Application Procedure
There are two stages to the application process:
- All applicants submit a preliminary application which is reviewed by the PhD office.
- Preliminary applications are accepted until all our positions are filled.
- 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.
Deadlines
Round 1 Preliminary Application Deadline: Friday, December 3, 2021
Round 2 Preliminary Application Deadline: Monday, January 17, 2022
Prepare
Before filling out the form, please review the different fields of study. You can only apply for one field of study. Each has its own specific requirements. You can also review the research interests of 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.
Submit
To submit your application, send an email with your completed form and other supporting documents (post-secondary transcripts, copies of unofficial test results, your CV) attached to phdinfo@mcmaster.ca.
What Happens Next
We will review your preliminary application to determine whether or not you qualify to submit a formal application.
We will send you an email either way. If you qualify, we’ll include instructions for submitting the formal application.
Step 2: Formal Application
If you qualify, we’ll send you an email with a link to the formal application.
In addition to the information requested on the form, this application requires specific supporting documentation. You’re also required to submit a concise and well thought out statement of your research interests.
There is a $110 CAD fee for submitting a formal application. This fee cannot be waived.
Required Supporting Documentation
- Official transcripts for all previous degrees.
- Two confidential referee reports. These are submitted online through the eReference tool provided in the application portal.
- Official GMAT or GRE scores, sent directly from the testing centre.
- If required, an official TOEFL or IELTS 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.
Instructions
Please visit the McMaster Graduate Studies website for instructions on how to submit your formal application.
Important: Do not submit a formal application without having submitted a free preliminary application the PhD office. (Instructions above.)
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact us.