Is University of Alberta hard to get into?

Yes, The school has an acceptance rate of 58%, making it one of the hardest Canadian universities to get into.

The University of Alberta is considered to be a fairly selective university in Canada. With an acceptance rate of 58%, it is ranked among the top 10 universities in Canada based on its admission selectivity. This means that for every 100 applicants, only 58 are admitted.

Eligibility and prerequisites

In order to apply to the University of Alberta, applicants must meet the requirements for grades, required coursework and English Language proficiency.

All students, regardless of their country of origin or citizenship status in Canada, must show written English Language proficiency for all programs and spoken English proficiency for some programs. Applicants to the Campus Saint-Jean, the university’s francophone campus, must show French Language proficiency in order to apply. Applicants can complete a test of English Language Proficiency, show previous education in English or complete a course recognized by the university to demonstrate English proficiency.

If you’re an international student, consider getting some professional help with admission requirements from college admissions counseling for international students. If you want to attend the University of Alberta, you can also enroll in the school’s bridging program, which allows students to improve their academic English skills by taking courses and earning credits, thereby fulfilling their English Language Proficiency requirement without submitting test results.

High school students must complete five required academic courses or subjects. Course prerequisites will vary depending on your chosen program. For example, an undergraduate program in science will require completion of English Language Arts 30-1, Mathematics 30-1, Physics 30, Chemistry 30 or Biology 30 and one completed course in the Arts or Humanities. Program requirements and coursework are listed on the University of Alberta website.

The minimum grade needed to apply also varies by program, but as admission to the University is very competitive, it is advisable to achieve more than the minimum grade and explore your options for IB vs AP courses. For IB and AP students, there are other advantages they can receive from the U of A, including scholarships, extra credit, undergraduate research opportunities and advanced standing in your program. If you’re worried you don’t have the grades or want to know how to get into college with a low GPA, consider getting help from an admission professional or look at top summer programs for high school students to strengthen your application.

Meeting the minimum requirements for admission is not a guarantee of acceptance, so it’s advisable to craft as strong an application as possible. College admissions consulting services can be a huge help when studying your university options, choosing your programs and deciding what you need to apply. A college advisor can also help you in choosing what programs you want to apply for, since the U of A will allow you to indicate two programs of your choice to increase your chances of admission.

University of Alberta admission statistics

As mentioned, the University of Alberta can be quite selective and has a competitive admissions landscape. The school has an acceptance rate of 58%, making it one of the hardest Canadian universities to get into.

58%

University of Alberta acceptance rate

The school offers admission on a rolling basis, but spots in each program are limited, so its best to apply as early as possible. Applicants who are not accepted to their first-choice of program will be considered for their second-choice, so always provide two program choices in your application to increase your chances.

On average, the minimum grade required to attend the University of Alberta ranges from the low 70s to the high 80s. On average, most applicants have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. For some extremely competitive programs, such as Pharmacology, average GPAs will be 3.7 or above. For international students or students applying from outside Alberta, the admissions competition can be even fiercer, so bring your best to the table. The school is highly academically inclined, but you can balance your application with a well-written college essay, great college recommendation letters or a supplemental college essay to help swing a decision in your favour.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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