Open studies

Open Studies gives you access to hundreds of academic courses.

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Degree holders and non-degree holders

Open Studies gives you access to hundreds of academic courses. Whether you want to take courses to meet admission requirements or out of personal interest, there's a course for you. Students admitted to open studies have one year from their admit term to register for a course.

Admission upgrading

Complete courses needed to meet admission requirements or for pre-requisites.

Degrees or certifications

Complete courses that lead to a degree or take specific courses for a professional certification.

Personal enrichment

Find new interests, or take a deeper dive into your area of expertise. You'll find UCalgary offers plenty of options. 

View all important Open Studies dates

Open Studies admission requirements

Open Studies is a registration category in which students are permitted to take credit courses but are not admitted to a program leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. Open Studies is recognized under the Alberta Designated Requirements as defined by the Alberta Government to admit international students.

Open studies non-degree holders can take up to four three-unit courses per term to a maximum of twelve three-unit courses.

  1. Academic Requirements

    • Present a minimum 65% in English 30-1, or equivalent; OR
    • Present a minimum 2.00 GPA in a transferrable post-secondary English course(s); OR
    • Achieve a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA on the most recent 12 units from another post-secondary institution

    and

    Note: When more than one academic requirement is presented, the highest level of education is used for admission.

  2. Required Documents

    Transcripts from all high school and post-secondary institutions attended. See details on submitting document here:

    https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/undergraduate/documents

  3. English Language Proficiency

    English is the official language of instruction at the University of Calgary. All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency to be considered for admission: https://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/a-11.html

Open Studies students with a degree can take up to six three-unit courses per term to a maximum of twelve three-unit courses. 

  1. Academic Requirements

    • Hold a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.

  2. Required Documents

    A transcript reflecting the credential awarded.

    University of Calgary alumni are not required to provide transcripts provided they have not attended any other post-secondary institutions.

     

  3. English Language Proficiency

    English is the official language of instruction at the University of Calgary. All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency to be considered for admission: https://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/a-11.html

Students who do not meet Open Studies degree holders and non-degree holder academic requirements can be considered for Open Studies under the Diverse Qualifications Admission Process.

How to apply

  1. Requirements

    Review our Open Studies admission requirements.

    View requirements »

  2. eID

    Create your eID »

  3. Complete your Open Studies application

    Complete your Open Studies application.

    Start application »

  4. Pay your application fee

    Pay a $125 non-refundable application fee. ($145 if you have international credentials).

    Paying your fees »

  5. Submit your documents

    • Upload transcripts to my.ucalgary.ca.
    • Submit proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)

    Learn more »

Have questions?

Visit our contact page for all the different ways to contact our office.