Candidates for master's degrees must complete the degree within three years of initial registration. If the degree is pursued strictly on a less-than-full-time basis, it must be completed within five years of initial registration, after which the student will be withdrawn from the University.

Candidates for doctoral degrees must complete the degree by the end of PhD7. Please note that students admitted after a master’s degree are normally considered to be PhD2 and not PhD1 (direct entry). Students should contact their Graduate Program Coordinator/Administrator to confirm the number of years in which they must complete the degree.

The object of these regulations is to encourage candidates to complete their theses and qualify for their degree without undue delay.

Students who do not complete their degree requirements within the time limits stated above will be withdrawn from the University and will lose their student status and access to McGill facilities and support. International students on study permits will also be required to leave Canada.

Students can apply for readmission by completing and submitting the Request for Readmission webform only when they are ready to submit their thesis and will be charged fees for the term of readmission and any future terms of registration up to and including their term of graduation.

Council of FGSR, February 2, 1996; Revised January 18, 2016.

Senate, April 20, 2016.