Admission Requirements

We are now accepting applications for the class beginning May 2025.

Smith School of Business has a rolling admission policy which means applications are reviewed as they are received.

There is no fee to apply. Students are encouraged to apply early, as classes fill quickly.

Please note: Admission to this program is highly competitive. Simply meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Admission Process

1. A relevant undergraduate degree from a recognized university.

Note: The accreditation that Queen's University has received from CPA Ontario, for the GDA Program to grant advanced standing to candidates, specifies that a BCom from Queen's University, or equivalent degree, is required. In determining whether a Commerce Degree from another Canadian university is equivalent, the Admission Committee will review each application individually. Particular attention will be paid to program curriculum and your GPA. Superior performance is required.

2. Completion of an online application.

3. A copy of your transcripts (official or unofficial) showing completion of, or current enrollment in, the following university level courses (or equivalents).

Note: Smith School of Business does not require official transcripts at the time of application as most transcripts will show course prerequisites as being in progress. Once you have been accepted into the program you will receive a conditional offer of admission and it will be subject to your providing official transcripts that show completed grades for prerequisite courses and proof that your undergraduate degree was awarded upon your conferral date.

All grades earned in the Graduate Diploma in Accounting will be withheld until official transcripts are provided to and reviewed by the Program Director.

4. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their previous academic experience has provided the "enabling competencies" as set out by the CPA Canada.

These include:

• Ethics
• Analysis and Problem-solving
• Verbal and Written Communication
• Self-management
• Team Work
• Leadership

Please refer to the CPA Canada website for the most up-to-date version of the CPA Competency Map.

Note: A combination of academic courses (e.g. Business Communications, Business Ethics) and a description of the previous learning experience (e.g. extent of individual written work required in the program, significant group work that has been formally evaluated, significant case based analysis and significant presentation skills) is needed to demonstrate that the student qualifies for admission to the Program.