University of Calgary Psychology admission requirements: BA and BSc, low 90s average, March 1 deadline

For Ontario students, the BA asks for ENG4U, MHF4U or MDM4U, and three approved courses, one of which may be an approved option. The BSc asks for ENG4U, MHF4U, SBI4U, SCH4U and one approved course or option. UCalgary says biology and chemistry are prerequisites for Biology 241 in the BSc.

Alberta students use ELA 30-1 and Math 30-1 or 30-2 for the BA. The BSc needs ELA 30-1, Math 30-1, Biology 30 and Chemistry 30.

Approved Ontario courses include MCV4U, MDM4U, SPH4U, ICS4U, CHI4U, CHY4U, CGW4U and any 4U course. Only one of art, dance, drama or music can count in your average. Plan this with our high school course planner.

The pages do not line up on math. The BA admission page accepts MHF4U or MDM4U. The BSc admission page adds a note that MHF4U, or an equivalent, is a prerequisite for courses in several programs, including Psychology.

If you plan to take the BA with MDM4U only, confirm with UCalgary whether you will need MHF4U for later psychology courses. Taking MHF4U avoids the question.

UCalgary lists an estimated competitive admission average in the low 90s for both the BA and BSc. It shows the same figure for Ontario and Alberta students. UCalgary calls it an estimate, so treat it as a guide, not a guaranteed cutoff.

UCalgary uses four approved Grade 11 courses for early admission, with a smaller number of offers at a higher average. Standard admission uses five program courses, with at least one at Grade 12. Offers need you to keep the admission average and finish your Grade 12 courses.

Check your number with our Top 6 average calculator. For UCalgary, also work out your average over the five courses it lists.

Neither psychology page lists an essay, portfolio or interview for regular admission. Your grades in the listed courses decide the offer.

The optional Student Access Process asks for a personal statement. It is for students who faced barriers such as illness, disability or financial hardship, and it has its own March deadlines.

Both psychology pages list Fall 2027 applications from October 1, 2026 to March 1, 2027. UCalgary's dates page says March 1 is also the last day to change your program choices. Documents for fall admission are due March 15.

Offers dated April 1 or earlier must be accepted by May 1. High school applicants must finish their required courses by June 30 and send final transcripts by August 1. Compare dates across schools on our Canadian university deadlines page.

If you want a guaranteed first-year residence spot, UCalgary's dates page says high school applicants must apply for residence by May 1.

Both degrees are 120 units and normally four years of full-time study. In the BA, first year is Psychology 200 and 201 plus open options and a science or open option. Psychology 203 and Sociology 201 are recommended.

The BSc first year is heavier in science. It adds Biology 211 and 213, Chemistry 201 or 203, and two math courses, such as Mathematics 249 or 265 and Math 211, 213 or 267. Students with Math 31 can choose Mathematics 265.

Courses in the program include Principles of Psychology I, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Psychology of Brain and Behaviour and History of Psychological Thought. Students can also work in research labs, as volunteers or through research courses.

The calendar says 400 and 500 level psychology courses are open only to psychology majors. Honours needs a 3.5 GPA over your most recent 42 credits and a thesis in PSYC 598. You can also earn a psychology degree and a Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation in five years.

Psychology students can join the Arts Co-operative Education Program. You complete three paid, full-time work terms of 12 to 16 weeks for the co-op designation. A fourth term is optional.

The Faculty of Arts says co-op work terms happen in years three and four, and suggests talking to an Arts adviser in first year. UCalgary says placements are not guaranteed. Three work terms usually add about one year to your degree. Co-op students pay a $50 administrative fee and one course fee for each work term.

UCalgary charges tuition by the course. The calendar rate effective Spring Term 2026 for most faculties, including Arts, is $738.66 per 3-unit course for Canadian students and $3,078.21 for international students.

A full year is usually 10 courses. Our estimate is about $7,387 in tuition for a Canadian student, before general fees, books and housing. This is our estimate from UCalgary's posted rate, not a UCalgary figure.

UCalgary's President's Admission Scholarship pays $5,000 to students with a final admission average of 95.00% or higher. It is automatic and does not renew.

UCalgary's dates page lists December 1 as the application deadline for the Prestige Award for incoming high school students, with documents due December 15. Award applications open when you apply for admission on October 1.

UCalgary's calendar says students who want the social sciences and humanities should choose the BA. Those who want the biological and natural sciences should choose the BSc. Both have an honours option for students planning graduate study.

The calendar adds that anyone who wants to work as a clinical or counselling psychologist will need more university training after the BA or BSc. Either degree can also lead to law, medicine, social work or speech pathology.

If you are not taking SBI4U and SCH4U, the BA is your route. If you want more biology and chemistry in your degree, the BSc fits better.

The estimated competitive average is the low 90s for both degrees, so this is a competitive program. Grades are the whole decision for most applicants.

Tuition is $738.66 per course for Canadians at the posted rate. Read our University of Calgary guide for housing and campus context.