Mature Student

General Admission

Applicants who are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents, at least 21 years of age by the first day of classes of the term of intended admission, and who do not fulfill requirements for any other admission route will be considered for general admission as outlined below. The number of seats available for Mature Admission will be limited (as determined each term).

Ways to Meet Mature Admission:

1. High School Admission Route with an admission average of at least 60%, or
2. Minimum final grade of 65% in English 30-1 or 30-2, as well as passing grades in two other 30-level courses, or
3. Demonstrated potential for academic success and excellence in non-academic areas. Applicants are required to submit the following to Admissions:
   1. Transcripts of all high school and postsecondary experience.
   2. Standardized test scores, such as SAT or ACT, if available.
   3. A Letter of Intent from the applicant including a statement on the applicant’s potential for success in university studies, how the applicant’s experiences since secondary school have contributed to this potential, the applicant’s goals for the future, and why studies at the University will help the applicant to realize these goals
   4. A résumé, providing a summary of all educational, employment and volunteer experience

Applicants who have unsatisfactory post-secondary academic records (i.e. a GPA less than 2.00 on the University of Lethbridge 4.00 scale) will not be considered for Mature Admission. Applicants considered via the Mature admission route must meet all additional admission requirements for their desired program, including course prerequisites and competitive averages.

Test Scores

Applicants who believe they have developed university-ready academic skills that are not reflected on transcripts should take an academic, secondary-level achievement test. For example, it is possible to challenge or retake the Alberta Education diploma exams. Review sessions for these exams are often offered as Continuing Education courses at colleges. Other acceptable test scores are the SAT and the ACT.

Scores on exams for the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) are not considered adequate indicators of academic skills for admission to the University of Lethbridge

Letter of Intent and Résumé

The Letter of Intent gives applicants an opportunity to highlight how their academic and non-academic achievements have provided them with the skills necessary to achieve success at the University of Lethbridge.

Applicants presenting life achievement will be considered for Mature Admission if it demonstrates skill development relevant to university success. Relevant experience could include:

• Volunteer or work experience;
• Academic upgrading;
• Test scores indicating university-level reading, writing and math skills;
• Transferable and non-transferable post-secondary work; and/or
• Leisure activities.

The focus should be on the academic/organizational skills developed and maturity gained in the course of these experiences (e.g., ability to organize and complete significant projects, sophisticated reading or writing). Individuals who have professional history (e.g., successfully managing a business, community leadership, professional certification) should ensure that the skills obtained through these experiences are highlighted on their résumé.

The Mature Admission Committee will evaluate whether or not this experience, combined with academic achievements, have prepared the applicant for success in the chosen program at the University of Lethbridge.

For more information about adult admission contact admissions@uleth.ca or 403-320-5700 to speak with an admissions officer.