

Seven specified three-credit courses are required: statistics, child development, cognitive psychology, neuroanatomy or neuropsychology, introductory linguistics, articulatory phonetics, and child language development or acquisition. Up to two may remain to be completed after applying; all must be finished before entry.

How competitive is University of Alberta Speech Language Pathology admissions?

Admission is competitive: accepted applicants usually have GPAs substantially above the 3.3 minimum, but no numerical competitive GPA or acceptance rate is published. Applicants must also meet the other admission requirements, including Casper.

What are Casper test dates for U of A SLP?

The department lists a January Casper test cutoff without an exact day. Check Acuity Insights for available sittings and times.

Does University of Alberta SLP have interviews?

Personal interviews may be used if needed for final decisions. No routine interview format or schedule is published.

How many clinical hours in U of A Speech Language Pathology program?

The program requires at least 350 supervised clinical hours, including 300 direct-contact hours; it does not publish a higher graduation requirement.

Can international students apply to U of A SLP?

International applicants may apply with a qualifying four-year degree and the required prerequisites and admission GPA. Applicants whose recognized degree was not taught in English must meet the program's English-language test requirements, and all applicants must complete Casper.

Sources

Last updated: September 26, 2026