Can You Defer an Exam in Alberta?
Yes. Every accredited Alberta post-secondary institution has a formal process for deferring exams when students experience illness, injury, or other qualifying circumstances. The key is acting quickly — most schools have strict deadlines (often 2-3 business days after the missed exam) and require medical documentation from a licensed physician.
This guide covers the exact process at every major Alberta university and college, including deadlines, required forms, and what your sick note must include.
University of Alberta (U of A) Exam Deferral Process
The University of Alberta calls it a "Deferred Exam" and handles it through your faculty office.
Steps to Defer at U of A:
1. Report your absence through Bear Tracks within 2 business days of the missed exam
2. Submit supporting documentation (medical note) to your faculty office
3. Complete the Deferred Exam Request Form available on your faculty's website
4. Wait for approval — your faculty will schedule a deferred exam date (usually during the deferred exam period)
What U of A Requires in Your Sick Note:
- Date of consultation (must be on or before the exam date)
- Confirmation that you were medically unfit to write the exam
- Duration of incapacity
- Physician's name, signature, and CPSA registration number
- The note does NOT need to include your diagnosis
U of A Deadlines:
| Situation | Deadline |
|-----------|----------|
| Missed final exam | 2 business days after exam date |
| Missed midterm | Contact instructor within 2 days |
| Multiple missed exams | Submit separate requests for each |
Important: U of A does NOT accept notes from walk-in clinics that are dated after the exam. Your consultation must occur on or before the exam date.
University of Calgary (UCalgary) Exam Deferral
UCalgary uses the term "Deferred Final Examination" and processes requests through the Registrar's Office.
Steps to Defer at UCalgary:
1. Apply online through your Student Centre within 48 hours of the missed exam
2. Upload your medical documentation directly through the online portal
3. Pay the deferral fee ($25 per exam)
4. Check your Student Centre for the scheduled deferred exam date
What UCalgary Requires:
- Medical certificate confirming illness on the exam date
- Must be from a licensed physician (CPSA-registered)
- Must confirm you were unable to attend the exam
- Physician's contact information for verification
UCalgary Key Facts:
- $25 fee per deferred exam (refunded if approved for compassionate reasons)
- Deferred exams are typically scheduled 2-3 weeks into the next term
- You cannot defer a deferred exam — if you miss the deferred date, you receive a grade of F
Mount Royal University (MRU) Exam Deferral
MRU handles deferrals through the Office of the Registrar and calls them "Deferred Final Examinations."
Steps to Defer at MRU:
1. Notify your instructor as soon as possible (ideally before the exam)
2. Submit the Deferred Exam Application within 3 business days of the missed exam
3. Attach your medical documentation to the application
4. Receive confirmation via your MRU email
MRU Requirements:
- Medical note from a licensed physician
- Note must be dated on or before the exam date
- Must state you were medically unable to attend
- Must include the physician's CPSA registration number
MacEwan University Exam Deferral
MacEwan processes deferrals through individual faculty offices.
Steps to Defer at MacEwan:
1. Email your instructor within 24 hours of the missed exam
2. Submit the Deferred Exam Request to your faculty office within 3 business days
3. Provide medical documentation (original or scanned copy)
4. Attend the rescheduled exam (usually within 2 weeks)
MacEwan Requirements:
- Physician's note confirming illness
- Must be dated on or within 24 hours of the exam date
- Must confirm inability to write the exam
- CPSA registration number required
SAIT Exam Deferral
SAIT has a streamlined process through Student Development and Counselling.
Steps to Defer at SAIT:
1. Contact your program coordinator before the exam if possible
2. Submit a Deferred Assessment Request within 2 business days
3. Provide medical documentation from a licensed physician
4. Complete the deferred exam at the scheduled time
SAIT Key Facts:
- No deferral fee
- Deferred exams must be completed within 10 business days
- Medical note must be from a CPSA-registered physician
- SAIT may contact your physician to verify
NAIT Exam Deferral
NAIT processes deferrals through your program office.
Steps to Defer at NAIT:
1. Notify your instructor as soon as possible
2. Submit documentation to your program office within 3 business days
3. Complete the Deferred Exam Agreement form
4. Write the deferred exam at the scheduled time
NAIT Requirements:
- Medical note from a licensed physician (CPSA-registered)
- Note must confirm you were too ill to attend
- Must be dated on or before the exam date
- Include physician's name and contact information
University of Lethbridge (ULeth) Exam Deferral
ULeth handles deferrals through the Registrar's Office.
Steps to Defer at ULeth:
1. Submit the Deferred Exam Application within 48 hours of the missed exam
2. Attach medical documentation to your application
3. Receive confirmation via your ULeth email
4. Write the deferred exam during the scheduled deferral period
What Makes a Valid Sick Note for Alberta Exam Deferrals?
All Alberta universities require documentation from a CPSA-registered physician (College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta). Here's what every valid note must include:
| Required Element | Why It Matters |
|-----------------|----------------|
| Date of consultation | Proves you sought care on/before exam day |
| Statement of incapacity | Confirms you couldn't write the exam |
| Duration of illness | Shows the exam date fell within your illness |
| Physician's full name | Required for verification |
| CPSA registration number | Proves they're licensed in Alberta |
| Physician's signature | Legal requirement |
| Clinic/practice information | For follow-up verification |
What Your Note Does NOT Need:
- Your specific diagnosis (Alberta privacy law protects this)
- Detailed symptoms
- Treatment plan
- Prognosis
Common Reasons Alberta Students Defer Exams
Based on data from Alberta universities, the most common reasons for exam deferrals include:
1. Acute illness (flu, COVID-19, gastroenteritis, severe cold)
2. Mental health crisis (anxiety attack, depressive episode, panic disorder)
3. Migraine/severe headache (incapacitating on exam day)
4. Injury (car accident, sports injury, concussion)
5. Chronic condition flare-up (IBS, Crohn's, fibromyalgia, endometriosis)
All of these are legitimate medical reasons that a physician can document for your deferral.
The Problem: Getting a Sick Note in Alberta During Exam Season
Here's the reality Alberta students face:
- Average walk-in clinic wait: 2-4 hours during exam season (December and April are peak)
- Family doctor availability: Most are booked 2-3 weeks out
- Campus health centres: Often fully booked during finals with 3-5 day waits
- After-hours options: ER visits for a sick note are inappropriate and cost the healthcare system $300+
The Timing Problem:
Most Alberta universities require your medical consultation to occur on or before the exam date. If you're sick on exam day and can't get an appointment until 3 days later, your deferral may be denied.
How MedLetter Solves This for Alberta Students
MedLetter connects you with a CPSA-registered physician for a same-day virtual consultation. Here's how it works:
1. Complete the intake form (5 minutes) — describe your symptoms and which exam you missed
2. Physician reviews your case — a licensed Alberta physician assesses your situation
3. Receive your documentation — if appropriate, your sick note is delivered to your inbox same-day
4. Submit to your university — upload directly to your faculty's portal
Why Alberta Universities Accept MedLetter Notes:
- Written by CPSA-registered physicians (same regulatory body as any Alberta doctor)
- Include all required elements (date, incapacity statement, duration, registration number)
- Formatted to meet university-specific requirements
- Available same-day — no missed deadlines
Cost Comparison:
| Option | Cost | Wait Time | Available Exam Day? |
|--------|------|-----------|-------------------|
| Walk-in clinic | $0 (OHIP) but 2-4 hour wait | 2-4 hours | Maybe (if open) |
| Campus health | $0 | 3-5 day booking | Unlikely |
| ER visit | $0 (inappropriate use) | 4-8 hours | Yes but wasteful |
| MedLetter | $49 | Same-day delivery | Yes, 24/7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I defer a midterm in Alberta?
Yes, but the process varies by university. At U of A and UCalgary, midterm deferrals are handled directly by your instructor or department rather than the Registrar. You still need medical documentation.
What if I'm sick but didn't see a doctor on exam day?
This is the most common reason deferrals are denied. Most Alberta universities require your medical consultation to occur on or before the exam date. MedLetter offers same-day consultations specifically for this reason.
Can my professor deny my deferral even with a sick note?
Individual instructors typically don't have the authority to deny a properly documented deferral for final exams (that's handled by the faculty/registrar). For midterms, professors have more discretion, but a valid medical note from a CPSA-registered physician is very difficult to deny.
How many times can I defer an exam?
There's no official limit at most Alberta universities, but frequent deferrals may trigger a meeting with your academic advisor. Each deferral requires its own documentation.
Do I need a sick note if I have a chronic condition?
Yes, you typically need documentation for each specific instance. However, students with documented disabilities can register with their university's accessibility office for ongoing accommodations (including exam accommodations) without needing a new note each time.
What happens if my deferral is denied?
You can usually appeal through your faculty's appeals process. Common reasons for denial include: late submission, insufficient documentation, or the note being dated after the exam. If denied, contact your Students' Union advocacy office for help.
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