Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission conditions?

Applicants are eligible to apply to the Master's and Graduate Certificate in Translational BME programs if they have a bachelor's degree and proven quantitative skills. For more information see the admissions page and the specific application requirements page.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

International students with transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified English or French translation, and for candidates whose mother tongue is not English and who have not completed a degree in an English-speaking country, the TOEFL or IELTS is required. The McGill Institution code is 0935.

For those who have completed a degree at a university where the language of instruction is English, but not in an English-speaking country, please review the McGill English Language Proficiency requirements to determine if you are exempt from taking a proficiency test.

Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering?

No. The program is designed for students who want to succeed in the medical technology industry and have the necessary quantitative and analytical skills. Students with undergraduate degrees in sciences, engineering, and economics are encouraged to apply.

When should I apply for the program? / When is the application deadline?

Please refer to the block on this page entitled "Application Deadlines - BME (M.Sc.A. and Gr. Cert. Programs)" for all the information. (On a mobile device it may be near the bottom of this page.) The application window opens for entry for the next academic year.

Do international applicants have a fair chance of admission compared to domestic applicants?

Yes. All applicants, regardless of citizenship or residency, are evaluated using the same holistic admissions criteria. We do not set caps or quotas on international admissions, and every file is reviewed based on academic merit, experience, and potential fit for the program.

Which quantitative skills are necessary for the program? 

Students with non-engineering undergraduate degrees are required to have taken four quantitative courses (12 cr.) and four natural science courses (12 cr.) See pre-requisite courses for details.

Do I need to complete all pre-requisites before applying?

No, students are welcome to apply even if they are missing pre-requisites courses. Any missing pre-requisites will be indicated at the time of admission, and must be completed before program graduation.

Can you tell me what pre-requisites I need to complete in advance of my application?

No, pre-requisites will be assessed by the admissions committee during the application review stage.

Do I need work experience? 

No.

Is the GMAT or GRE required? 

No.

Can I apply without securing a supervisor?

Yes. This is a non-thesis (i.e., course-based) program. Students do not have a supervisor.

Who should I ask for references? 

We recommend you get references from people who know your strengths and competencies. The references could be academic references or professional references.

Is there an interview required for the application? 

Not usually. But one may be requested by the admissions committee.

If I am admitted, when do I have to respond? 

Accept the admission offer as soon as possible through the online application system to ensure your place in the program.

If I am admitted, can I defer my admission? 

Under exceptional circumstances, an applicant may defer their acceptance for a period no longer than one year. To apply for a deferral, the student must do so in writing, explaining the reasons for the deferral.

All international students are required to secure the CAQ and study permit prior to starting the program. See this page to learn more.

How to apply? / How can I better prepare for this program?

Read the admission process, application requirements, and submit your application through the online application system. We will review complete applications on a rolling basis after the first deadline. After a holistic review, the admissions committee will make the final decisions.

When was the program established?

Read the brief history of the BME department.

What is unique about the McGill Non-Thesis Translational BME program?

Studying Translational BME gives you the opportunity to learn with medical technology industry experts and professors in biomedical engineering. Throughout the program, students gain essential skills and knowledge to lead the commercialization of novel medical technology.

What are program requirements for completion?

Please review the Master’s Program Structure webpage.

Is this only online? Can I attend in person?

This is an in-person program. All courses are expected to be completed on campus. Online course options are not available.

What is the length of the Master's in Translational BME program? 

The program is designed to be completed full-time over one year, across three consecutive semesters: Fall (course work), Winter (course work), and Summer (internships). Domestic students may complete the program on a part-time basis, provided all requirements are fulfilled within a maximum of three years.

Read more about the Program Structure.

What is the course load for this program?

Typically, full-time students complete 2 terms of coursework followed by the internship. In a typical scenario, students will take 15 credits (five 3-credit courses) one semester and 12 credits (four 3-credit courses) the next semester, followed by the 18-credit internship over the summer.

What does the program consist of? For example, programming? Presentations? Theories? Projects? Hands-on experience?

We have core courses taught by industry experts so that you will have tangible, hands-on, up-to-date knowledge that you can apply in industry in biomedical engineering. Alongside classes taught by experts, you also have the internship to provide you with further hands-on experience for the biomedical devices job market.

Is there an accelerated option in the program for those who have prior background in biomedical engineering? 

No. However, applicants may wish consider the shorter Graduate Certificate in Translational BME. Keep in mind that students may choose appropriate 500-level courses at McGill for their Complementary Courses, to advance their professional goals in the medical technology industry.

Is the internship open for international students as well?

Yes, the internship is a core requirement of the program that all students complete.

Does the Master's program help with the preparation for further academic studies in biological or biomedical engineering? 

The Master's program cover topics in fundamental biomedical engineering, but each focuses on preparing students for careers in industry, and is therefore not an academic research preparatory program. Nevertheless, some students choose to pursue further academic studies including thesis-based Master's and PhD programs, or medical school. 

Is there an internship or thesis? 

The Master's program includes a required internship following core and complementary coursework. This is a non-thesis program. 

What are the total tuition fees for this program?

Tuition is charged on a per-credit basis with differing rates depending on residency (Quebec, non-Quebec Canadians, and international students). Read more about tuition and other university fees.

What are the funding opportunities available? / When should I apply for scholarships? / Are there scholarships or fully funded opportunities available for international students?

Some master's students are eligible to apply for the Arbour Foundation Scholarship (Applications must be received by June 1st. Please contact info.bme [at] mcgill.ca for detailed instructions). The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies also offers student aid and work study programs and has a page on potential funding sources. Other opportunities may be available, but the onus is on the student to identify and apply for any/all opportunities.

Different funding sources and competitions have their own rules and deadlines. You should check the rules for the specific funding source for which you are applying to.

The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies also lists potential funding sources for international students.

Are there any other related McGill programs that offer scholarships?

Research-based thesis programs may offer student stipends or allow the student to be eligible for academic scholarship opportunities. Explore our research Master’s program details.