The University of Alberta's 26-month, full-time Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is offered across Edmonton, Calgary and Augustana (Camrose). Admission requires Casper, approved prerequisites and a competitive academic record. Eligible applicants are considered through a two-route lottery; the program does not conduct interviews. The curriculum combines coursework with four fieldwork placements.
- Program
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MScOT)
- Credential
- MScOT
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- January 31, 2027 (Application and supporting documents, including international applications (11:59 p.m. MST))
- Interview
- No interview
- Seats
- Approximately 124 admitted across all campuses
- Length
- 26 months, full-time and year-round
Casper Requirement for University of Alberta Occupational Therapy
University of Alberta Occupational Therapy requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Languages
- English
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Take Casper once per admission cycle on a sitting listed for UAlberta Occupational Therapy before the application deadline. Results go directly to the department.
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.
Practice with Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank, featuring 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
University of Alberta Occupational Therapy Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- University of Alberta Graduate Admissions Portal (GAP)
- Applications open
- November 1, 2026
- Application fee
- $135 CAD, non-refundable
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Application and supporting documents, including international applications (11:59 p.m. MST) | January 31, 2027upcoming |
| Approval requests for unlisted prerequisite courses | January 31, 2027upcoming |
| Final transcripts for outstanding degree or prerequisite work | June 30, 2027upcoming |
You may apply while completing a degree or approved prerequisites. Upload transcripts showing current enrolment; outstanding final results must reach the department by the final-transcript deadline.
University of Alberta Occupational Therapy Admissions Statistics
Period: Annual program estimates
- Seats / class size: Approximately 124 admitted across all campuses
- Applicants: 800+ applications annually
- Alberta-reserved seats: 102
- Indigenous-reserved seats: 2
Eligibility Requirements for University of Alberta Occupational Therapy
- Degree / credits
A four-year undergraduate degree, or academic equivalent, from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta. Degree requirements, convocation date and official grades must appear on a transcript by the final-transcript deadline.
- Residency
Alberta residents receive preference; 102 of approximately 124 seats are reserved for them. At most 15% of seats are offered to out-of-province or foreign applicants.
- Citizenship
International applicants are accepted; they should confirm degree equivalency.
- Language proficiency
Applicants who are not exempt may need a qualifying English-language test completed within two years. The department lists TOEFL, Academic IELTS and Academic PTE; see the test requirements.
Preference is given to candidates who have completed at least 24 credits in a full course load of 4-5 courses per term.
Other requirements
- Prerequisite-course approval: For courses absent from approved lists, email a PDF syllabus to mscot@ualberta.ca before the application deadline; international applicants must obtain review of statistics and anatomy courses.
- Academic transcripts: Upload PDFs from every postsecondary institution attended, showing fall grades and applicable winter registration.
- Residency or Indigenous-identity proof: Provide proof if offered a seat reserved on that basis.
Selection Factors University of Alberta Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Statistics | Approved course, at least 3 credits, completed within five years of application Must cover the required introductory statistics topics. |
| Human Anatomy | Approved course, at least 3 credits, completed within five years of application Must cover whole-body human anatomy; physiology alone does not qualify. |
| Canadian Indigenous History | Approved 3-credit course or Indigenous Canada MOOC certificate MOOC certificate must be complete and uploaded with the application. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
GPA on the 4-point scale uses the most recent applicable 60 credits completed by January 1 of the admission year. Eligible spring/summer, exchange and graduate courses may count; repeated, pass/fail, practicum, certificate and diploma courses do not.
- Minimum
- 3.0
- Competitive
- At least 3.4 is advised; Route 1 requires 3.8-4.0.
Admissions tests
- TOEFL iBT (required for some applicants): If English proficiency proof is required: for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, at least 5.5 overall and 5 in each skill; for earlier tests, 100 overall and 25 in each skill. Test must be within two years.
- IELTS Academic (required for some applicants): If required: at least 7.5 overall and 7.0 in each band; test must be within two years.
- PTE Academic (required for some applicants): If required: at least 61 overall and 60 in each band; test must be within two years.
Experience and volunteer hours
Not required.
No work or volunteer experience is required, though it may strengthen an application. Relevant significant work experience is one possible Route 2 criterion.
Supplementary application
After submitting and paying for the application, complete both mandatory forms under Forms & Additional Uploads: the Statement of Interest and Applicant Self Reflection Questionnaire (ASRQ). Upload a CV/resume and transcripts. References are not required or accepted.
How applicants are ranked
Eligible applications enter a two-route lottery. Route 1: GPA 3.8-4.0, fourth-quartile Casper and completed prerequisites; lottery for 70% of seats. Route 2: GPA 3.4-4.0, completed prerequisites and at least four specified life-experience/background criteria; lottery for 30%. Remaining applicants are considered using GPA, Casper and the Statement of Interest/ASRQ. Eligible applicants may enter both routes.
Interview Format at University of Alberta
Format: No interview
The program does not conduct applicant interviews.
- Who is invited
- No applicants are interviewed.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of Alberta Occupational Therapy
- Program length
- 26 months, full-time and year-round
- Structure
Coursework, course-related activities and four fieldwork placements of 6-7 weeks each.
- Campuses
- Edmonton, Calgary, Augustana (Camrose)
Students engage in diverse clinical settings and build competencies in client-centered practice. Graduates align with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) Code of Ethics, focusing on direct client services, management, and research. Program culture emphasizes practical application.
Campus and facilities
The entry-level MScOT is offered in Edmonton, Calgary and Augustana (Camrose); students complete the same core program across campuses.
Tuition and Funding at University of Alberta
- Estimated domestic tuition and non-instructional program cost: Approximately $31,291.81
- Estimated international tuition: Approximately $72,119.04
The international estimate excludes approximately $5,000 in non-instructional fees. Estimates exclude textbooks and living expenses.
University of Alberta's Mission and Values
Graduates align with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) Code of Ethics, focusing on direct client services, management, and research.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students report that demonstrating sustained full-time study distinguishes top candidates. One admitted student noted scoring in the third quartile on Casper alongside a solid GPA. Students describe the environment as academically demanding yet supportive. SDN forums host discussions among OT students on fieldwork, board exams, and careers. Matriculated students highlight balancing intensive placements with peer support networks.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your University of Alberta Occupational Therapy Application
- Use Acuity's full-length Casper practice test to learn its format.
- Aim to demonstrate a strong GPA while carrying at least 24 credits over two consecutive terms.
- Complete or arrange approved prerequisite courses early.
- Prepare the required Statement of Interest, ASRQ, CV and transcripts.
- If applicable, confirm English proficiency and international course equivalencies early.
More About University of Alberta Occupational Therapy
- Department
Department of Occupational Therapy
- Focus
Evidence-based practice helping clients of all ages regain meaningful daily activities; recovery-focused interventions
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Alberta Occupational Therapy
Does University of Alberta Occupational Therapy require Casper?
Yes. Take Casper once per admission cycle on a sitting listed for UAlberta Occupational Therapy before the application deadline.
What is the minimum GPA for University of Alberta OT admissions?
The university minimum is 3.0/4.0; the program advises at least 3.4 on the most recent applicable 60 credits. Route 1 requires 3.8-4.0.
Is the University of Alberta Occupational Therapy interview MMI?
No. The program does not conduct applicant interviews.
Are volunteer hours required for University of Alberta OT?
No work or volunteer experience is required, although it may strengthen an application.
What is the University of Alberta OT program length?
The full-time, year-round program takes 26 months and includes four fieldwork placements of 6-7 weeks each.
Can I apply to University of Alberta OT before completing prerequisites?
Yes. Upload proof of enrolment in approved courses with your application and provide final transcripts by the final-transcript deadline. The Indigenous Canada MOOC certificate must be complete when you apply.
What are Casper test dates for University of Alberta OT?
Choose a sitting listed for UAlberta Occupational Therapy in Acuity's booking portal and complete it before the application deadline.
Does University of Alberta OT accept international students?
Yes. International applicants must meet degree-equivalency and prerequisite requirements and, where applicable, provide proof of English proficiency.
Sources
- UAlberta OT Admissions
- UAlberta Application Review and Admission Offers
- UAlberta OT FAQs
- UAlberta Program Information
- UAlberta Master of Science (Occupational Therapy)
- UAlberta Fees for Special Services
- Acuity Insights Test Dates and School Information
Last updated: September 26, 2026