Qualifying graduate students are those whose academic background entitles them to serious consideration for admission to graduate studies but who are considered to be inadequately prepared to enter a graduate program in the subject area they have chosen. Generally, students who hold a three-year bachelor's degree from the University of Alberta (or an equivalent qualification from some other recognized institution) and students who have graduated from a four-year degree program, but who are entering a new field, may be admitted as qualifying graduate students.

Qualifying graduate students are registered in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and as such are subject to the regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research; however, qualifying students are not considered to be candidates for a degree.

Students who are not eligible for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research as qualifying students should consult the appropriate undergraduate Faculty regarding admission to that Faculty to clear course deficiencies. They may apply for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at a later date.

Normally, a qualifying period will not exceed five full course equivalents (30). Courses taken during a qualifying period will be specified by the department concerned. Completion of the work in a qualifying period does not automatically entitle the student to proceed toward a degree program. However, upon satisfactory completion of a qualifying period the department may recommend to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research that the student be reclassified as a master's or doctoral degree student. Students should note that neither the courses taken nor the fees paid during a qualifying period will be credited toward a subsequent degree program.

Degree students are those who are registered in a GFC-approved program leading to a master's or doctoral degree granted by the University of Alberta. Master's students are considered as candidates for the degree following first registration. Doctoral students are considered as doctoral candidates upon passing their candidacy examination.

Postgraduate diploma students and postgraduate certificate students are those who are registered in a GFC-approved program leading to a postgraduate diploma or certificate granted by the University of Alberta. Such students must meet the general admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (§203.2), unless different admission criteria are approved by FGSR Council. These programs can normally be completed in one academic year of full-time study. The postgraduate diploma program is designed for persons who have had previous work experience.

Special graduate students are those who take graduate level courses for credit without proceeding toward an advanced degree at the University of Alberta. Such students must meet the general admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Special graduate students are not candidates for a degree at this University and will not receive any residence or fee credit toward a subsequent degree program for the work completed as a special graduate student. In addition, the number of courses allowable for transfer credit is limited (see §203.5).

Admission as a special graduate student does not imply eligibility for admission to a degree program in any department.

Individuals who wish to study under this classification must apply and be admitted each year in which they take courses.

Special graduate students require a written recommendation from the department concerned to register in a course. They are not permitted to take courses for audit.

Only graduate level courses may be taken by special graduate students. Individuals wishing to take courses at undergraduate levels should contact the appropriate Faculty regarding registration as a special student in that Faculty.

Visiting graduate students are those who are registered in a graduate degree program at another university or college, who have obtained written permission in advance from the home and host institutions to take one or more courses for transfer of credit toward that graduate degree program. Visiting students are not permitted to register in thesis or departmental project courses.

Postgraduate medical students: For classification purposes postgraduate medical students are considered to be graduate students and they have the option of paying fees to the Graduate Students' Association (see §22.2.2).