Graduate Â鶹AV
*Start here*: Prospective students are encouraged to carefully consult the Â鶹AV Future Graduate StudentsÌýwebsite, especially the Application Support FAQ.
Requirements for Admission
MSc program: Applicants must have a BSc or the equivalent degree with an extensive background in the life sciences. An academic record equivalent to or better than a GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 at Â鶹AV is required. Students are normally accepted into the MSc program, and those candidates showing outstanding progress may be permitted to transfer ('fast-track') into the PhD program after one year of training.
PhD program: Applicants holding a graduate degree (Master's) - or in exceptional cases, an undergraduate degree (Bachelor's) - from a recognized institution are eligible to apply to our PhD program.ÌýAn academic record equivalent to or better than a GPA of 3.5Ìýout of 4.0 at Â鶹AV is required for those with a graduate degree. To be considered for direct entryÌýfollowing undergraduate studies, a GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0 is required in addition toÌýconsiderable and relevant research experience.
Non-Canadian applicants who did not complete their previous studies in the English language must also take the TOEFLÌýor the IELTS examination. Consult the GPS website for English language proficiency requirements.
All applications will be evaluated by the Pathology Graduate Training Committee (GTC). Candidates found suitable must also be accepted by a research director, and adequate funding must be obtained for both personal support and research expenses.
Finding a Supervisor/Lab
You do not need to have a supervisor at the time of applying; however, prospective students are encouraged to reach out to potential supervisors well in advanceÌý(i.e. in the final year of BSc or MSc) to inquire about open positions and grant funding. Please ensure that you meet the minimum admission requirements before contacting a supervisor.ÌýThe department will not assign students to a supervisor, but will facilitate the matching process by advertising PIs who have indicated that they are actively recruiting graduate students. Browse the list of Research Directors in Pathology to see who is recruiting and learn more about their research themes.
Application Procedures
The deadlines for various applicants are listed in the right sidebar of this page. Note that the Dept. of Pathology does not admit students in the Summer semesters (Fall and Winter intakes only).Ìý
Â鶹AV’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at . For detailed instructions on how to apply and how to upload required supporting documents on Â鶹AV’s online application portal, please seeÌýApplying to Â鶹AV.
1. Application (Online)
Please complete and submit an online web application at Apply Now.Ìý
2. Application fee
Â鶹AV charges aÌýnon-refundable feeÌýof $132.90 CAD (Winter 2025) or $136.90 CAD (Fall 2025) for graduate applications. This fee allows you to apply for admission to a second program at no extra cost.
3. Curriculum Vitae
Recommended sections: Education, Research Experience*, Honours & Awards, Publications/Presentations, Skills, Extracurricular Activities & Community Service. *Prior relevant research experience is a major consideration when evaluating applicants.Ìý
4. Transcripts
Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts from all universities previously attended. If you are recommended for admission you will later be required to supply official transcripts. Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by an English or French translation provided by the institution issuing the transcript or by a certified translator.
Please refer to the following webpages on Supporting documents and Educational credentials and grade equivalency.
5. Electronic letters of reference
Two confidential letters of reference are required for your application. Once you have identified your referees (you must provide a valid institutional e-mail address for each referee), Â鶹AV will send them an e-mail asking for a reference in support of your application (Gmail or Yahoo domains cannot be accepted). Additionally, uploaded letters must be on university or company/business stationery and the referee must indicate his/her position and full contact information at the institution.
Please refer to the following webpages on Supporting documents.
6. Personal Statement or Research Interests
A one- to two-page statement that briefly summarizes your previous experience and provides a concise explanation of why you wish to study in the Department of Pathology at Â鶹AV. Applicants should indicate their range of research interests; if they wish to investigate a specific topic, they should provide a clear description and suggest potential research director(s). This is where applicants can indicate if they have already been in contact with or secured a thesis supervisor.
7.Ìý Proof of English language proficiency
Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English. Before acceptance, appropriate exam results must be submitted directly from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) Office. Â鶹AV accepts ONLY scores submitted electronically by an IELTS test centre, and does not accept paper TRFs (Test Report Forms) directly from test centres and candidates. Applicants must contact the test center where the IELTS test was taken and request that the test scores be sent electronically to Â鶹AV. Applicants and staff can verify the receipt of test results directly in the Application portal. An institutional version of the TOEFL is not acceptable. Applications will not be considered if a TOEFL is not available. Please allow Ìýan appropriate delay as Â鶹AV receives IELTS results on an ongoing basis. (Institution Code for Â鶹AV is 0935). Please refer to the English language proficiency page.
Financial aid from the Department and the University is at the present time limited, and from outside granting agencies often limited to Canadian citizens and landed immigrants with very high academic standings. Applicants should explore and indicate plans for financial support.
As soon as all the required documents have been received, the application will be reviewed by our Graduate Training Committee on a rolling basis, and you will be advised of our decision.
Recommended applicants will be notified by Enrolment Services to provide official documents.