Admissions

Application Process for the Master's and Diploma Programs

Applications for the Graduate Diploma in Co-operative Management and Master of Management, Co-operatives and Credit Unions programs are processed through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) at Saint Mary's University. To apply, please complete the following steps. Applications are open for 2025 admission. Applications are due May 31, 2025 but early admission is encouraged and helpful for bursary allocation (where applicable). 

Step 1: Ensure you are eligible

• Students are required to be actively engaged in the co-operative sector (e.g. employed by a co-operative, credit union, mutual, or sector association; serving governance roles; volunteering or consulting) and preferably in a supervisory or management position although this is not a requirement.

• Students must have completed an undergraduate degree (3.0/4.0 GPA scale or justification is the standard) or have an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• English is your first language or you can demonstrate competence in English. For more information on language requirements, please visit the FGSR website. The university is offering some flexibility on language testing so see those details here.

• If you are unsure if you meet these criteria, email Erin.Hancock@smu.ca.

Step 2: Begin your application

• Email Erin.Hancock@smu.ca to inquire about available seats before applying
• Create an account then complete the online application and pay the $125 application processing fee. Be sure to select the graduate level (not the undergraduate level). We recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser when completing the form, which tends to run smoother.

Step 3: Submit all supplementary documents in the online system

• A transcript from each university or college credit program you fully or partially completed. This includes transfer credits. Our university will accept unofficial transcripts for admission and the official ones must be received after being admitted. To avoid future work, it is recommended to apply for official transcripts at the time of application.

  Where to request your former college(s)/university(ies) to send your transcript(s):

  Graduate Studies Officer
  Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
  Saint Mary’s University
  923 Robie St, Atrium 210
  Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 3C3
  Email: fgsr@smu.ca or Fax: 902-496-8772

• Two confidential written recommendations. At least one recommendation should be from a current or former professor, where possible. If your last education experience was some years ago, applicants are welcome to submit only professional recommendations. All recommendations must be provided using the form available through the online application system, although they can submit an additional letter in addition. You will see the option to add references and send them a link to complete the form directly in the online system. Note this must be sent to a business email address and not hotmail-/gmail- type accounts.
• A letter from the co-operative business (typically your employer) that you will use as a case study, indicating their willingness to have you study various aspects of the organization. You can contact Erin.Hancock@smu.ca for a sample letter.
• A two-page personal description outlining how the program will benefit you and your organization. 
• An up-to-date resume or CV.

Be sure to mark your calendar to be in Halifax for in-person orientation for August 5-8, 2025 (optional - but encouraged- welcome social on the evening of August 4). Students who have previously completed the Certificate program will complete orientation on August 7, since August 8 will be dedicated to launching a course they have already completed.

Acceptance and Seat Deposits: Once accepted, incoming students will receive a formal communication via the application portal from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research indicating how to confirm their acceptance and secure their seat in the program. Incoming students will need to pay a seat deposit of $500 CAD to secure their seat in the program. This deposit ensures the student will have a seat in the program and the funds will be applied to fall tuition. 

Admissions for Certificate Program and Short Courses

If you are considering starting your education with the International Centre for Co-operative Management with a shorter program, know that the Certificate in Co-operative Management involves a slightly different (simpler) application process. Many of our shorter programs such as our study tours, executive education courses and conferences simply require registration, so if the link or form is not easily found on our website, email Erin.Hancock@smu.ca.