Admissions

Application deadlines

Fall (September) program entry

International students: January 15
Canadian students: January 15

Winter (January) program entry

Canadian students: August 1

Your application must be complete by the application deadline. A completed application includes all supporting documents and references. Please thoroughly review the information below to ensure you submit a completed application.

Admission requirements

I. Bachelor's degree from a recognized university; academic standing of at least a B

  • Applicants should be graduates of a recognized university and hold a bachelor's degree of recognized reputation.
  • Academic standing of at least a B, or 2nd class, upper division, or Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 is normally required.

    International students: If you have obtained your educational credentials at an institution outside of Canada, they will be assessed for equivalency with a McGill University degree. Please consult the International Credentials and Degree Equivalencies page for more information.

II. English-language proficiency

Documented proof of proficiency in oral and written English is required by all applicants whose mother tongue is not English, AND who have not obtained (or are about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction. See the English language proficiency page for situations where proof of proficiency is normally not required.

Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test) or 100 (IBT Internet based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score of not less than 20, or the International English Language testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Before acceptance, appropriate exam results must be submitted directly from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) Office. McGill Institution Code: 0935

Please note: Applications will not be considered if a TOEFL or IELTS test result is not available. TOEFL results are only valid for two years from the date the test was written. An institutional version of the TOEFL is not acceptable. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language proficiency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores.

III. Competency in the use of computers

Competency in the use of computers is expected. Applicants should have a thorough knowledge of the Windows operating system, particularly file management and word processing, and presentation software such as PowerPoint.


APPLICANTS TO THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LIBRARY & INFORMATION STUDIES PROGRAM ONLY:

The Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies is a post-master's degree for library and information professionals. Applicants to the program must possess:

I. Master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent) from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).

Admission of students with overseas degrees will be guided by the MLIS equivalency standards of ALA, as found on the ALA website. Please direct questions regarding academic equivalencies to the Program Director.

Required documentation

All items below must be submitted in uApply, McGill's online application system, before your application can be considered. Allow ample time prior to the deadline to upload supporting documents and ensure your referees submit online references.

STEP I: Complete the online application form and submit the application fee (non-refundable).

STEP II: After submitting your application form, you can then upload the following required documentation:

  1. Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended to date (with the exception of McGill). Uploaded copies will be considered as unofficial; final, official copies will be required once you are offered admission. These transcripts must indicate degree awarded. If credits related to a degree were transferred from a different institution, then transcripts must also be provided from that source.
  2. References: Names and insitutional email addresses of two instructors who have taught you in your undergraduate or graduate academic program and are familiar with your academic work. The most current available academic references are preferred if possible. If your last degree was awarded more than 5 years ago, two non-academic letters of recommendation (e.g. employer, supervisor) are required in the place of academic references. The automated uApply system will contact your referees with instructions to upload references on your behalf. Please note that although you can list public domain addresses such as Hotmail, Gmail, or Yahoo Mail on the application form, references uploaded from these addresses will not be accepted by the School. Therefore you must list a valid institutional or corporate email address for your referees. Any letters of recommendation not provided on institutional letterhead must be accompanied by an explanation.
  3. A covering letter of intent of approximately 1 page, briefly outlining the reasons for wishing to undertake this program of study at McGill's School of Information Studies.
  4. A curriculum vitae (resume).
  5. Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable. When registering for the test please ensure that you request that results be sent directly to McGill University. McGill will then receive the results electronically, directly from the testing agency. (See Admission Requirements above.)

Please note: all documentation must be provided electronically. For more information about uploading supporting documents and other uApply questions, please consult the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies "Ready to Apply?" page. See uApply FAQs here. If you have any questions or are having trouble uploading documents, please contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator (see Contacting the School below.)

After you apply

  • Log in to uApply to ensure supporting documents have been uploaded and your referees have submitted online references by the deadline (see Application deadlines above). Your application can only be considered once all supporting documentation is complete. Incomplete applications will not be processed. If you have questions, please contact the Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator (see Contacting the School below.)
  • If you are accepted into the program, you will be sent a notification by McGill to the email address provided in your application. The notification will include a deadline for your confirmation of acceptance and deposit.
     

Confirming acceptance

  • After receiving a notification of acceptance, confirmation of acceptance with a non-refundable deposit is required, payable by credit card.
  • The deposit will be credited towards your tuition fee account upon registration for courses.
  • Confirmation must be received by the deadline indicated in the offer of acceptance letter or the offer will be rescinded.
     

Study permits/authorization for international students

As soon as possible after confirmation of acceptance, all non-Canadians coming to McGill must obtain mandatory immigration documents to study legally in Quebec if enrolled in a program lasting 6 months or longer. All information and instructions are found on the Immigration documents page. Contact International Student Services for more information and assistance.

Contacts

For questions regarding Contact
Admissions and application process; course registration process; general administrative matters

 

Sophia Germond, Student Affairs Coordinator

admissions.sis [at] mcgill.ca

Program content and structure, academic matters Graduate Program Director gpdm.sis [at] mcgill.ca

 

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