Application deadline*

Fall Admission deadline

International Students: January 15

Canadian Students: January 15

The deadline for guaranteed consideration of applications (Jan. 15th) has passed. Canadian applicants may continue to apply – however, review of applications in ongoing, and will continue only until spaces are filled. There is no guarantee that applications received after Jan. 15^th will be considered. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible. This page will be updated when spaces are filled. Please email studentaffairs.sis [at] mcgill.ca for more information.

*Deadline for completed application packages, including supporting documents and references. Allow ample time prior to the deadline for the uploading of documents and electronic submission of references.

Requirements

º«¹úÂãÎè admissions requirements are found the Grad Applicants website.  School of Information Studies specific requirements are listed below.

I. Education

An applicant should normally have a Master of Information Studies (MISt), Master in Library and Information Studies (MLIS), or its equivalent. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered in relation to the proposed research. A CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 at both the undergraduate and graduate level is required.

An applicant with an MISt, MLIS or its equivalent will normally be admitted into PhD 2.

An applicant with a master's degree in another field may be considered for admission as a PhD 2 but may be required to register for courses to upgrade background knowledge in information studies.

A candidate who holds only a bachelor’s degree from º«¹úÂãÎè or an approved institution in Information Studies or equivalent in exceptional circumstances may be admitted to PhD 1.

II. Proficiency in English

Since English is the primary language of instruction and communication at º«¹úÂãÎè, you must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English, regardless of your citizenship status or country of origin.

º«¹úÂãÎè has this language requirement to ensure that all students will have the opportunity for success in their chosen program. Click Future Graduate Students website to find information on when and how to provide proof of proficiency.

The minimum scores for acceptance to the School of Information Studies are listed below.

• (Test of English as a Foreign Language): minimum acceptable scores are:
  • IBT (Internet-Based Test): 100 overall; written score at least 25; reading, writing, and listening score not less than 20
• (International English Language Testing System): a band score of 7.5 or greater (Academic module)

Identifying potential supervisors

Prospective PhD students are encouraged to review the website to assist in identifying possible dissertation supervisors and to become familiar with the School's research areas before applying to the program. Key pages include: Faculty, Publications, PhD students, and Theses.

Visit the º«¹úÂãÎè Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) Connecting with a supervisor page for valuable tips on how to find and connect with potential supervisors at º«¹úÂãÎè.

Process & documents

For detailed instructions on how to apply and how to upload required supporting documents, please see Preparing to apply and Submitting your documents

STEP 1. Online Application for Admission

• Submit your application online.
• An non-refundable application fee is required.

STEP 2. Submission of Supporting Information.

Upload the required supporting documents; following the instructions for transcripts and letters of references.

Additional requirements for application to the School of Information Studies are listed below:

1. References: Names of two instructors who are familiar with your academic work. If your degree(s) were awarded more than 5 years ago, you may submit the names of employers -- letters much be submitted on company letterhead. Valid institutional email addresses are required.
2. A curriculum vitae (CV).
3. A letter of application identifying your interest in the PhD program, your proposed research topic, potential supervisor(s), and expected professional directions. (2-3 pages)
4. A short research proposal, identifying the your main research questions & objectives, the research background to the questions & objectives, and ways in which the research could be conducted (3-4 pages excluding citations). 

STEP 3. Acceptance of an admission offer

• Once you receive an offer of admission, follow the instructions to accept your admissions offer.
• A non-refundable PhD program deposit of $300 is required. This will be credited towards tuition. 

Contacts

Jump back to the main PhD in Information Studies page.