Master of Information Studies Admissions

Application deadlines

Fall (September) start date

The system starts accepting applications for the Fall semester on September 15. The followings are the application deadlines.

International students: January 15
Canadian students: January 15

All deadlines above are for completed application packages. Please thoroughly review the information below to ensure you submit a completed application. Allow ample time for the uploading of electronic documents and electronic submission of references.

Indigenous Student Librarian Program offers the opportunity for an indigenous student to work part-time as a student librarian (or archivist) at Concordia Library, while pursuing a master’s degree in information studies at either McGill or Université de Montréal. This initiative, led by Concordia University Library, is a partnership between three universities: Concordia, McGill University, and Université de Montréal.  To view the eligibility requirements and application process click here 


Admission requirements

Please note that admission into the MISt and MISt – Project programs is competitive. Simply meeting the minimum requirements outlined below does not guarantee acceptance.
 

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

  • Academic standing of at least a B, or 2nd class, upper division, or CPGA of 3.0 out of 4.0 is normally required. Applicants should be graduates of a recognized university and hold a bachelor's degree of recognized reputation.
  • The School will take into account the character of applicants' post-secondary studies and their suitability for a career in information-related fields.
  • Graduate courses in library and/or information studies taken in a school with a program not accredited by the American Library Association cannot be accepted as credit toward the McGill School of Information Studies MISt program. See Admissions FAQ for additional information on transfer credits.

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 Educational credentials and grade equivalencies page for more information. Note: GRE scores are not required for application to the program.

II. English-language proficiency

Since English is the primary language of instruction and communication at McGill, you must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English, regardless of your citizenship status or country of origin.

McGill University has this language requirement to ensure that all students will have the opportunity for success in their chosen program. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for information on when and how to provide proof of proficiency.

The School of Information Studies' English language proficiency minimum acceptable scores are: 

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): a minimum overall average of 100 with a written score of 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score of not less than 20;
  • International English Language testing System (IELTS): a minimum overall band score of 7.5 with a written 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.


Required documentation

All items below must be submitted 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) by credit card.

STEP II: After submitting your application form, you will receive a Minerva account. Submit the following documentation electronically in Minerva:

  1. Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended to date (excluding 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.  All academic institutions attended for degree(s) must be listed on the application, i.e. if credits related to a degree were transferred from a different institution (s) then all institutions must be listed with a start and end date of study in the education history and, then transcripts must also be provided from that source.
  2. References: Names and institutional 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 application 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 statement of approximately 800-1000 words, briefly outlining:
    1. For both MISt and MISt-Project applicants:  your motivations for pursuing the MISt or MISt-Project, describing how these align with both your current academic interests and future career goals, as well as your reasons for wishing to undertake this program of study at McGill's School of Information Studies.  Applicants are encouraged to comment on how their interests align with the program's Areas of Interest and Course Offerings.
    2. For MISt-Project applicants only:  In addition to your statement, if you apply to the MISt project program, you are required to submit an 800-1000 word description of your proposed research project (max. 2 pages) which should contain your area of research interest, an explanation on how it connects to the expertise and research interests of at least one possible supervisor from the School's full-time faculty.  Applicants are encouraged to review the faculty profiles to learn more about our areas of expertise and the diversity of research conducted in the School. Please do not contact them directly
  4. A curriculum vitae (resume), briefly summarizing your educational background, qualifications and relevant employment and/or volunteer experiences.  If applicable, you should also include past research experience, including academic publications and presentations.
  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 questions, please consult the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies "Ready to Apply?" page. 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 your application profile 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, you are required to submit a confirmation of acceptance with a non-refundable deposit, payable by credit card. The deposit will be credited towards your tuition fee account upon registration for courses.
  • Confirmation will only be accepted after the deposit has been received.
  • 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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