Carleton University is one of Canada’s respected public research universities. Established in 1947 as Carleton College before being named Carleton University in 1957, the university has undergone a transformation that continues to sharpen its delivery in training students. Located in Ottawa, the nation’s capital, it is particularly known for its strong programs in the humanities, sciences, public affairs, journalism, communication, political science, and English studies.
The university provides scholarships for both domestic and international students. Though these scholarships are primarily exclusive to research-focused students, it also considers course-based students. Carleton University provides scholarship packages through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, graduate scholarships, merit awards given to deserving students, as well as external scholarships such as SSHRC awards for students in the social sciences. Upon admission, students are automatically considered for funding when they apply. TA positions can be worth over CAD $10,000 annually, depending on the program and funding package.
International applicants are also considered for funding immediately upon admission. However, Carleton notes on its website that funding for international students is highly competitive, especially in humanities programs. Only exceptional students are considered.
Among Canadian universities, Carleton has a historical record of offering international application fee waivers to reduce the cost of applying. However, it seems to be stricter this time around, enforcing a policy that there are no application fee waivers for international students. The university only accepts scholarship applications for the Fall intake, with the deadline set for February 1 each year. All documents must be submitted by then. The required documents are as follows:
Transcripts: Copies of academic transcripts and certificates from each post-secondary institution attended by the applicant must be uploaded to the application form. If the transcript does not indicate that a degree has been conferred, a copy of the degree certificate will be required. Transcripts must be in English, and a certified translation must accompany any transcript that is not in English. Transcripts submitted by applicants are considered unofficial until after admission.
Statement of Intent: It should reference the kind of knowledge you expect to gain from the program and define the reasons why you chose the program and how it aligns with your interests. Your Statement of Intent must be uploaded within your application or as a PDF document in Carleton Central.
CV/Résumé: It is important that applicants refer to the department to determine whether a CV or résumé is required. If it is, the CV should be a brief and concise summary, one or two pages in length, of all relevant skills, experiences, and educational qualifications acquired. It should be uploaded as a PDF file with the application.
Writing Sample: Some programs require writing samples, while others do not. Refer to the departmental website for more information. The sample must be uploaded as a PDF document. The file size should not be too large, as this may cause an error during uploading.
Preference Form: Some departments require applicants to complete a preference form outlining their preferences for program specialization, research area, or faculty supervisor. If required for your program of interest, the Preference Form can be found on the Instructions page of your online application. It must be completed and uploaded as a PDF document within your application or in Carleton Central.
GRE, GMAT, and Other Test Scores: Some programs require applicants to submit test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) through the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to complete any required test and obtain the appropriate score before the application deadline. A PDF copy of any required test score must be uploaded within the application or in Carleton Central.
Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores): For admission into Carleton’s graduate programs, applicants must demonstrate that their knowledge and use of English are strong enough for graduate studies at an English-language university. For a complete list of minimum English-language test scores accepted by Carleton, please visit the university’s English as a Second Language (ESL) website. English-language proficiency test scores must have been taken within the last two years before the submission of the application and must be verifiable with the testing agency. Unofficial copies of test scores must be uploaded as PDFs within the application or in Carleton Central.
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