Application Procedures

Due to the small number of new admissions each year, we require all students to begin the program in September.

Preliminary applications will be accepted until our positions are filled.

There are two stages to our application process:

1. All applicants must submit a preliminary application, which is reviewed by the PhD office.
2. If your preliminary application is approved, you’ll be invited to submit a formal application.

STEP 1: Preliminary Application

The preliminary application is a one page form. There is no fee for submitting your preliminary application.

2022 Preliminary Application Deadlines: 

Round 1 Preliminary Application Deadline: Friday December 3rd, 2021.

Round 2 Preliminary Application Deadline: Monday January 17th, 2022.

Prepare

Before you fill out the form, please review the different fields of study which are available. Each area has specific requirements and you can only apply for one field of study. You can also review the research interests of its faculty members and current students.

If you have made an appointment to take one of the required tests, please wait until you know the results before submitting your preliminary application.

Download

PhD Program – Preliminary Application

Submit

To submit the form, email the completed PDF attachment with your relevant documents attached (including all post-secondary transcripts, copies of unofficial test results, and your CV) to phdinfo@mcmaster.ca

If you have questions, please email phdinfo@mcmaster.ca

What Happens Next?

When we receive your preliminary application, we will review it to determine whether or not you qualify to submit a formal application.

We will send you an email to let you know whether or not you qualify. If you do qualify, we’ll include instructions on how to submit the formal application.

STEP 2: Formal Application

If you qualify, you’ll be sent a link to the formal application by email. In addition to the information requested on the form, this application requires supporting documentation (outlined below). You will also be required to provide a concise and well thought out statement of research interests which will be reviewed by the admissions committee. There is a $110 (CAN) fee for submitting a formal application. This fee cannot be waived.

Required Supporting Documentation

• Official transcripts for all previous degrees
• Two confidential referee reports submitted online through the eReference tool provided in SLATE
• Official GMAT or GRE scores sent directly from the testing centre
• If required, an official TOEFL or IELTS test score, sent directly from the testing centre
• Your CV, including academic and professional accomplishments such as publications, awards and teaching experience
• Statement of research interests

Please visit our Graduate Studies page for step by step instructions on how to submit the formal application through SLATE.

Do not submit a formal application without having submitted a free preliminary application to the PhD Office first (see instructions above).

NOTE: The formal application fee is mandatory for all applicants. This enables our program office to process the applications that come in. No waiver can be applied.

If you have questions about your formal application, please contact phdinfo@mcmaster.ca.