Graduate Admission

** Information on the Non-Thesis MSc programs in Biotechnology can be found here **

Admission Requirements

In order to be admitted into the Thesis Research MSc and PhD Graduate Programs of the Institute of Parasitology, students must meet the minimum requirements for admission to McGill as a Graduate Student. These requirements include minimum standards for academic achievement and competency with communication in English. Details can be found here

In adddition, prospective students will be considered only if they have an undergraduate degree in the Biological or Medical Sciences, or a closely related field, and have a minimum CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of 3.2 out of 4.0 (First class, or Upper Second class) or the equivalent. High marks are expected in courses considered to be preparatory for the graduate program. Previous experience in Parasitology is not necessary.

Prospective students are required to be competent with both written and oral communication 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), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English, by appropriate exams, eg TOEFL with a minimum score of 577 on paper-based test or 90 on the internet-based test with each component not less than 20. The MCHE is not considered equivalent. Results must be submitted as part of the application. The University code is 0935 (McGill University, Montreal) and the Department code is 31 (Graduate Schools), Biological Sciences - Agriculture, to ensure that your TOEFL reaches this office without delay.

If you meet these criteria, you are not guaranteed a position but must complete the application process and await a decision.

How to Apply

As of October 2012, McGill’s formerly paper-based graduate application process has been replaced with a more convenient electronic version.  For detailed instructions on how to apply and how to upload required supporting documents in the new version, please visit the Future Graduate Students page.

When to Apply

Applications for graduate admission must be submitted on-line according to the published deadlines. There are two times each year when new student will be considered. Most students begin in September and the required components of the program are designed around students beginning in the Fall. Students can also begin in January.

Once the completed application has been received, the file will be reviewed and if acceptance is recommended then McGill must process the request and will send out acceptance notification. In the case of International students, an appropriate visa for study at McGill must be obtain and this will also take some time. For this reason we have the following deadlines for receipt of completed applications. Applications made before these dates will be guaranteed for consideration at the next intake. Applications made after the deadline can be made but will be considered for the following intake.

September Admission

January 15 (International Students)
May 31 (Canadian Students)

January Admission

July 15 (International Students)
September 1 (Canadian Students)

What Next?

Once you have applied, your application will be reviewed when all supporting documents have been received and the file is complete. In order to be acceptable, an applicant must have a willing Supervisor, there must be sufficient funding for the research program, expenses and living costs for the student and a position must be available.

If a favourable decision is made, the Institute of Parasitology will recommend to the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office that the student be accepted. The GPSO will then evaluate the application package for a final review. If the application meets the standards for McGill, then the GPSO will issue an Acceptance Letter directly to the student at the address given in the on-line application.

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