Admission Requirements – Arts and Science Programs
We are glad that you are considering becoming a student at St. Mary’s University. Admission to undergraduate Arts and Science programs may be obtained under one of the following categories as determined by the Admissions Office:
- High School Standing 2025/2026 School Year
- High School Standing for Winter 2025, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025
- Post-Secondary Standing
- Mature Standing
- Visiting Student Admission
- Re-admission to the University
- Special Admission
- Out of Province Students
- Home Educated Students
- International Student Admission
High School Standing – For the 2025/2026 Academic Year
Applicants in this category must have received a high school diploma and must have an overall average of 65 % or higher on five 30-level subjects as listed below.
For entry in: English, General Studies, History, Liberal Studies, Social Justice & Catholic Studies, Open Studies & Diploma Program
- English 30-1
- Three of:
- Math 30-1
- Math 30-2
- 30-level language other than English
- Aboriginal Studies 30
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- Math 31
- Physics 30
- Science 30
- Social Studies 30-1
- Art 30
- Art 31
- Choral Music 30
- General Music 30
- Instrumental Music 30
- Drama 30
- Dance 35
- Musical Theatre 35
- CTS Computing Science 30 (5 credits)
3. An additional approved 5-credit 30-level course, the average of two approved 3-credit 30-level courses, or the average of five approved 1-credit Advanced-level CTS courses from the same occupational area. For a more detailed explanation of the courses that will fulfil this requirement.
One additional course from the below list:
- One additional 5-credit course from the list in category two
- Social Studies 30-2 (if Social Studies 30-1 is not a course used to satisfy category 2)
- Any 30-level 5-credit Dual Credit Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) course
- Physical Education 30 [5 credits]
- Work Experience 35 [≥5 credits]
- Any 35-level Locally Developed Course (LDC) [≥5 credits] including Religious Studies 35
- Any 5-credit Advanced Placement (AP) course
- Any 5-credit International Baccalaureate (IB) course
OR
The average of two courses from the below list:
- Any 3-credit course from the list in category two
- Physical Education 30 [3 or 4 credits]
- Work Experience 35 [3 or 4 credits]
- International Politics 30
- World Religions 30
- World Geography 30
- Experimental Psychology 30
- Cultural and Physical Anthropology 30
- Applied Sociology 30
- Philosophies of Man 30
- Microeconomics 30
- Western World History 30
- Macroeconomics 30
- Any 35-level Locally Developed 3 or 4 credit course (LDC)
- Any 3-credit Advanced Placement (AP) course
- Any 3-credit International Baccalaureate (IB) course
OR
The average of five, 1-credit CTS courses at the Advanced level within the same occupational area (see the list below). An example of course codes for CTS courses at the 30-level are COM3025 or FOD3900. If there are more than five, 1-credit courses in an occupational area, the five best courses will be used to calculate the average.
- Business, Administration, Finance & Information Technology (BIT)
- Health, Recreation & Human Services (HRH)
- Media, Design & Communication Arts (MDC)
- Natural Resources (NAT)
- Trades, Manufacturing & Transportation (TMT)
For reference on which area your CTS courses are within, please reference the Provincially Authorized Senior High School Courses and Course Codes.
Courses that CANNOT be used for Admission:
- Any course with a final mark below 50%
- English Language Arts 30-2
- Any 30-3 or 30-4 level course
- Career and Life Management (CALM)
- Special Projects 30
Applicants to this program must use the following three courses to satisfy the category 2 requirement:
- Mathematics 30-1
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
If deemed inadmissible to the Bachelor of Science program because not all the above courses were taken, admission will automatically be deferred to the Open Studies program.
Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 must be one of the courses used to satisfy the category 2 requirement.
If deemed inadmissible to the Psychology degree program (4 year) because Math has not been taken, admission will automatically be deferred to the Liberal Studies, Psychology program. If deemed inadmissible to the Psychology degree program (3-year) because Math has not been taken, admission will automatically be deferred to the Open Studies program.
Applicants to this program will adhere to the same admission requirements as for High School Standing, but in addition, must have one of the following subjects:
- Mathematics 30-1 or equivalent
- Mathematics 30-2 or equivalent
- Or, if transferring to the University of Calgary Mathematics 30-1 or equivalent
Applicants to this program will adhere to the same admission requirements as for High School Standing, but in addition must have the following subjects:
- Biology 30 and
- Chemistry 30 and
- Mathematics 30-1 or equivalent
Post-Secondary Standing
Applicants in this category will have attempted or completed at least 30 credit hours at another post-secondary institution. Applicants with fewer than 30 completed credit hours will be considered for admission under the High School Standing category as determined by Admissions.
If post-secondary credit was earned at one of ApplyAlberta’s participating institutions, transcripts will automatically be obtained by StMU. If the credit was earned at a non-participating institution, the applicant must arrange to have official transcripts forwarded to Admissions.
Applicants who present a cumulative GPA below 2.0 and/or who have been required to withdraw from another institution may be admitted on a Special Admission basis and placed on academic probation. To fulfill the obligations of academic probation, students will be:
- Limited to registering in a maximum of nine credit hours (3 courses in the first term) and required to meet with an academic advisor before registering.
- Required to achieve a GPA of 2.0 or higher as follows:
- Full-time studies (9 credits)- must be achieved during the student’s first term of studies; failure to do so will result in being required to withdraw for a one-year period.
- Part-time studies (less than 9 credits)- must be achieved upon completing 9 credits; failure to do so will result in being required to withdraw for a one-year period.
- Required to complete a total of four Success Strategy Seminars during the student’s first term of studies. Failure to do so will result in being required to withdraw for a one-year period.
Mature Standing
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Social Responsibility
If you do not meet the requirements for high school or post-secondary admission, you may be considered for mature admission. Mature standing applicants must:
- Present an English 30-1 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 65%, or present a GED with a minimum score of 525 in the 5 comprehensive areas
- Be at least 21 years of age by the beginning of the semester in which they wish to commence studies
- Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents (international students will be considered based on the admissions criteria for international students)
Biology
Additional Requirements of:
- Mathematics 30-1 and
- Biology 30 and
- Chemistry 30
Psychology
Additional requirements of:
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
Business Transfer
Additional requirement of:
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2*
*if transferring to University of Calgary, Mathematics 30-1
Visiting Student Admission
Visiting students are those enrolled in a degree program at another post-secondary institution who wish to take courses at St. Mary’s University for transfer credit. Visiting students must apply for admission at apply.stmu.ca. A letter of permission from the home institution indicating the dates of study and approved course(s) must be provided prior to registering at St. Mary’s University.
If the home institution is a member of ApplyAlberta, it is the responsibility of the home institution to request transcripts on behalf of the student upon completion of the approved course(s). If the home institution is not a member of ApplyAlberta, visiting students must request that a transcript be sent to their home institution.
If you have previously submitted an application or attended St. Mary’s University but have not attended or registered for one or more years, you must apply for re-admission at apply.stmu.ca, and must pay a $100 re-application fee. If you previously attended St. Mary’s University and were registered within one year you do not need to apply for re-admission; please contact the Enrolment Services Office. If you wish to return after being required to withdraw from the University, you will be required to meet with the Dean prior to re-entry.
If you have been attending a post-secondary institution that is not a participating member of ApplyAlberta, you must supply official transcripts from the postsecondary institution when applying for re-admission to St. Mary’s University.
Re-Admission to the University
If you have previously submitted an application or attended St. Mary’s University but have not attended or registered for one or more years, you must apply for re-admission at apply.stmu.ca, and must pay a $100 re-application fee. If you previously attended St. Mary’s University and were registered within one year you do not need to apply for re-admission; please contact the Registrar’s Office at info@stmu.ca. If you wish to return after being required to withdraw from the University, you will be required to meet with the Dean prior to re-entry.
If you have been attending a post-secondary institution that is not a participating member of ApplyAlberta, you must supply official transcripts from the postsecondary institution when applying for re-admission to St. Mary’s University.
Special Admission
Applicants who do not meet the requirements for the other admission categories may be considered for Special Admission on a case-by-case basis. Please note that Special Admission does not apply to the Bachelor of Education program. Students admitted under this category will be placed on academic probation. To fulfill the obligations of academic probation, students will be:
- Limited to register in a maximum of nine credit hours (3 courses in the first term) and required to meet with an academic advisor before registering.
- Required to achieve a GPA of 2.0 or higher as follows:
- Full-time studies (9 credits)- must be achieved during the student’s first term of studies; failure to do so will result in being required to withdraw for a one-year period.
- Part-time studies (less than 9 credits)- must be achieved upon completing 9 credits; failure to do so will result in being required to withdraw for a one-year period.
- Required to complete a total of four Success Strategy Seminars during the student’s first term of studies. Failure to do so will result in being required to withdraw for a one-year period.
Out-of-Province Students
Applicants who have completed high school in a Canadian province other than Alberta will be permitted to use equivalent courses to meet admission requirements. The chart here lists courses offered in other provinces that are acceptable for admission purposes in lieu of Alberta 30-level courses. Please contact the Admissions Office if you have questions about admission course equivalencies. Applicants who have completed high school in a province other than Alberta must make arrangements to have their official transcripts forwarded directly to the Admissions Office.
Transcripts from other provinces can be obtained from the appropriate education board in the province where applicants attended or are attending high school. Transcripts can be sent by your issuing institution to admissions@stmu.ca.
New Brunswick – Contact High School
Nova Scotia – Contact High School
Ontario – Contact High School
Prince Edward Island – Contact High School
Home Educated Students
St. Mary’s University recognizes that individuals who have followed a non-traditional education path will still possess the capabilities and competencies required to succeed in a post-secondary institution. Home-educated applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for admission, applicants must provide a written recommendation from an individual other than a parent, such as a home education coordinator, teaching professional or counsellor, commenting on the applicant’s academic readiness for a university-level program of studies. References from family or friends cannot be accepted.
Home-schooled applicants will also be required to submit their Academic Portfolio for the Admissions Office to review. Portfolios should include:
- Introduction. Provide basic information about your homeschool approach or the type of curriculum used. Include any transcripts you may have.
- Test Scores. Submit official results from at least one of the following standard tests: English 30-1 with a 65 % or better; GED with a minimum score of 525; SAT reasoning test scores of 925. Applicants to the Bachelor of Science must submit scores of 50 % or higher for Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and Mathematics 30-1 or equivalent.
- Literature List. Include a list of books read during high school years. Include the title, author, and the year the book was read.
- Writing Samples. Include writing samples from grades 9 through 12. Include written reports for history, English, science, etc.
- Recognition. Include both the award title and a single page outlining the details of the award, including what it took to achieve the award or recognition. Also include letters of recommendation, if applicable.
- Extracurricular. Include activities where talents, leadership, and skills shine, whether the focus is art, dance, drama, music, sport, or other activities.
- Work Experience. Any jobs held, apprentice work completed in a specialized field, or internships during the high school years should be recorded in this section.
- Volunteerism. Include any community involvement and volunteer service.
Admission Requirements – Bachelor of Education
The Bachelor of Education (Elementary) stream is for degree holders. Students in this stream have completed, or are in their final stages of completing, a 3- or 4-year undergraduate degree.
Elementary After-Degree Admission Criteria
- Applicants to the Bachelor of Education (Elementary) after-degree program must have completed a St. Mary’s Bachelor’s degree or a 3- or 4- year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution
- Applicants must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA (calculated from the most recently attempted 30 undergraduate credits) to be considered for admission.
- GPA for early conditional admission is calculated from grades available at the time of application.
- GPA for full admission is calculated from final grades.
- All degree requirements must be completed by the Winter semester preceding the Fall intake.
- First degrees must demonstrate a strong liberal arts component and must include the following core teachable subject areas:
- Math – must be a 3-credit (or equivalent) undergraduate course in Mathematics or Statistics. Finance and Accounting courses will generally not fulfill this requirement.
- Science – must be a 3-credit (or equivalent) undergraduate Science course. Examples of Science courses include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Geography, and Science.
- Canadian Studies – must be a 3-credit (or equivalent) undergraduate course with high Canadian content. Successful candidates often present Canadian Studies courses from the following subject areas: Anthropology, Canadian Studies, Economics, History, Indigenous Studies, Geography, Political Sciences and Sociology. Please note that the course must be focused on Canada.
- English – must have two 3-credit (or equivalent) English courses at the undergraduate level. Please note that University Prep or Academic Upgrading English courses will not be accepted. Also note that GNED courses from Mount Royal University do not meet this requirement. Communications, Linguistics, and Writing courses will generally not fulfill this requirement either.
If you would like confirmation that coursework taken at another institution will fulfill any of the above requirement(s), please email admissions@stmu.ca with a course outline or link to a course outline.
Applicants to the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) after-degree program must have completed a 4-year St. Mary’s University Bachelor’s degree or a 4-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution. Admission to the BEd Secondary program is competitive.
Secondary After-Degree Admission Criteria
- Applicants must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA (calculated from the most recently attempted 30 undergraduate credits) to be considered for admission.
- GPA for early conditional admission is calculated from grades available at time of application.
- GPA for full admission is calculated from the final grades.
- All degree requirements must be completed by the Winter semester preceding the Fall intake.
- First degree must include two courses (6 credits) in Literature and Composition (English or French). Please note that University Prep or Academic Upgrading English courses will not be accepted. Also note that GNED courses from Mount Royal University do not meet this requirement. Communications, Linguistics, and Writing courses will generally not fulfill this requirement either.
- First degree must have either a major concentration in a teaching subject or an appropriate range of courses in a teaching subject, as outlined below for teachable subject areas.
- Specific Teachable Subject Area criteria includes:
- English Language Arts
- 4-year Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English OR
- Any 4-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution AND
- Four courses (12 credits) in English, and
- four Courses (12 credits) in two different Humanities areas.
Examples of Humanities courses include the following: Art History, Classical Studies, Drama, Language Courses, Indigenous Studies, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Writing.
- Social Studies
- 4-year Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Anthropology, Economics, History, Geography, Political Sciences or Sociology OR
- Any 4-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution AND
- Four courses (12 credits) in History, and
- four courses (12 credits) in two different Social Science areas.
Examples of Social Science courses include the following: Accounting, Economics, Family Studies, Geography, History, Management Studies, Political Studies, Psychology, and Sociology. When comparing applicants with the same admissions score, applicants with a stronger background in Anthropology, Economics, History, Geography, Political Sciences or Sociology have a greater likelihood of being admitted.
- Mathematics
- 4-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computing Sciences, or Mathematics OR
- Any 4-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution AND
- Four courses (12 credits) in Mathematics/Statistics, and
- four courses (12 credits) in two different Science areas.
Examples of Science courses include the following: Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science, and Computer Science.
- Sciences
- 4-year Bachelor of Science degree OR
- Any 4-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution AND
- Four courses (12 credits) in General Sciences, and
- four courses (12 credits) in two different School Science subjects.
Examples of School Science subjects include the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Physical Geography.
- English Language Arts
The Bachelor of Education, Single-Entry stream is for students entering from high school who wish to complete both a 4-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and the Bachelor of Education degree. Applicants are only eligible for entry to the program during the year that they graduate from high school, and cannot have previously completed any coursework at the post-secondary level. Applicants to the B.Ed. The single-entry program must complete all 4-year degree requirements within 5 years by April of the year preceding the commencement of the B.Ed. degree, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 30 credits of their BA/BSc degree and submit an Intent to Continue form by the same date as the Application to Graduate form. Applicants will be asked to submit an updated resume and are encouraged to update their references and letter of intent. Admission to the Single-Entry program does not guarantee admission to the Bachelor of Education degree; applicants will be reassessed upon the completion of their first degree.
Admission Criteria
A cohort cap for the Single-Entry program will be determined annually in consultation with the Dean of Education and Vice President Academic. During the review process, applicants are initially evaluated in the following areas:
- Academic Records: Admission to the Single-Entry program is competitive:
- Minimum high school admission average of 75%
- Early conditional admission average is calculated on the best five grade 11 or 12 admission subjects
- Final admission average is calculated on the best five grade 12 admission subjects
- Supporting Documents: these are submitted separately from the online application for admission. The application is considered complete when all the supporting documentation has been received and will be reviewed after that date. These documents include the following:
- Resumé: Include all experience working with children, volunteer experience, and work history.
- Letters of Reference: Two references using the Confidential Reference on Applicant Form are required. References should include one academic reference and one reference that relates to the applicant’s experience working with kids/youth. References from family or friends cannot be accepted.
All supporting documents may be submitted by mail, email or in-person to:
St. Mary’s University
Attention: Admissions
14500 Bannister Rd SE
Calgary, AB T2X 1Z4
Academic Records – Transcripts
- Applicants with Post-Secondary Degrees
Official transcripts from participating ApplyAlberta institutions will be requested on behalf of the applicant - Official transcripts for all other post-secondary institutions (non-participating ApplyAlberta institutions) must be requested by the applicant and submitted directly to St. Mary’s University. Transcripts must remain sealed to be considered official. Transcripts can be mailed to St. Mary’s or emailed directly by the issuing institution to admissions@stmu.ca.
St. Mary’s University
Attention: Admissions
14500 Bannister Rd SE
Calgary, AB T2X 1Z4 - Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree at St. Mary’s University do not need to submit transcripts.
- High school transcripts are not required.
Applicants with International Credentials
- Arrange for all original transcripts and/or documentation from previous educational institutions to be sent directly to St. Mary’s either by mail or email.
- Exact translations from a qualified translator must be provided if the documentation is not already in English.
- An assessment completed by the International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS), or World Education Services (WES), which compares international educational standards to Canada, must be sent to admissions@stmu.ca or by mail to St. Mary’s.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency is required for individuals whose first language is not English. Evidence accepted by the University is:
- Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT). The minimum standard scores required in the four categories are 27 in Speaking, 25 in Writing, 23 in Listening, and 23 in Reading.
- IELTS (Academic Format) The minimum score required is 8.0 with no bands below a 7.0.
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) with a minimum score of 200
- Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) with a minimum score of 200
- Language proficiency evidence is not needed in cases where an applicant has studied for a minimum of 3 years in a formal full-time secondary or post-secondary institution in Canada or in any one of the language exempt countries.
Reference Forms
- References are a rating of the applicant’s personal and professional qualities in different capabilities as a learner, worker, and leader. References should be professional or academic; submissions from family or friends will not be considered.
- Two reference forms are required; references must be submitted through our confidential online form. Only references submitted through our form will be accepted.
Evidence of Community Involvement and Interest in the Vocation of Teaching
Résumé
- Applicants will be evaluated on the breadth and the depth of involvement in educational settings as well as experience with diversity and inclusive practices, highlighting prior work with children.
- Email your résumé to admissions@stmu.ca with the subject line “LAST NAME, First Name – Resume”. Include education, and relevant work and volunteer experience. Emphasize experience with children and work in a leadership or teaching capacity.