FAQ

Program

What is the language of instruction at the PhD Program in Management?

The language of instruction at McGill University is English. You may, if you wish, write term papers, examinations and theses in French.

Can I enroll in the PhD program as a distance education or part-time student?

No, we do not offer long distance learning and our program is full time only. 

How is the program structured?

Our program is structured in three phases: preparation, specialization and dissertation. During the first two phases, students complete a range of research classes, seminars and courses, as well as a comprehensive exam, before moving to the dissertation phase.

How are the PhD students funded?

As a PhD candidate, you will receive a funding package of $30,000 per year, besides coverage of Quebec tuition, and international tuition supplement (if applicable) over 4 years, contingent on satisfactory academic performance. In order to receive the full funding package, you are required to teach one 3-credit course for your area of specialization in the fourth year. Students in good standing are eligible to receive additional funding of $20,000 for the fifth year. In addition, PhD program will provide a total of $7,500 as conference/research travel fund. Learn more about Tuition and financial aid.

How long does it take to complete the PhD Program?

On average, it takes students five years to complete our PhD program.

Will I be required to teach?

Yes, you will be required to teach at least one course following the completion of your coursework and comprehensive exam. Our program includes a pedagogy course to prepare students for academic teaching.

I am completing a doctoral program at another university. Can I attend McGill University to conduct research as part of my doctorate?

Yes, you can undertake research at McGill University for up to 12 months. You must find a faculty member who is willing to supervise your research project before submitting an application. Read more about Graduate Research Trainee opportunities.

Eligibility

Am I eligible for the PhD program?

If you hold an undergraduate and a master’s degree with a strong academic record from recognized universities, you are eligible to apply for PhD studies. You are also encouraged to review the Educational Credentials and Grade Equivalencies page to verify your eligibility depending on the country you studied.

Can you tell me if I am eligible for the program?

Please review the McGill Educational Credentials and Grade Equivalencies webpage to determine the eligibility of your degree. It is only after we receive your full application could we make any concrete assessment about your candidacy to the PhD in Management Program.

Applications

When is the application deadline?

The application form and all supporting documents for Fall admission are due no later than January 15. 

Can the application fee be waived or can I pay when I am accepted?

The application fee is required of all applicants to the doctoral program. Your online application form will not be processed without the application fee. No waivers are granted.

What is the minimum cGPA required for the program?

For admission to graduate programs at McGill, the minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 3.0 out of a possible 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies. For our program specifically, the minimum cGPA required for a Bachelor’s degree is 3.0, and for a Master’s degree is 3.5.

What tests do I need to take to apply?

GMAT or GRE test scores are optional but recommended. If English is not your native language, you have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in English or you do not meet any of the conditions indicated on the Future Graduate Students website, it is mandatory to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores from within the past two years. You can find out more about exemptions on the English language proficiency page.

Please note official test scores must be submitted directly from the test agencies. See the Application process for more information.

What are your minimum test scores for admission?

The minimum TOEFL score is 100 for the internet-based test, no less than 20 in each of the four component scores.

The IELTS minimum overall band score is 7.0.

No minimum GMAT/GRE score. For your information, the average GMAT score of admitted candidates in the past five years is 682.

I just requested by TOEFL/IELTS test scores to be sent to McGill University but the English Proficiency requirement still appears incomplete in my application.

TOEFL/IELTS and other test scores can take up to 2 weeks to be received by McGill University. We recommend to monitor your application and contact us two weeks after placing the request at the test center if your English Proficiency requirement has not been marked as complete.

Can I ask for a Letter of Recommendation from a professional contact?

We recommend that you obtain recommendations from professors who have taught you. However, if an applicant has completed their degree a long time ago and they have been working in the industry, they may ask a professional contact for a Letter of Recommendation. At least one academic reference letter should be provided.

My referee does not have an academic or professional email address. Can I ask them for a reference?

Letters of Recommendation must be uploaded by email addresses that are either academic or professional. Letters of Recommendation uploaded by unofficial email addresses will not be accepted. If your referee does not have an academic or professional email address, you may find a different referee.

Should I contact professors before I apply?

It is strongly encouraged that applicants review the research interests of faculty members in the area of specialization they wish to pursue their research. On the application, applicants are encouraged to indicate their supervisor(s) preference(s). Area of specializations can be found here. Applicants may contact Tenured and Tenure track Professors before or during the application process, however, it is not a requirement.

Is teaching experience mandatory for admission to your PhD program?

Teaching experience is not mandatory. As part of our PhD program, we offer a specialized course in pedagogy to prepare you for academic teaching.

Can I reapply to the PhD program?

Yes, applicants who applied in a previous year can submit a new application. You must pay the full application fee and ensure all supporting documentation is from within the required time limits.

Can I submit a hard copy application form?

No, you must submit your application via McGill University’s Application Management (Fall admission).

Do I need to submit research paper or writing samples?

No, this is not required. Please include mentions of published material in your CV, if any.

What should I do if my transcript is not in English or French?

If your transcript is not written in English or French, you must submit an official translation. Please note, if you are accepted into the program, we will require a copy of your original transcript. Read more about preparing your documents.

Can I apply to the PhD in Management Program with my unofficial transcripts?

Applicants may upload unofficial transcripts when applying to our program. The transcripts must be scanned and uploaded directly to the Admissions application website. It is only after the student is admitted to our program that we require official transcripts and documents to be sent directly to McGill University.

Can I apply to the PhD program if I am still completing my Master’s degree at the time of application?

Yes. Please submit an up-to-date transcript with your application. Admission into the program will be conditional on the completion of your Master’s degree.

Admissions

Do you offer rolling admissions?

No, we do not offer rolling admissions. All applications are reviewed after the deadline.

Do you accept students for January admission?

No, we do not accept applications for January admission.

When are admission decisions made?

Admission decisions are normally made about 8–10 weeks after the deadline date. Each applicant who has submitted a completed application will be notified of the admission decision.

How many candidates are admitted each year?

Annually, the PhD program admits approximately 15 students out of around 300 applicants.