How to Apply

How to apply

Application Deadline for all programs:  January 15th  

Entry: September admission

This is a firm deadline and processing of applications will begin after this deadline. Please note that this is the deadline for the department to receive the full application, including letters of reference, English proficiency scores (for international applicants), and GRE scores (if applicable). Decisions will be announced between mid to end of March.

See detailed instructions on how to apply and how to upload required supporting documents.

Students may contact the Graduate Coordinator by email at: info.philosophy [at] mcgill.ca or by phone at 514-398-1578.

Required documentation

A complete application is one that includes:

1. Duly completed (on-line) McGill University application form.
2. Application fee* paid on-line by credit card when completing the application. 
3. Three (3) letters of reference, from three (3) qualified individuals familiar with your work. The Department does not require that these be on special reference letter forms.
4. Transcripts, your complete record of study from each university-level institution attended to date. Uploaded copies will be considered as unofficial: final, official copies will be required once offered admission. Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be uploaded with an English or French translation provided by the institution issuing the transcript or by a certified translator.
5. A sample of your written work in philosophy (one essay, 15-20 pages typed double-spaced).
6. A short statement (2-3 pages, typed double-spaced) explaining your reasons for wishing to undertake graduate studies in Philosophy at McGill University. 
7. Applicants are strongly encouraged to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); this is not mandatory. However, applicants who are taking or have taken the GRE must arrange for the results of the examination to be sent directly to McGill University (Institution code: 0935).
8. Non-Canadian applicants whose mother tongue is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a recognized Canadian institution or a recognized foreign institution where English is the main language of instruction must submit documented proof of competence in oral and written English, witnessed by performance in appropriate exam, namely those conducted by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 567 (paper-based) or 86 overall (internet-based) with no less than 20 on each of the four component scores, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 or greater. The exam scores must be within the 2-year validity period when the application is submitted. Exam results must be submitted directly from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) Office. The Institution Code for McGill University is 0935. See detailed information regarding the English language proficiency requirements.
9. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all application materials are submitted on time (JANUARY 15th). We encourage candidates to apply as early as possible.

♦ Applicants will only be able to submit supporting documents after they submit the application and pay the application fee. After the application fee is paid, applicants will be directed back to the portal, where supporting documents can be uploaded.