School of Computer Science Graduate Applications and Admissions FAQ

Tuition and Funding

Where can I find details about the tuition fees?

Tuition fees can be found at this page.

What sort of funding is available to graduate students? How do I apply for funding?

There are some McGill specific funds available for strong PhD applicants, and in some years, there is also a small amount of funding available for strong MSc applicants. Applications that are complete by January 1 will automatically be considered. Canadian citizens and Québec residents are encouraged to apply for NSERC and FQRNT. International students are encouraged to apply to similar funding programs in their home countries.

I am currently not provided any funding, is there any funding possibility in the future?

Yes, there is still a possibility for future funding, if you choose to come to McGill you can also apply for a teaching assistantship (TA) and once you find a supervisor there is also possibility of research assistant funding.

Where can I find more information on funding?

More information can be found on this page.

How likely is it to get a TA position and when can one apply for the same?

Most students who apply for a TA are awarded one but new students can usually only apply for a TA during their second term in the program.

Test Scores

My TOEFL score is just below the School of Computer Science minimum admission requirement. Will my application be automatically refused?

There are many factors taken into consideration when reviewing applications for admission. It is however recommended to meet minimum admission requirements of a score of 100 in TOEFL (internet based test) with at least 20 in individual sections. For more details refer to this page.

What is the minimum IELTS score expected for admission?

A band score of 6.5 or greater (Academic module) is required. For more details refer to this page.

If the language of instruction at my University was in English, do I need to write the TOEFL?

If you completed a degree (Bachelor or Master's) where the language of instruction was English, you are not required to provide proof of English competency in the form of TOEFL or IELTS. You are required to provide official proof (either stated on your transcript or in a separate letter from the University) that the language of instruction for your degree was English.

How are the test scores reported?

Test scores must be sent electronically directly from the testing agency to institution code #0935.

Why have I been waived off the English Proficiency Tests?

You have been waived from the TOEFL/IELTS test because you have studied at an English university. If you like you may still submit your TOEFL/IELTS test results to McGill.

Supporting Documents (CV personal statement, references, transcripts)

What should I include in my personal statement?

For the personal statement, it should include your research interests, and mention which professors you are interested in working with. You can also briefly describe proposed research, any special circumstances or special project you have work on in the past, or any other achievements. It should not exceed one page.

Degree equivalency

How do I convert my percentage grades to a CGPA on a scale out of 4.0?

Information can be found on the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office International Degree Equivalencies webpage, where you may also look up degree equivalence for your country.

Program (Thesis /Non-Thesis) Related

How can one apply for Non-Thesis program?

Please take note that all our applicants to our MSc program must apply directly to our thesis program (no supervisor required at time of admission). Once accepted into the program and having obtained a supervisor the student can change or add the non-thesis option.

Can I apply for more than one program?

Yes, you may apply for more than one program (maximum 2 per on-line application). If you are offered admission to more than one program, you may accept only one offer.

Can I transfer from one program to another or from one university to another?

We do not offer an option to "transfer". You will have to apply as a regular applicant. If admitted to our program then we can transfer a maximum of 2 courses to your new program within or outside McGill.

Can I apply directly to Bioinformatics program?

Bioinformatics is an "option" not a degree program. Therefore, it is added to your degree name; for example "Master in Computer Science with option in Bioinformatics". If you are interested in the bioinformatics option you must apply to a program that both offers the option and for which you have a sufficient background (usually your Bachelor's degree). Note, that you must first apply to the program/department, be accepted and have a supervisor from the Bioinformatics option, then you can apply internally to be added to the option. Please note that many other departments also offer a Bioinformatics option that may be more suitable with the background you already have. You can view more information on this page.

Eligibility for applying

Can I still apply if I don't meet minimum admission requirements?

Applicants should meet minimum requirements. The admissions process is very competitive and if your application does not meet the minimum requirements then it will likely be refused. Note that all your documents are important for your application to be considered.

I don't have a CS background. Can I still apply?

In the link below you will find a list of required courses that need to be taken before applying to our programs. Sometime students from similar backgrounds such as ECE have already taken these courses and have sufficient background to apply directly. The course numbers/title do not have to match but the course descriptions must be really similar. If you do not have these courses then you must take them first before applying. If you want to take the courses at McGill then you will have to apply as "special/independent" student at the undergraduate level in order to register for these courses. For details concerning our graduate programs and admission requirements please visit our graduate student webpage. If you do not have the minimum admission requirements, we cannot encourage you to apply to our program.

Supervisor information

Is it mandatory to find a supervisor before applying for admission?

No, this is not required for admission. Also, the school does not assign supervisors. Students are given one year from the time they first register to find a supervisor.

How does one find a supervisor?

Students are given one year from the time they first register to find a supervisor and should endeavour to take courses with potential supervisors. Students ideally find a supervisor before the end of the second term to permit thesis research during the summer. The school does not assign supervisors. Advice on contacting potential supervisors can be found here.

Will I be able to do MSc thesis work in machine learning with a professor of my choice?

If you are a MSc applicant and hoping to work with a specific professor in machine learning, note that many have limited capacity to take on new students. Nevertheless, there are opportunities for applying machine learning techniques in many areas (either as thesis or project).

I am a Ph.D. applicant. Do I need to contact potential supervisors?

Please take note that all our applicants to our PhD program must list at least 3 proposed supervisors they want to work with on their application. Your application file will be appropriately forwarded once complete. Students are also encouraged to contact potential supervisors directly to discuss specific opportunities. Advice on contacting potential supervisors can be found here.

Application Status

The status of my application is "submitted". When will I receive an answer?

Most applications will stay in the "submitted" status until a decision is made. This can take up to one month before an update.

How can I inquire about my current application?

For inquiries concerning your application please use the communication tool on your uApply application. Please do not send separate emails as it only delays the processing time.

What do I do if I have technical problems with my application, such as in uploading documents or logging in?

Please use the communication tool and help available for the uApply system.

Contact

For any specific questions, see contact information here.