Admissions deadlines

The Departmental deadlines for full consideration for Departmental admission and funding are:

  • September (Fall Term): January 15th (International and Canadian Applicants)
  • January (Winter Term): 
    • International Applicants - July 15th
    • Canadian Applicants - September 1

Admissions checklist:

  1. Verify that you have the necessary background (see below).
  2. Applications are made via the University web site Apply-Now - for detailed instructions on how to apply and how to upload required supporting documents in the new version, please see: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply
  3. Documents required by the Department All supplemental application materials and supporting documents must be uploaded directly to the McGill admissions processing system (complete instructions: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply/prepare/checklist/documents).
    • Transcripts. Students are required to upload unofficial transcripts in support of their web application, final, official copies will be required of admitted applicants.
    • Letters of Recommendation. Applicants are required to ask two instructors familiar with their work to send letters of recommendation.  Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of referees using the McGill on-line application. McGill will contact these referees and invite them to upload references on their behalf.
    • Personal Statement. In the personal statement, the applicants should clearly explain their choice of preferred research group(s) and preferred area(s) of research, as well as providing relevant information that will not be reflected on their transcripts.
    • Research Proposal (optional). Applicants may also submit specific proposal for their thesis research. The research proposal should be no more than one page in length. Applicants are NOT required to submit a research proposal, as most graduate students only decide on a specific research topic after one year of study in the department.  

Applicants in pure and applied mathematics, who do not hold a previous Canadian degree preparing them for graduate study in these areas, are encouraged to submit GRE mathematics subject examination scores, if available. However GRE scores are not a departmental admissions requirement. Students who intend to study statistics need not submit GRE scores from either the general or the subject specific mathematics exam. Results can be forwarded by testing agency to McGill University. (Code 0935).

For Graduate Admissions inquiries email Graduate Coordinator Jason Stillman at grad.mathstat [at] mcgill.ca

 

Necessary Background

  • For Master students: The normal entrance requirement for the Master's programs is a Canadian honours degree or its equivalent, with high standing, in mathematics, or a closely related discipline in the case of applicants intending to concentrate in statistics or applied mathematics.
  • For Ph.D. students: A Master's degree with high standing is required, in addition to the requirements listed above for the masters program. Students may apply to transfer directly from the Master's program to the PhD program, but should do so only after consulting their research supervisor(s) and the graduate program director. 
  • Applicants wishing to concentrate in pure mathematics should have a strong background in linear algebra, abstract algebra, and real and complex analysis.
  • Applicants wishing to concentrate in statistics should have a strong background in linear algebra and basic real analysis. A calculus based course in probability and one in statistics are required, as well as some knowledge of computer programming. Some knowledge of numerical analysis and optimization is desirable.
  • Applicants wishing to concentrate in applied mathematics should have a strong background in most of the areas of linear algebra, analysis, differential equations, discrete mathematics and numerical analysis. Some knowledge of computer programming is also desirable.

Students whose preparation is insufficient for the program they wish to enter may, exceptionally, be admitted to a Qualifying Year.

    Proficiency in English

    • Applicants whose mother tongue is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), are required to submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English with their application.
    • Proof of competency in English is provided by taking one of the tests (TOEFL or IELTS) as specified on the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office website https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/international/apply/proficiency. The minimum scores specified on that website must be met by all applicants.
    • Appropriate exam results must be submitted directly from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or directly from the IELTS Office (International English Language Testing Systems) to McGilll University (Code 0935), Department code for: general Math (072) and Statistics (059).  An institutional version of the TOEFL is not acceptable.
    • Applications will not be considered if a TOEFL or IELTS test result is not available.

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