A.10 Student Access Process
The University of Calgary is committed to intentionally pursuing inclusive excellence. This Student Access Process supports additional review, considering factors that may have negatively impacted a student’s access to university admissions.
The Student Access Process acknowledges that students have diverse identities, backgrounds and experiences that have shaped opportunity structures. We encourage and welcome applications from students from equity-deserving groups and/or students that have experienced social and economic barriers, acute illness, chronic conditions, disability, marginalization and/or systemic discrimination. We commit consider these negative impacts holistically by considering an applicant’s background, educational pathway and work and family responsibilities with the University of Calgary’s admission requirements to ensure all applicants are given the opportunity to succeed.
To be considered for the Student Access Process applicants must indicate this in the application by the application deadline and submit a personal statement in addition to the standard application materials. The personal statement can be in the format of the student’s choice (oral, written, video) and must be uploaded to the Student Centre by the document deadline. This statement should highlight how they have demonstrated perseverance, adaptability, flexibility and/or dedication in response to one or more of the circumstances listed above, showcasing their potential to succeed. By focusing on achievements in context, we aim to understand how applicants overcame adversity to evaluate how they, as a whole person, could grow, contribute and thrive at UCalgary.
A student’s application will not be delayed or negatively impacted by adding the Student Access Process. Students who apply will first be considered through the competitive admission process and may be considered for alternate programs including:
Admission to their first-choice degree program
Admission to their first-choice degree program through bridging with possible additional requirements (when a faculty bridging program is in place)
Admission to another degree program aligned with their interests
Admission to Open Studies
A faculty-specific admission committee will review all complete applications which meet the following criteria:
High school applicants must present the successful completion of English 30-1 (or equivalent) and at least two other 30 level (or equivalent) approved courses including required courses for admission as specified in section A.5.4 Adult Student Admission for undergraduate admission or A.15 Admission to Open Studies (Degree holder and Non-Degree holder) for Open Studies admission. Faculties with bridging programs that provide academic upgrading may consider courses at the 20 level.
Transfer applicants must meet the requirements as outlined in section A.5.3.1 Transfer Admission Requirements. Faculties may waive post-secondary course requirements and faculties with a bridging program that provides academic upgrading may consider high school courses at the 20 level when a progression pathway is in place.
Applicants with an academic average below the calendar minimum will be considered for Open Studies only. Calendar minimum for High School means applicants have the required courses and if presenting an option, have a minimum of 65 per cent average on the remaining four courses. Transfer students must have the required courses and a minimum 2.00 GPA.
Applicants must meet the University’s English Language Proficiency requirement.
Applicants who are unable to obtain transcripts due to reasons beyond their control may complete a statutory declaration to have their application considered without them.
Support for the Student Access Process is available through the Community Engagement Recruitment Advisor. For further information about the Student Access Process and application deadlines, visit: Student Access Process.