Categories of Students

Categories of Students

You must inform yourself of University rules and regulations and keep abreast of any changes that may occur. The Categories of Students section of this publication contains important details required by you during your studies at McGill and should be periodically consulted, along with other sections and related publications.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023) (disclaimer)

Full-Time Students

Full-Time Students

Full-time students are students with a registration status of full-time and paying full-time fees. Full-time non-thesis master's, diploma, and certificate candidates must show a minimum of 12 credits per term on their record.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023) (disclaimer)

Half-Time Students (Thesis Programs)

Half-Time Students (Thesis Programs)

In some departments, students are permitted to proceed toward a degree on a half-time basis, i.e., students are permitted to register half-time instead of full-time during sessions of residence.

It is expected that half-time students will spend 50% of their time in the department participating in coursework, seminars, discussions, etc., with staff and full-time students. Half-time students are reminded that they must complete the degree within the time limitation imposed by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and that if they choose to be half-time they must:

  • be so for an even number of half-time terms (i.e., two half-time terms equal one full-time term); and
  • fulfil the minimum residence requirement in their program.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Part-Time Students

Part-Time Students

Certain degree programs can be followed on a part-time basis (e.g., M.Ed., M.Eng. Non-Thesis option, M.B.A., M.S.W. Non-Thesis option, and S.T.M.). Students in non-thesis programs (including the C.A. program) as well as Special, Visiting and Qualifying, Certificate and Diploma students, not taking at least 12 credits per term, are considered to be part-time. Students may, in some departments, proceed toward the degree on a part-time basis.

Part-time students are reminded that they must complete the degree within the time limitation imposed by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

In cases of part-time and transfer students, all coursework might not be completed during the residency. It must therefore be completed during one or more additional terms (Non-Thesis Extension). Fees are charged accordingly.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Additional Session (Thesis Programs) and Non-Thesis Extension (Non-Thesis Programs) Students

Additional Session (Thesis Programs) and Non-Thesis Extension (Non-Thesis Programs) Students

Students in Additional Session or Non-Thesis Extension are students with a registration status of Additional Session (thesis programs) or Non-Thesis Extension (non-thesis programs) and pay fees accordingly. The following are such students:

  1. Graduate students who have completed the residency requirements in a master’s program.
  2. Graduate students who have completed 8 full-time semesters in a doctoral program (when admitted to Ph.D. 1).
  3. Graduate students who have completed 6 full-time semesters in a doctoral program (when admitted to Ph.D. 2).

In doctoral programs, students must be registered on a full-time basis for one more year after completion of the residency (i.e., Ph.D. 4 year) before continuing as Additional Session students until completion of the program. It is expected that, at this stage, all the coursework and comprehensive examinations will have been completed and students will be engaged in thesis preparation.

Graduate students in non-thesis programs, graduate diplomas and certificates who have registered for all required courses but have not completed the work and/or have completed the residency requirements must register as Non-Thesis Extension students and pay fees accordingly. For example, a student who has registered for a last course such as a project but has not completed it, must register as Non-Thesis Extension status until graduation. Students in a Non-Thesis Extension session who are not registered for at least 12 credits per term, are not considered engaged in full-time studies.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Thesis Evaluation Students

Thesis Evaluation Students

Students who have completed the residency requirements for their graduate thesis program and who have submitted their initial thesis to Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the April 15, August 15, or December 15 initial thesis submission deadlines must register on Minerva in order for their registration status to be updated to "Thesis Evaluation". All students are required to stay registered and pay the associated fees up until the term of graduation. The registration status will be updated to "Thesis Evaluation" for all subsequent terms until the term of the final thesis submission. Students in thesis programs whose initial thesis and final thesis submissions are in the same term will not require a "Thesis Evaluation" status.

"Thesis Evaluation" students are considered to be:

  • registered at the University in a full-time status;
  • eligible for University services;
  • eligible for funding;
  • eligible for a T2202 tax slip crediting the months for which they are registered and any ancillary fees charged.

Students in "Thesis Evaluation" status are not permitted to register for courses. Students who still need to take courses to fulfill the program requirements after submitting their initial thesis will remain registered in additional session status and pay associated fees.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Qualifying Students

Qualifying Students

Students admitted to a Qualifying program are known as Qualifying Students for a Master’s. They must meet the application and admission requirements indicated by the chosen graduate department and the Graduate Admissions Unit of Enrolment Services. The courses taken during a Qualifying year will not be credited toward a degree program. Students are registered in graduate studies but have not yet been admitted to a degree program. These students take a full load (12 credits minimum) per semester of undergraduate courses as specified by the department. Only one Qualifying year is permitted.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Special Students

Special Students

Students who meet the minimum entrance requirements of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and wish to take one, or at most two, graduate-level courses per term (6 credits) without intention of proceeding to a degree or diploma are termed Special Students. After completion of a maximum of 12 credits, an applicant may not continue as a Special Student.

If graduate Special Students subsequently become candidates for higher degrees, they may receive academic credit for relevant graduate courses taken as Special Students. They must apply every year.

Students who wish to take undergraduate courses only must apply as Special Students in the undergraduate faculty concerned, even if they already hold degrees.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Visiting Students

Visiting Students

Visiting Students are those students who are registered in a degree program at another university and who have obtained written permission from both universities to take a course(s) for credit toward that degree program. Students studying in the province of Quebec who are in this category are eligible for a transfer of credit if the required permission is obtained using Quebec Inter-University Transfer forms. These forms are available online at mcgill.ca/students/iut. McGill students registering for courses required for their degree program at other Quebec universities are required to pay for the course(s) at the home university. McGill University and Université de Montréal participate in an exchange (graduate) with the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto.

As a rule, graduate students should not register for courses through Inter-University Transfers (IUT) during the last semester before graduation. There are considerable delays in receiving official transcripts which delay the degree audit process and graduation. If special departmental permission is given for such a course to be taken in the last semester, there will be no extension given for the grade submission deadline.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Graduate Research Trainee

Graduate Research Trainee

Eligibility

If you are enrolled in a graduate program at another university and would like to attend McGill for a period of up to 12 months, to conduct research only, you must apply as a Graduate Research Trainee. Research trainees are not permitted to register for courses. This category of registration is for students registered in graduate programs in other universities to conduct part of their thesis research at McGill under the supervision of a McGill professor. The purpose of the training period at McGill must be described.

Acceptable reasons include:
  • the student is engaged in collaborative projects between professor(s) at McGill and the student's sponsoring institution;
  • the student wishes to take advantage of specific expertise, academic resources, or technical capabilities at McGill to enhance the thesis research being conducted at the sponsoring institution;
  • the student is spending a stage at McGill under a specific Memorandum of Understanding between McGill and the sponsoring institution;
  • the student's thesis supervisor has relocated to McGill, but the student remains registered at the former institution to complete their graduate degree.
The category of Graduate Research Trainee cannot be used to conduct the majority of thesis research at McGill under the supervision of a McGill professor.

Conditions

Students applying to be a Graduate Research Trainee:

  • must be registered in a graduate degree program at another university;
  • must have permission from the sponsoring institution and include a letter of permission with their application;
  • must have the approval of a McGill professor and graduate program to supervise their research;
  • may apply for a start date throughout the academic year, but for administrative reasons, must reapply at the beginning of the formal academic year (for Fall term admission) if remaining at McGill; for example, if you begin a 12-month visit in January, you must reapply for the Fall term (September). A trainee may spend up to a maximum of 12 months at McGill, but the time does not have to be consecutive. The trainee can apply for multiple stages over a period of time that does not exceed 12 months;
  • must include copies of transcripts as part of the application package;
  • must demonstrate adequate proficiency in English to function in the University environment, including any required safety training and understanding of policies and procedures. Assessment of written and verbal language skills is the responsibility of the supervising professor;
  • are not charged fees for any term of registration including Summer;
  • are not charged any Student Services or Ancillary fees and thus do not have access to these services (including health insurance). Membership to athletics services may be purchased. Graduate Research Trainees do have access to McGill libraries, email, and required training in research ethics and safety;
  • must arrange for basic health insurance coverage prior to arrival at McGill and may be required to provide proof of coverage.

To submit an application refer to: mcgill.ca/gps/students/graduate-research-trainee.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Non-Resident Exchange Status

Non-Resident Exchange Status

The status of "non-resident" is only applicable to students participating in a formal exchange program, in which McGill has signed an exchange agreement with a partner institution. The student must register and will be charged full-time tuition including other student-related fees at McGill.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Medical Residents

Medical Residents

Residents and fellows on staff of teaching hospitals associated with the University are included in Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies statistics. In the event that residents and fellows wish to take courses at the graduate level, they must apply for admission as Special Students, or apply to a degree program, graduate diploma, or certificate.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

McGill Staff as Graduate Students

McGill Staff as Graduate Students

Members of the teaching staff of the University up to and including the rank of lecturer may enrol as candidates for a degree, diploma, or certificate. If their teaching duties are designated as full-time, they may only enrol as half-time students.

Professorial members of the academic staff may not enrol in graduate degree and diploma programs. This rule shall apply also to any persons who have been on the professorial staff within the previous 12 months, unless they resign completely from their positions at McGill.

Should persons registered in graduate studies be promoted to professorial rank, they may no longer remain graduate students, unless they resign or are granted a leave of absence from their professorial appointments.

In certain exceptional cases, professorial members of the academic staff may apply to a graduate program in academic units other than their own. Enrolment Services may grant permission if it is satisfied that the applicant's teaching unit and proposed unit for graduate study are sufficiently remote that conflict of interest situations will not arise. Permission must be granted before any courses are taken toward the proposed degree.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Quebec Inter-University Transfer Agreement

Quebec Inter-University Transfer Agreement

Quebec Inter-University Transfer Agreement: McGill Students

Quebec Inter-University Transfer Agreement: McGill Students

The Quebec Inter-University Transfer (IUT) agreement permits concurrent registration at McGill and another Quebec institution.

If you are a regular McGill undergraduate or graduate degree, diploma, or certificate student, you may register, with your faculty's permission, at any Quebec university for 3—or in some cases 6—credits per term in addition to your registration at McGill. You may also obtain permission to complete a full term (i.e., 12 to 15 credits) at another Quebec university. Your combined registration may not, however, exceed the total number of credits you are permitted to complete in a given term. These courses, subject to faculty regulations, will be recognized by McGill for the degree that you are registered for, up to the limit imposed by the residency requirements of the program. Normally, you must complete a minimum residency requirement of 60 credits at McGill in order to qualify for a McGill degree (you should check with your faculty). This privilege will be granted if there are valid academic reasons.

If you want to take advantage of this agreement, consult your Student Affairs Office for details. Note that this agreement is subject to the following conditions:

  • The Quebec universities concerned may, at their discretion, refuse the registration of a student for any of their courses.
  • You must complete your faculty and program requirements.
  • You are responsible for ensuring that the McGill Class Schedule permits you to take these courses without conflict.
  • The Quebec universities concerned are not responsible for special arrangements in cases of examination or class schedule conflicts.
  • Grades earned at the host university will not be included in your McGill grade point averages (GPA) or show on your McGill transcripts.
  • If you are attending McGill as an Exchange student from outside Quebec, you are not eligible to take courses at another Quebec institution through the IUT agreement.
  • Any grades received late from host universities may delay your graduation.

If you are a scholarship holder, you should consult with your Student Affairs Office and the scholarships coordinator concerning your eligibility for continuation or renewal of your award(s).

You must initiate an online Quebec Inter-University Transfer (IUT) application to request the required authorizations at mcgill.ca/students/iut. You may find additional information posted on your faculty website.

Note: Once the Quebec Inter-University Transfer (IUT) application is approved by both the home and host universities, you must register in the approved course. The method of registration of the host university will vary (e.g., web, in-person, phone, etc.). You must allow sufficient time to complete and submit your electronic application, because you are responsible for adhering to all the host university's registration deadlines. If you decide later to drop or withdraw from the approved course(s), you will need to drop or withdraw from the course using the host university's registration method and submit this change on the online Quebec Inter-University Transfer (IUT) application.

The host institution will automatically submit your grades to McGill for any completed courses.

Note for the Faculties of Arts and Science (including B.A. & Sc.): If you participate in any type of study away or exchange (including Quebec Inter-University Transfer) during your final (U3) term—even if you are taking only one course outside of McGill—you will not be able to graduate by the end of this final term and must change your graduation to the following term.
Note for Engineering: For most programs, courses that can be taken through the IUT agreement are restricted to specific course categories. For details, please see mcgill.ca/engineering/students/exchanges-study-away/study-away.
Note for Nursing: The final grades earned at the host university must meet the minimum requirements as set by the Ingram School of Nursing, i.e., a letter grade of 'C'.
Note for Physical and Occupational Therapy: The final grades earned at the host university must meet the minimum requirements as set by the Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy programs.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Jan. 19, 2024) (disclaimer)

Quebec Inter-University Transfer Agreement: Visiting IUT Students

Quebec Inter-University Transfer Agreement: Visiting IUT Students

Note for Health Sciences: This section applies only to the Ingram School of Nursing.

If you are a student at another Quebec university and wish to take courses at McGill using the Quebec Inter-University Transfer (IUT) agreement, you must initiate an online application to request the required authorizations at mcgill.ca/students/iut. You should also refer to your home university website for regulations on the number of credits allowed, as well as the policies for transferring the credits.

Note: Once the Quebec Inter-University Transfer (IUT) application is approved by both the home and host universities, you remain responsible for registering in the approved course. At McGill, you have to register on Minerva (mcgill.ca/minerva). Once your application has been approved, you will be informed via email of the necessary registration steps. You must allow sufficient time to complete and submit your electronic application, because you are responsible for adhering to all of McGill's registration deadlines. If you decide later to drop or withdraw from the approved course(s), you will need to drop or withdraw from the course on Minerva and submit this change to the online Quebec Inter-University Transfer (IUT) application.
Note for Engineering: Summer courses administered by the Faculty of Engineering are open to McGill students only.
Note for Continuing Studies: If you are a Visiting IUT student and your application has been approved, you must register in-person, by appointment only (see University Regulations & Resources > Continuing Studies > Registration for Continuing Studies Students > Other Ways to Register > In-Person Registration.

McGill will automatically submit your grades for any completed courses to your home university.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Jan. 19, 2024) (disclaimer)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023) (disclaimer)
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