Please consult the International Students Website for a more in-depth explanation of international student resources.
1. 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.
TOEFL or IETLS test scores are accepted.
Minimum scores of 600 on the TOEFL paper-based test, 250 on the computer based test or 100 on the Internet based test are required. Each component or subsection score requires a minimum score of 20.
On the IELTS the minimum standard for consideration is 7.
McGill University has this language requirement to ensure that all students will have the opportunity for success in their chosen program. You will find information on when proof of proficiency is required, not required and where exemptions may occur at the following website: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/you-apply-mcgill/proficiency
TOEFL scores must be sent electronically by the testing agency to McGill University using our institution code of 0935. Scanned copies of results or hard copies sent in the mail will not be entered as received in your application. IELTS scores also must be submitted electronically by the test center to McGill University.
Results submitted by mail or e-mail will not be accepted.
2. Minimum Requirements and Grade Conversion
The Department of Human Genetics has a minimum CGPA requirement of 3.2 out of a possible 4.0 for acceptance into a program. However, in order to be eligible for a tuition waiver, a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of a possible 4.0 is required. (Please note that tuition waivers are NOT available to international students being funded by their home government.)
Educational credentials obtained at non-Canadian institutions will be assessed for equivalency with a McGill University degree.
For information on International Degree Equivalency, please visit the following page: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/you-apply-mcgill/equivalency
3. Funding
International students sometimes have more difficulty securing supervision and funding than Permanent Residents or Citizens of Canada and Quebec because of the higher tuition rates. For this reason, it is important to think about funding options before you apply or, if you already have funding, to ensure that you have all the information and amounts ready for when you contact prospective supervisors.
The Graduate Training Committee requires that all students accepted into the thesis graduate program be financially supported. Current minimum levels of support plus the full balance of tuition. These amounts are guaranteed for up to 2 years for M.Sc. students, 4 years for Ph.D. students who enter as Ph.D. (2) and 5 years for those who enter as Ph.D. (1).
Please keep in mind that funding must come from one of following sources:
i) studentships (available from both internal and external agencies on a competitive basis),
ii) research grants awarded to supervisors and
iii) financial support from foreign governments, providing it is documented, is acceptable. Personal or family financing of graduate careers is ordinarily not permitted. Other funding options (scholarships, grants, etc.) are up to the student to pursue. For more complete information on student funding, please visit our webpage at:
https://www.mcgill.ca/humangenetics/prospective-graduate-students/student-funding
It is not the responsibility of the department to secure funding or supervision for applicants.