ULethbridge is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and representative workforce that is reflective of the community we serve. The University welcomes all applications from qualified candidates including all employment equity groups of indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, racialized individuals and persons of diverse gender and sexual orientation protected under the Alberta Human rights code.

To study in Canada for any period longer than six months, you will need a study permit. A study permit is an official document issued by the government of Canada which grants you temporary resident status and allows you to study at a designated learning institution such as the University of Lethbridge.

Please keep in mind that your study permit is not an entry document. To enter Canada, you will most likely require either a Temporary Resident Visa or an electronic Travel Authorization. No separate application is required for these; you will receive the correct entry authorization automatically along with your Letter of Introduction when your study permit is approved.

There may be conditions on your study permit indicating the level of studies you can attend and whether or not you are permitted to work or travel inside Canada. It is important that you understand and comply with the conditions of your study permit. Review your study permit carefully when you receive it.

Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
Graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Desire to stay in Canada temporarily for work.

Important Note:
Graduating from a DLI doesn't automatically qualify you for a PGWP.

Validity of PGWP:
Depends on the length of the study program or the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

Duration of PGWP Based on Study Program Length:
Less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials): Not eligible for PGWP.
At least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years: PGWP may be granted for the same length as the study program (e.g., a 9-month program results in a 9-month PGWP).
2 years or more: PGWP may be valid for 3 years.

Completion of Multiple Programs:
PGWP may combine the lengths of each program if:
Each program is PGWP eligible.
Each program is at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length.

Important Restriction:
You cannot obtain a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study

Four-year Bachelor’s degree or a three-year Bachelor’s degree plus a Master’s degree with a minimum of First Class/Division1 standing, or 4/5

The ELP requirement must be met prior to registration in a graduate program. The University reserves the right to use discretion in determining adequate levels of language proficiency to ensure success in academic programs. In all cases, the decision of the School of Graduate Studies shall be final.

Required Documentation
All proof of English proficiency must be provided on official academic transcripts or standardized test score reports. Standardized test scores must be valid and verifiable.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

ELP may be demonstrated through successful completion of a baccalaureate or master's degree at a recognized institution in Canada or another country where English is recognized as the primary language (see Recognized Countries, below). The student's work must have been in English.
OR
ELP may be demonstrated by any of the following within two years of applying to the University:

Successful completion of a baccalaureate or master's degree at a recognized institution where the language of instruction is English. See. Other institutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The student's work must be in English.

English for Academic Purposes (Must have been completed within two years prior to the date of application).

Successful completion of the Advanced Level of the University of Lethbridge English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.

A passing grade in an EAP program accepted as a means of satisfying ELP by another recognized Canadian university, and whose ELP requirement is at least as demanding as that of the University of Lethbridge.

A passing grade in an EAP program approved by the School of Graduate Studies.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL (iBT) or TOEFL iBT Home Edition) with a minimum total score of 86.
(University of Lethbridge Destination Institution (DI) code: 0855)

Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS or IELTS Online) test, taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 6.5, and a minimum score of 6.0 in each band. IELTS One Skill Retake results are accepted.

Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced), with a minimum score of 176, and a minimum 176 in each subscore.

Cambridge English Qualifications: C2 Proficiency (C2 Proficiency), with a minimum score of 176, and a minimum 176 in each subscore.

Academic Pearson Test of English (PTE), taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 63.

Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL or CAEL Online) assessment, taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 70.

Duolingo with a minimum score of 115.

Successful completion of the Conditional English Language Proficiency via EAP

Highly-qualified applicants who do not meet the minimum English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement may be issued a conditional Offer of Admission.
Conditional admission allows applicants to apply for a study permit (if necessary) and begin their studies in the University's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.
Applicants admitted via the Conditional English Proficiency Admission route may be permitted to begin their studies provided that the ELP requirement is met by another approved means by August 1 for the fall term, November 15 for the winter term, or April 15 for the summer term.
To be considered for Conditional English Proficiency Admission (ELP), the applicant must:

meet the academic requirements of the desired program;
have a minimum score of 6.0 in each band of the IELTS test; or a minimum overall score of 80 on the iBT TOEFL, (with minimum scores of 16 in each of Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and a minimum score of 18 in Writing), IELTS and iBT TOEFL test must be written within two years of application to the University of Lethbridge; and
be recommended for Conditional English Proficiency Admission by the appropriate graduate Program Committee.
Applicants admitted via the Conditional English Proficiency Admission route will normally be placed in the Advanced Level of the EAP program, and the University reserves the right to move the applicant to a lower level if deemed necessary.
Applicants are expected to successfully complete the Advanced Level of the EAP program in the term indicated in their Offer of Admission and begin their graduate program the next available term. Applicants who do not fulfill the ELP requirement during the specified period will have their Offer of Admission rescinded. These applicants may continue in the EAP program and reapply to a graduate program for a future term.
Upon successful completion of the EAP program, the student will proceed directly into the graduate degree program in the next available term.
Students admitted via the Conditional English Proficiency Admission route may not make academic progress or engage in academic research toward their desired University of Lethbridge program before the ELP condition from the Offer of Admission is met. The School of Graduate Studies does not provide any financial support for students while they are enrolled in the EAP program.
Students admitted via the Conditional English Proficiency Admission route are considered to be full-time students while enrolled in the EAP program.