University of Calgary Exam Deferral: Complete 2026 Guide
The University of Calgary (UCalgary) has a straightforward exam deferral process, but the 48-hour notification requirement catches many students off guard. Understanding the process before you need it can save your GPA.
UCalgary Exam Deferral Process
To defer a final exam at UCalgary:
1. Apply through your Faculty office within 48 hours of the missed exam
2. Provide medical documentation (from a physician registered with CPSA)
3. Complete the Deferred Exam Request form
4. Faculty reviews and communicates the decision within 2-3 weeks
Documentation Requirements
UCalgary requires a medical note from a CPSA-registered physician (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta) that includes:
- Date of the medical consultation
- Confirmation that you were medically unable to write the exam
- The specific date(s) of incapacity
- Physician's name, CPSA licence number, and signature
- Contact information for verification
Key point: The physician must be registered with CPSA. Out-of-province physicians are accepted if they hold equivalent registration in their province.
Faculty-Specific Information
| Faculty | Office | Location | Deadline |
|---------|--------|----------|----------|
| Arts | Student Success Centre | SS 102 | 48 hours |
| Science | Student Success Centre | ES 720 | 48 hours |
| Schulich Engineering | Student Centre | ENA 201 | 48 hours |
| Haskayne Business | Student Experience | Scurfield Hall | 48 hours |
| Kinesiology | Student Services | KNB 150 | 48 hours |
| Nursing | Student Services | PF 1250 | 48 hours |
| Werklund Education | Student Services | EDT 508 | 48 hours |
Getting a Same-Day Sick Note in Calgary
Option 1: MedLetter (Online) - 2-4 hours
- CPSA-registered physician (meets UCalgary's requirement)
- Submit from anywhere in Calgary
- Signed documentation emailed same day
- Cost: $49 flat fee
- Available 7 days/week including exam periods
Option 2: UCalgary Student Wellness Centre
- Located in MacEwan Student Centre
- Walk-in and appointments
- Extremely busy during finals (3-5 hour waits)
- Free for UCalgary students
- Limited evening/weekend hours
Option 3: Calgary Walk-In Clinics
- Brentwood, Kensington, University District options
- Wait times: 1-4 hours
- Free with Alberta Health Care
- Multiple options near campus
Common Mistakes UCalgary Students Make
1. Missing the 48-hour window - This is strictly enforced at UCalgary
2. Getting a note from a non-CPSA physician - Must be CPSA-registered
3. Not applying through the correct Faculty - Apply through YOUR Faculty, not the course's
4. Waiting for Student Wellness Centre - During finals, waits can exceed 4 hours
5. Not specifying the exam date on the note - The note must reference the specific date
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UCalgary accept online doctor's notes?
Yes, as long as the physician is registered with CPSA (or equivalent provincial college). MedLetter physicians are CPSA-registered and their documentation is accepted by UCalgary.
What if I miss the 48-hour deadline?
Late applications may be considered with exceptional circumstances, but approval is not guaranteed. Contact your Faculty office immediately with an explanation.
When is the deferred exam at UCalgary?
Deferred exams are typically scheduled during the next exam period. You'll receive notification via your UCalgary email.
Can I defer a midterm at UCalgary?
Midterm deferrals are handled by individual instructors. Contact your professor with medical documentation. The formal petition process is for final exams.
What if I'm sick for multiple finals?
Submit separate deferral requests for each exam. One medical note can cover multiple exams if it specifies the full period of incapacity.
Get Your UCalgary Exam Deferral Note Today
Don't let the 48-hour deadline pass. MedLetter's CPSA-registered physicians deliver same-day documentation that meets UCalgary's requirements.
Serving University of Calgary students in Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, and surrounding areas.