Application Deadlines
Fall | Winter | |
---|---|---|
Apply by: Program begins: |
July 15 September |
October 15 January |
Deadlines apply to both International and domestic candidates. For exact dates of program start, please see McGill's key academic dates.
Students admitted to Fall 2024 can complete the certificate as part-time in 10 months.
Students admitted to Winter 2025 can complete the certificate as full-time in 6 months.
Admission requirements
I. Bachelor's degree
- Applicants should be graduates of a recognized university and hold a bachelor's degree* or a graduate degree in information studies, computer science, information technology, software engineering, management information systems, or related area of recognized reputation.
- Academic standing of at least a B, or 2nd class, upper division, or Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 is normally required.
- *A Bachelor's degree is not required for admission to the Online Graduate Certificate if you have obtained a Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity from McGill's School of Continuing Studies.
International students: If you have obtained your educational credentials at an institution outside of Canada, they will be assessed for equivalency with a McGill University degree. Please consult the International Credentials and Degree Equivalencies page for more information.
II. English-language proficiency
Since English is the primary language of instruction and communication at McGill, you must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English regardless of your citizenship status or country of origin. If English was the primary language of instruction of your previous degree, you will not need to provide English-language proficiency. Click here to find information on when and how to provide proof of proficiency.
The minimum scores for acceptance to the School of Information Studies are listed below.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): minimum acceptable scores are:
- IBT (Internet-Based Test): 100 overall; written score at least 25; reading, writing, and listening score not less than 20
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): a band score of 7.5 or greater (Academic module) with a written score of 7.5
Please note: Applications will not be considered if a TOEFL or IELTS test result is not available. TOEFL results are only valid for two years from the date the test was written. An institutional version of the TOEFL is not acceptable. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language proficiency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Required documentation
All items below must be submitted in McGill's online application system before your application can be considered. Allow ample time prior to the deadline to upload supporting documents and ensure your referees submit online references.
STEP I: Complete the online application form and submit the application fee (non-refundable).
STEP II: After submitting your application form, you can then upload the following required documentation:
- Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended to date (with the exception of McGill). Uploaded copies will be considered as unofficial; final, official copies will be required once you are offered admission. These transcripts must indicate degree awarded. If credits related to a degree were transferred from a different institution, then transcripts must also be provided from that source. This includes transfer credits obtained while on an exchange program. Please include the institutional grading scale, usually provided on the back of the transcript, in this file.
- References: Names and institutional email addresses of two referees. The two referees can be course instructors who have taught you in your undergraduate or graduate academic program, thesis supervisors who are familiar with your academic work, or your supervisors at work. Colleagues, friends, or classmates are not considered suitable referees and you will be asked to provide alternate references. The automated application system will contact your referees with a prompt to upload their reference letter. Please note that although you can list public domain addresses such as Hotmail, Gmail, or Yahoo Mail on the application form, references uploaded from these addresses will not be accepted by the School. Therefore, you must list a valid institutional or corporate email address for your referees. Any letters of recommendation not provided on institutional letterhead must be accompanied by an explanation.
- A curriculum vitae (resume).
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable. When registering for a test please ensure that you request that results be sent directly to McGill University. McGill will then receive the results electronically, directly from the testing agency. (See Admission Requirements above.)
Please note: all documentation must be provided electronically. For more information about uploading supporting documents and other questions, please consult the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies "Ready to Apply?" page. If you have any questions or are having trouble uploading documents, please contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator (see Contacting the School below.)
After you apply
- Log in to your application profile to ensure supporting documents have been uploaded and your referees have submitted online references by the deadline (see Application deadlines above). Your application can only be considered once all supporting documentation is complete. Incomplete applications will not be processed. If you have questions, please contact the Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator (see Contacts below.)
- If you are accepted into the program, you will be sent a notification by McGill to the email address provided in your application. The notification will include a deadline for your confirmation of acceptance and deposit.
Confirming acceptance
- After receiving a notification of acceptance, confirmation of acceptance with a non-refundable deposit is required, payable by credit card.
- The deposit will be credited towards your tuition fee account upon registration for courses.
- Confirmation must be received by the deadline indicated in the offer of acceptance letter or the offer will be rescinded.
Contacts
For questions regarding | Contact |
---|---|
Admissions and application process; course registration process; general administrative matters |
Student Affairs Coordinator admissions.sis [at] mcgill.ca |
Program content and structure, academic matters | Graduate Program Director gpdm.sis [at] mcgill.ca |