(Approved by SoCS Council online poll that ended May 6, 2016)

Download PhD.CSCI Regulation on Admission Requirements

Students can start their degree in September, January and May with most spaces filled 4 months in advance of entry. Prospective students should check the School of Computer Science website for additional information.

Admission to the PhD program normally requires a recognized thesis-based master’s degree with a minimum 75% average. A course-based master’s degree or a 4-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree may be accepted if the applicant has an outstanding academic record and has demonstrated research accomplishments through publications in scholarly journals or conferences.

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements:

1. Applicants must submit a current CV (including publications)

2. Applicants must submit a statement of research (at most 1500 words):

• The applicant should identify their potential supervisors and explain their choice.
• They should describe the general area of research in which they are interested. The area must be at the crossroads between computer science and another discipline (the “application discipline”) in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, etc.
• They may also describe a specific research problem in the area and their initial ideas on how to approach it.
• They should clearly explain the importance and interdisciplinary nature of the area or problem.
• They should summarize the related research and refer to publications where appropriate. ===

As an appendix (not included in the 1500-word limit):

• An applicant without a master’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science should highlight their computational knowledge and experience (e.g., computer science courses taken; use of Matlab, Mathematica, R, Maple, Weka).
• An applicant without a master’s or bachelor’s degree in the application discipline should highlight their knowledge and experience in that discipline.
• The applicant should list any other reasons why they consider themselves a strong applicant.

3. Applicants without a master’s degree from a Canadian university are encouraged to supply GRE scores (GRE General or Subject Test).

4. English Proficiency

A test of English proficiency is required of all applicants whose first language is not English. Required scores are shown below:

• Paper-based TOEFL: 600
• Internet-based TOEFL: 100, speaking and writing 25, at least 21 in each category
• IELTS: 7.0, at least 6.5 for each component
• MELAB: 90, speaking 3, no score lower than 80
• CAEL: 70, writing and speaking 70, no score lower than 60
• University of Guelph English Language Certificate at the Advanced Level
• The proof of English proficiency requirement may be waived in exceptional circumstances (e.g. Applicants who have studied full-time for two years in a country where English is the native language AND in a university where English is the language of instruction).

Note: Students may not enter nor transfer to part-time studies in this PhD program.