Calgary checklist
Here’s the table with the key deadline highlighted for clarity:
| Requirement | Details | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship / Residency | Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold refugee status. | Alberta residency is preferred: • Physically present in Alberta (or NWT/Yukon/Nunavut) for 24 consecutive months between age 15 and program start, OR • Active duty in Canadian Armed Forces (not reserves) or RCMP for 24 months prior to classes. |
| Education | Completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution. Proof of completion (transcript showing degree conferral date or faculty letter) required by July 1. | Include all post-secondary institutions attended in the application. |
| GPA | Minimum 3.20 on UCalgary 4.0 scale. Calculated over the most recent 60 units (last 2 years of undergrad). | Ensure transcripts clearly show units and grades. |
| Prerequisite Coursework | Human Anatomy (3.0 units), Human Physiology (3.0 units), Indigenous Education (one option required): • Indigenous Canada MOOC (certificate/screenshot) • UCalgary Indigenous Relations Training Program (acknowledgement) • Post-secondary Indigenous Studies course (≥3 units, official transcript; course outline may be requested) • Degree, diploma, or certificate in Indigenous studies (official transcript) | Proof of completion required by program start. Minimum grade B (3.0/4.0). |
| Healthcare Experience | Minimum 500 hours of patient-facing clinical experience (hands-on care, clinical placements, or volunteer work). Document hours, location, role, verifier name, phone number. | MPAS office cannot pre-approve experiences; meeting minimum hours does not guarantee admission. |
| Reference Letters | Two professional references required. Referees must have directly supervised or managed applicant. At least one must have supervised healthcare experience. Professional/organizational email required. | Acceptable referees: employers, supervisors, clinical preceptors, volunteer coordinators, academic advisors. |
| Personal Essay | Maximum 500 words. Should describe: • Skills and attributes to succeed in the program • Vision of future role as a Physician Assistant | Focus on experience, motivation, and professional goals. |
| CASPer | Mandatory 90–110 minute online situational judgment test. Assesses non-cognitive and interpersonal skills. Must be completed in the same application cycle. | Register at Acuity Insights – CASPer. |
| Community Service (Preferred) | Demonstrated commitment to community service. Document hours, location, role, verifier name, phone number. | Strengthens application but not required. |
| Transcripts | Submit unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions initially. Official transcripts requested upon admission offer. | Submission: • Hard copy: Mail/courier in sealed envelope to: Faculty of Graduate Studies, MacKimmie Tower, 2nd Floor, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada • Electronic: Sent directly from institution to gradtranscripts@ucalgary.ca |
| Selection | Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Applications ranked on: reference letters, personal essay, healthcare experience, CASPer score, GPA. | Prepare a strong, well-documented application to maximize competitiveness. |
✅ Highlighted Deadlines:
- Education proof: July 1
- Prerequisite coursework (Indigenous Education): Before program start