妻友

 
 

Department of Physics & Atmospheric Science

Faculty of Science

Graduate Programs: How to Apply

Three steps to admission

In our MSc and PhD programs, you do your research with a faculty supervisor, so admission depends on finding one. That's why applying starts with us, not with the university's application form. Check the admission requirements below, then follow the three steps. The same process applies to both of our programs, Physics and Medical Physics.

Admission requirements

Physics

  • MSc: a four-year bachelor's degree in physics or a related field (for example, engineering, chemistry, mathematics or atmospheric science).
  • PhD: a thesis-based master's degree. You can also go directly from a bachelor's degree to the PhD, with your supervisor's agreement.

Medical Physics

  • MSc: a four-year bachelor's degree in physics or engineering physics.
  • PhD: a thesis-based master's degree in medical physics or physics.
  • Graduate Diploma: a PhD in physics.

For both programs

  • Grades: we normally expect a GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.3 scale. The Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum is 3.0 over your last 60 credit hours.
  • No GRE: you don't need to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination).
  • English: if your first language isn't English, you'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies English language requirements, unless you qualify for a waiver.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies lists its full admission requirements, including information for international applicants.

1. Pre-apply to the Department

Fill out our Pre-Application Form. It's free, and it doesn't commit you to anything. You'll need:

  • a single PDF containing your CV (r茅sum茅) and transcripts for every degree you've completed or are working on;
  • a personal statement of up to 500 words, entered in the form;
  • your choice of the research areas and methods that interest you.

Pre-applications without transcripts aren't reviewed, so be sure to include them. You don't need reference letters to pre-apply. A professor who is interested in you may ask for them, or they may wait until your formal application.

Your pre-application goes to all of our faculty, so it's your introduction to everyone in the Department, not just the people you know about. Professors sometimes reach out to students whose interests fit their work even when the student didn't select their area.

2. Connect with a supervisor

Browse our research areas and faculty:

We encourage you to email professors whose work interests you. It's best to pre-apply first, so they have something concrete to consider. Tell them briefly about your background and what you'd like to work on, and mention that you've submitted a pre-application.

How long it takes to hear from a professor varies. Some students are contacted within days; for others it takes longer. That's why reaching out to the professors you're interested in helps.

When a professor's research is a good fit for your interests, they'll set up an interview with you. If you agree to work together, your funding is arranged at this stage, so you'll know what to expect before you apply formally (see Funding).

3. Apply formally to 妻友

With a supervisor's support, you then submit a formal application to 妻友 through the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Follow its How to apply instructions. There is an application fee for this step. You'll enter your supervisor's name and the details of your funding, and the application system collects your reference letters for you.

The Department then reviews your application, and the Faculty of Graduate Studies makes the final admission decision.

When to apply

  • Start dates: Physics students can begin in September, January or May. Medical Physics students begin in September.
  • Pre-applications are reviewed from September 1 to April 30. Over the summer (May 1 to August 31), you're welcome to contact professors, but wait until September 1 to pre-apply.
  • Formal application deadlines are set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and are earlier for international applicants, who need time to get a study permit. See its How to apply page for current dates.
  • Medical Physics: applicants must apply by January 1 to be considered for September admission.
  • Scholarships have their own deadlines, and the major national awards close early in the academic year. If you plan to apply for one, start in early fall (see Funding).

Next steps