The majority of graduate programs are NOT impacted by recent government announcements about tuition increases.

PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay Quebec fees.
International PhD fees will see the same 3% increase as Quebec fees.

Supporting documents

Program-specific

Visit your program page for detailed information on additional supporting documents (e.g., statement of purpose/personal statement, writing sample, application for assistantship, C.V.).

Once you have submitted your initial application and paid the application fee, the required documents for each program you have applied to will be listed on your application checklist (in the application portal).

Transcripts

  • A record of study is required from each university-level institution you have attended.
  • Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by an English or French translation provided by the institution issuing the transcript, or by a certified translator. A copy in the original language is also required; an English or French translation alone is not sufficient.
  • An unofficial copy of your complete university-level academic record to date must be uploaded through your application portal.
  • If the transcript does not indicate that a degree has been conferred, a copy of the degree certificate (diploma) will also need to be uploaded.
  • If you receive an offer of admission you will be required to make arrangements for an official copy of each transcript to be sent to McGill University.

Letters of reference/recommendation

The terms "Letter of reference" and "Letter of recommendation" are used interchangeably. Below are general guidelines for letters of recommendation. Departmental or program-specific requirements regarding letters of recommendation may vary. This includes the quantity (two or three) and the type (academic, professional, or community-based). They may also have a specific appraisal form. Be sure to review the specific instructions or requirements for the graduate unit/department you are applying to. Refer to the program page for the academic unit website and contact email.

  • Normally, two (2) letters of reference/recommendation are required.
  • You must identify your referees who are familiar with your work and are willing to write letters of recommendation in the application portal. You must provide a valid institutional/organization e-mail address for each referee.
  • Each referee you identify on the application form will receive an automated email from the application portal (McGill University) asking for a reference in support of your application for graduate studies. Referees will be invited to login to a secure portion of the McGill website where they can upload the letter(s) of reference and if applicable, complete some standardized questions.
  • In the event a referee may decline the request; you will be advised by email if your selected referee declines, and you will be asked to provide an alternate.
  • You will be able to make changes (in the application portal) such as updating email addresses and replacing referees or adding a new referee should one decline the reference request.
  • It is your responsibility to make sure your referees submit their letters of reference on time. In the application portal, you may 'Send a Reminder' to prompt them to complete the process. Alternatively, email them directly and politely remind them when the letter of recommendation is due.
  • When your referee submits their letter of recommendation, you will receive an automated email confirmation. Your application checklist will also be updated.

Letters must meet the following conditions:

  1. The program the student has applied to must be clearly indicated and the letter should include information that would aid an admissions committee in making an informed decision.
  2. Letters must be dated and not be more than 12 months old.
  3. The referee must indicate his/her position/title and full contact information at the institution/organization they work for.
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