If you can't find the answer to your questions about applying to graduate studies in music at McGill on this page, contact our graduateadmissions.music [at] mcgill.ca (Admissions team).
Please explore McGill Future Graduate Students FAQs about the application process and review the music-specific FAQs below.
Preparing to Apply
What is the language of instruction at McGill?
The language of instruction at McGill is English. Students may, if they wish, write term papers and examinations in French.
If I am required to submit a proof of English Proficiency, can I apply for admission before writing the exam? What is the deadline to submit proof of English?
You must still apply for admission by the December 1 application deadline. In Performance, you will still be given an audition date and time. Provided your file is complete, your application will be considered. However, the final decision will not be taken until your English results have been received and the minimum requirement has been met (one of the following): Internet-Based Test (IBT): a minimum overall score of 86 with each component score not less than 20 or IELTS with a band score of 6.5 or greater (Academic module.) There is no specific deadline date but no final decision can be taken until the requirement has been met. The longer it takes to get the results, the longer before an acceptance letter can be issued. If you wait too long to sit your exam, you will be unable to obtain the proper immigration papers in time to study at McGill.
Do I need to write the GRE?
The Schulich School of Music does not require the GRE for admission.
Can I apply to more than one program?
You can make two choices on one application, if you wish. They can be whichever programs you want but you must submit all the materials for each program. Please do not apply to a thesis and a non-thesis program in the same area of specialization as two separate choices -- select only one then you or the department may request a change at a later time. If you have only one instrument, there is only one audition and one audition fee to pay.
How do I apply for the qualifying year in Sound Recording - what application do I use?
It is not a qualifying year in Sound Recording. We offer a package of undergraduate courses to be taken in order to be considered for admission to graduate studies at a later date. Therefore, the undergraduate web application should be completed by indicating 'Non-Degree -- Special Student' in the program section. Applicants are required to have official transcripts and to submit an outline of experience and study in the field of music recording.
Can I get a fee waiver for the application/audition fees?
No, all applicants are automatically considered for scholarship from the Schulich School of Music.
If I am required to submit a proof of English Proficiency, can I apply for admission before writing the exam? What is the deadline to submit proof of English?
You must still apply for admission by the December 1 application deadline. For performance programs, you will still be given an audition date and time. Provided your file is complete, your application will be considered. However, the final decision will not be taken until your English results have been received and the minimum requirement has been met. No final decision can be taken until the requirement has been met. This is a McGill University policy and no exceptions will be granted.
Can I apply to more than one program?
You must submit separate applications for each program to which you wish to apply. After you have submitted an application, the application fee will be waived for your second application. Any further applications will require another application fee.
How do I apply for the qualifying year in Sound Recording - what application do I use?
We offer a package of undergraduate courses to be taken in order to be considered for admission to graduate studies at a later date. Therefore, the undergraduate web application should be completed by indicating 'Non-Degree -- Special Student' in the program section. Applicants are required to have official transcripts and to submit an outline of experience and study in the field of music recording.
When are music scholarships awarded?
Successful applicants are notified of any funding offers by the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in Music. These notifications will be sent out within several weeks of your offer of admission.
Ready to Apply
Supported file sizes and types
Slate supports media files as large as 5GB, but note that larger files take longer to upload and the upload may stall over a wireless connection or one that cannot sustain a connection for the necessary amount of time. Uploaded documents may contain no more than 75 pages.
If you are having trouble getting your video files to upload, you are welcome to submit a word document with a link to your material on Youtube.
| Type | Format |
|---|---|
| Video | 3g2, .3gp, .avi, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .mfx, .webm, .wmv Apple ProRes is supported |
| Audio | aac, .m4a, .mka, .mp3, .oga, .ogg, .wav |
| Slide | bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff |
| Document | doc, .docx, .odg, .odp, .odt, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .rtf, .wpd |
How do I submit documents?
After you have submitted your application and paid the fees, you will be able to upload all supporting documents directly to your online application.
When are supporting documents due?
All supporting documents and recorded auditions must be received by December 15th. Please note that you will only be able to upload your supporting documents once you have paid the fees and submitted your application.
My supporting documents are arriving after the deadline. Will this affect my chances of being accepted?
As long as your application has been submitted and you have paid the fees by December 1st, we will still accept supporting documents after the deadline. Priority will be given to applicants who complete their files on time and admission decisions will only be made on complete files. Any missing materials will delay the processing of your application and could lead to a negative admissions decision.
Graduate Diploma Programs
What is the difference between the Graduate Diploma in Performance (GDP) and the Post-Graduate Artist Diploma?
Both diplomas are high-level, performance-intensive programs that allow students to work towards the achievement of professional goals as performers. The GDP is a one-year program directed at students who have completed an undergraduate degree in performance. The Art Dip is a post-graduate diploma for students who have already earned at least a Master’s of Music degree.
Can I apply for a two-year diploma program?
Students who have earned an MMus and would like to pursue a two-year diploma may complete both a GDP and an Art Dip at the Schulich School of Music. They should first apply to and complete the GDP program. You cannot be admitted directly into a two-year program and will be required to submit a separate application for the Art Dip for the following academic year.
Students who do not have a Master’s of Music degree are only eligible for the GDP which is a one-year program.
I have a Master’s degree, can I still apply to the GDP?
If you haven’t already completed a Graduate Performance Diploma at another time during your studies, absolutely! If you think you may at some point wish to complete two years of a diploma program, you should start with the GDP and apply for the Art Dip at a later time. Non-Quebec residents: Please consider that fees for the GDP are higher than for the Art Dip.
