Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) Admissions

A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.

A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale, calculated over the last 60 units (minimum of 20 courses) of university-level courses at the time of application. Please see self-calculated GPA information under the Application Materials section below.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 105.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)  score of 62, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 70.
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
• On a temporary basis, the University of Calgary will accept both the Duolingo English Test and the TOEFL IBT Home Edition. 
  • The minimum Duolingo test score required is 135.
  • The minimum TOEFL IBT Home Edition score required is 105.  

Create an eID to log in. If you already have an eID, you can begin your online application. 

Once in the online application form, scroll down in the program list and click on School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, then select the Master of Landscape Architecture degree.

Remember to click 'Save & Continue' often to ensure your application is saved.

Once your application has been submitted, you will be required to upload unofficial transcripts from each of the post-secondary institutions you have attended. International students will also be required to include provisional and degree certificates along with your transcripts (where applicable/available). If your application is successful, final official transcripts will be requested with your offer of admission. 

Please note: If you are still in an undergraduate program (graduating in 2025), please upload unofficial transcripts after your Fall grades have been posted. 

If admitted, you must provide one official transcript (and degree certificates from those institutions that do not indicate the awarding of degrees on the transcript) from all post-secondary institutions attended, regardless of the number of courses taken or the amount of time spent there. Transcripts and degree certificates issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified, word-for-word English translations. 

To be considered official, all academic records must be sent directly to the University of Calgary from the institution and received in envelopes that have been sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. If you have transcripts from multiple institutions, you may bundle the sealed and signed envelopes (unopened) in one package. Students and graduates from the University of Calgary do not have to submit official transcripts. If you attended university in another country, review international admissions requirements. 

Physical or electronic copies of your official transcripts can be submitted: 

A) Send physical official transcripts to the following address: 
Faculty of Graduate Studies, ES 1010 
University of Calgary 
2500 University Drive NW 
Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 1N4 

B) If your post-secondary institution has the capacity to email official transcripts, they should be sent directly to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at gradtranscripts@ucalgary.ca. These must be emailed by the school, transcripts emailed by the applicant will not be accepted. 

Please calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA) for your bachelor's degree and upload the calculation to your portal. You can access the Faculty of Graduate Studies for comprehensive resources to assist you through this process. 

Click the link below for detailed instructions, the GPA calculation worksheet, a video tutorial, and FAQs. Questions about your self-calculated GPA? Contact gradapp@ucalgary.ca.

The non-refundable application fee is CDN $125 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and CDN $145 for international students attending on a Study Permit.

Provide two references, with names and contact information: both phone and email, in your online application. Ideally one should be academic, but two professional references are acceptable if you have been out of school for several years. The deadline for references is one week after the application deadline - November 22 or February 7. The guidelines for the reference letter can be found here.

In a single PDF file, please assemble the package in the following order:

1. Title page with full name
2. Table of Contents
3. Resume (Two page maximum): A summary of your experiences in education, work, travel, volunteering, and other relevant areas.
4. Written or Video Statement of Interest (750 word or 1 page maximum; 2:30 minute video maximum):
   • Tell Us Your Story! Let us know what motivates you through stories, experiences and examples of places and spaces that have challenged and inspired you. Include responses to these questions:
     • Your Landscape Architecture Story: What ignited your passion for designing with nature? Was it sitting in a park and realizing how the placement of every tree, path, and bench shaped your experience? A moment when you discovered that landscapes aren't just pretty backdrops—they're powerful tools that can heal communities, manage stormwater, and create spaces where both people and wildlife can flourish? Perhaps you noticed how a thoughtful trail system could make nature accessible to everyone, or how green infrastructure could tackle climate challenges while creating beautiful spaces. We love hearing about those "lightbulb" moments when you realized that landscape architects don't just make things look good—they weave together ecology, community, and design to create environments that work for everyone!
     • Your "Why" Factor: Why our program? Why Calgary? What is it about SAPL that makes your heart race with possibility? Maybe it's our innovative approach, our community, or something specific that caught your eye - tell us what drew you in!
     • Your Future Vision: Paint us a picture! How does this program fit into your bigger dreams? Where do you see yourself making an impact in the world of architecture? What ideas are you buzzing with? We love enthusiasm and fresh thinking!
     • Keep it Real: Be authentic! We want to get to know the real person behind the application. What makes you tick outside of your impressive resume? Are you a weekend rock climber who thinks about structural design? A community volunteer with big ideas about inclusive spaces? A coffee shop sketcher who sees potential everywhere?
     • Keep it Real: Be authentic! We want to get to know the real person behind the application. What makes you tick outside of your impressive resume? Are you a weekend hiker who can't help but notice how trail design affects the experience? A park visitor who mentally redesigns playgrounds while watching kids play, or who notices how water moves across a site after every rainstorm? Maybe you're the person who stops to photograph interesting tree root patterns, or who gets genuinely excited about rain gardens and green roofs. Do you find yourself sketching landscape ideas on napkins, or wondering how that vacant lot could become a pollinator habitat? We want to hear about those everyday moments when you see the world through a landscape architect's eyes—when you notice how nature and design can work together to create something beautiful and meaningful!
     • Pro tip: Write like you're having a conversation with a friend who's genuinely interested in your story. Let your personality come through - that's what will make your statement unforgettable! Remember, we want to hear YOUR voice - genuine, passionate, and uniquely you.
   • Video Statement Option- Your Choice to Shine!
     • Want to add a personal touch? A video statement is totally optional, but it's a great way to let your personality shine through!
     • If you decide to go for it, keep it snappy - 2 minutes and 30 seconds max. And here's the best part: you don't even need to be on camera! Feel free to do a voice-over if that's more your style.
     • Quick tech note: Don't upload the actual video file to the application. Instead, upload it to YouTube or your favorite video platform, then create a simple one-page PDF with the link embedded.
     • Remember, this is completely optional - no pressure at all! Whether you choose to include a video or not, your application will be just as strong.
5. Digital Portfolio (25 page maximum): This is your chance to make a great impression! The admissions committee is looking for evidence of creative ability and/or potential. Graphic organization of the portfolio, including typography and layout, are also considered. Include creative work in any field or medium, along with short descriptions. Attend Portfolio Guidance Webinar →

Please name the file: "Lastname_Firstname_ MLA_2026.pdf". The package should not exceed 30 MB (resolution is for screen viewing, not print) and the page size should be around 8.5" x 11".