TOEFL is required of all graduate studies applicants whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone). A minimum score of 86, with each component score not less than 20, is required on the TOEFL Internet-based examination (iBT). Proof of TOEFL must be presented at the time of application or shortly thereafter. McGill University's institution code is 0935.

Students also have the option of taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing Service System) examination, for which the minimum score is an overall band average of 6.5 (academic module). McGill University accepts only scores submitted electronically by an IELTS test centre and no longer accepts paper TRFs (Test Report Forms) directly from test centres and candidates. Please contact the test centre where you took the IELTS test and request that your test scores be sent electronically to McGill.

German Studies

• Master's:

  In order to be admitted to the M.A. program in German Studies, candidates must have at least a B.A. degree in German from McGill University or an equivalent degree from another college or university of recognized standing.

  Applicants with joint degrees or majors degrees may be admitted on individual merit but they may be required to take additional courses. They may also be able to enter the program as Qualifying students for the purpose of completing these preliminary studies.

  In order to pursue graduate studies in German, all candidates must have considerable fluency in German.

  Graduate students holding a Language Instructorship or who are otherwise employed will normally not be allowed to take more than four courses a year. Students may be required to attend an approved course in English if their knowledge of that language is judged inadequate. All graduate students are expected to attend the staff–student colloquium.

• Ph.D.:

  M.A. or equivalent.

Hispanic Studies

• Master's (Non-Thesis or Thesis):

  In order to be admitted to graduate work in Hispanic Studies, candidates must fulfil the following prerequisites:

  1. Candidates must possess a B.A. degree with Honours or, in certain cases, Joint Honours in Hispanic Studies from McGill University, or an equivalent degree from another college or university of recognized standing.
  2. Candidates who do not possess the above prerequisites may, with special permission, enter the Department as Qualifying students for the purpose of completing these preliminary studies.

• Students may be required to attend an approved course in English or French if their knowledge of either language is deemed inadequate.

  Prospective candidates may certainly express their preference, but should note that the Hispanic Studies Graduate Committee reserves the right to determine which of the two options (thesis/non-thesis) students admitted to the M.A. program will be permitted to pursue and/or continue to completion.

• Ph.D.:

  Applicants must normally possess an M.A. in Hispanic Studies, or in a related discipline, from a university of recognized standing. These applicants will be admitted to Ph.D. 2 and follow the program requirements listed below. Exceptionally qualified candidates may apply to enter into Ph.D. 1 directly from the B.A. Honours, and may be required to complete an additional six 3-credit courses above those listed below.

  Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish, and when appropriate, in Portuguese, plus a working knowledge of either French or English.

  Applicants should submit samples of research papers that they have completed during the course of their previous studies. Submission of the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is recommended, but not required.

Italian Studies

The B.A. degree with Honours or Joint Honours in Italian or its equivalent and a CGPA of 3.2 constitute the minimum requirement. Applicants who do not have these prerequisites may be admitted to a Qualifying year or, in some cases, to a Qualifying term.

Russian and Slavic Studies

The minimum academic requirement is normally a high standing in an undergraduate degree with Honours Russian (or an equivalent specialization). Further, the Admissions Committee must be convinced that the candidate for admission has an aptitude for research work and will be able to make an original contribution to knowledge.

A working knowledge of French is recommended for the Ph.D. program.

Any necessary preparation to fulfil these requirements will be offered within Russian Studies or elsewhere at McGill. Certain graduate courses may be taken with special permission at other approved universities.

McGill’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate Admissions and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate McGill departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.