
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- Campus principal, CanadaLocation
- Epidemiology and BiostatisticsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Campus principalCampus
- Doctor of PhilosophyAwards
- $6,078Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the patterns and causes of disease in human populations. It forms the core discipline of public health by identifying excess illness and by gaining the etiologic understanding to intervene toward the improvement of population health.
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The PhD program in epidemiology at McGill trains scientists and health professionals to design and conduct studies, analyze health data and effectively communicate scientific results, and to gain novel insights into the causes and prevention of diseases at the population level. Epidemiologic work at the doctoral level involves a thorough integration of biological knowledge of pathogenesis, statistical knowledge of quantitative analysis and causal inference, and sociological knowledge to place these insights in the context of dynamic and interconnected human populations. Major areas of strength at McGill include epidemiologic methods, clinical epidemiology, infectious diseases, social epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, public and population health, global health, environmental epidemiology, chronic diseases and aging, and perinatal epidemiology. Students admitted to PhD1 are required to register in two PhD1 research courses consecutively during their first Fall & Winter terms: MEDR 718 in their first term, followed by MEDR 719 in their second term.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeMcGill GPS: 'International students are required to remain full…
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
McGill Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum (all applicants, regardless of country): a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill) in a subject closely related to the one selected for graduate studies; unless otherwise specified, a Master's program requires a four-year undergraduate degree in a related area, and a doctoral (PhD) program generally requires a Master's degree in a related area; minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0, or GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies (some departments require more). Credentials are assessed for equivalency with a McGill degree. Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply || Department admission requirements (https://coursecatalogue.mcgill.ca/en/graduate/medicine-health-sciences/population-global-health/): Epidemiology and Public Health Admission Requirements and Application Procedures: Language Requirement: Minimum TOEFL scores required, when applicable, of 5 on the Internet-based test. Minimum score for IELTS: 6.5. Application Procedures: All application material and supporting documents must be uploaded directly to the McGill admissions processing system by the application deadline. Refer to the Applying and Admissions site for information and instructions. Please see our website for information on required documents. Epidemiology and Public Health Admission Requirements and Application Procedures: Master's in Epidemiology: - Applicants to the M.Sc. in Epidemiology programs must hold a bachelor's degree in a related area. - The M.Sc. Epidemiology programs require substantial quantitative skills. The Admission Committees for these programs will look for proof of quantitative proficiency such as good grades in undergraduate-level courses in differential or integral calculus, or in statistics. Although the GRE is not required, GRE results with a strong score (160+) in the Quantitative score may strengthen your application. - Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA): 3.0/4.0 overall or at least 3.2/4.0 over the last two years of study, based on GPA calculations done by the University. Most of our successful applicants have grade point averages well above these minimum requirements. - Proof of competency in oral and written English (if applicable). Note: Satisfaction of general requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission to graduate studies is limited and acceptance is on a very competitive basis. Ph.D. in Epidemiology: - Applicants to the Ph.D. program must hold a Master's degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or related discipline. Applicants who hold a Master’s degree or professional degree in another area can sometimes be considered. Applicants who are admitted to the Ph.D. Epidemiology program without an M.Sc. in Epidemiology (or equivalent) are expected to ensure that they have sufficient substantive preparation for the Ph.D. level courses. Applicants with insufficient preparation may also consider applying to the M.Sc. Epidemiology program, where there is the opportunity to apply to fast-track into the Ph.D. program at the end of the first year. - The Epidemiology Ph.D. program requires substantial quantitative skills. [...] || Additional requirements set by the department: Please consult our Overview of Graduate Programs site for more information on our requirements. · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 120 · English test waiver: Proof of English proficiency is normally not required if the applicant: has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized institution in Canada or the United States of America (anglophone or francophone); or has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction; or has lived and attended university, or been employed, for at least four consecutive years, in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language. Documentation proving the condition must be sent directly to the department, which then waives the requirement. Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/you-apply-mcgill/proficiency · GRE/GMAT: Although the GRE is not required, GRE results with a strong score (160+) in the Quantitative score may strengthen your application · Application fee: CAD 143.82, non-refundable - McGill GPS states this as the graduate application fee for Summer 2027; one fee covers up to two applications in the same term; payable by credit card only; GPS offers no application fee waivers; some programs may have additional fees. Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-support
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$6,078 CAD / year≈ $4,469 / year
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsStudents accepted to McGill's thesis-based graduate degree programs (Thesis Master's and PhD) receive a funding letter with their offer of admission. Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies allocates internal Differential Fee Waivers (covering the difference between International and Quebec-resident tuition) to faculties for international doctoral students, and exceptionally to international thesis Master's students; 2026/2027 value: Master's CAD 18,231.00, PhD CAD 16,045.20; awarded only on unit nomination, no application form. Citizens of countries with a Quebec tuition agreement (all French citizens and a limited number of others) may be eligible for external exemptions from the international supplementView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: McGill GPS default application deadlines for Non-Canadian (international) applicants, which apply unless the program has specified an earlier deadline: Fall term January 15 (applications open September 15); Winter term August 1 (open February 15); Summer…
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Epidemiology (Ph.D.) cost?
CAD 6,078 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
What are the entry requirements?
McGill Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum (all applicants, regardless of country): a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill) in a subject closely related to the one selected for graduate studies; unless otherwise specified, a Master's program requires a four-year undergraduate degree in a related area, and a doctoral (PhD) program generally requires a Master's degree in a related area; minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0, or GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies (some departments require more). Credentials are assessed for equivalency with a McGill degree. Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply || Department admission requirements (https://coursecatalogue.mcgill.ca/en/graduate/medicine-health-sciences/population-global-health/): Epidemiology and Public Health Admission Requirements and Application Procedures: Language Requirement: Minimum TOEFL scores required, when applicable, of 5 on the Internet-based test. Minimum score for IELTS: 6.5. Application Procedures: All application material and supporting documents must be uploaded directly to the McGill admissions processing system by the application deadline. Refer to the Applying and Admissions site for information and instructions. Please see our website for information on required documents. Epidemiology and Public Health Admission Requirements and Application Procedures: Master's in Epidemiology: - Applicants to the M.Sc. in Epidemiology programs must hold a bachelor's degree in a related area. - The M.Sc. Epidemiology programs require substantial quantitative skills. The Admission Committees for these programs will look for proof of quantitative proficiency such as good grades in undergraduate-level courses in differential or integral calculus, or in statistics. Although the GRE is not required, GRE results with a strong score (160+) in the Quantitative score may strengthen your application. - Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA): 3.0/4.0 overall or at least 3.2/4.0 over the last two years of study, based on GPA calculations done by the University. Most of our successful applicants have grade point averages well above these minimum requirements. - Proof of competency in oral and written English (if applicable). Note: Satisfaction of general requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission to graduate studies is limited and acceptance is on a very competitive basis. Ph.D. in Epidemiology: - Applicants to the Ph.D. program must hold a Master's degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or related discipline. Applicants who hold a Master’s degree or professional degree in another area can sometimes be considered. Applicants who are admitted to the Ph.D. Epidemiology program without an M.Sc. in Epidemiology (or equivalent) are expected to ensure that they have sufficient substantive preparation for the Ph.D. level courses. Applicants with insufficient preparation may also consider applying to the M.Sc. Epidemiology program, where there is the opportunity to apply to fast-track into the Ph.D. program at the end of the first year. - The Epidemiology Ph.D. program requires substantial quantitative skills. [...] || Additional requirements set by the department: Please consult our Overview of Graduate Programs site for more information on our requirements. · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 120 · English test waiver: Proof of English proficiency is normally not required if the applicant: has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized institution in Canada or the United States of America (anglophone or francophone); or has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction; or has lived and attended university, or been employed, for at least four consecutive years, in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language. Documentation proving the condition must be sent directly to the department, which then waives the requirement. Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/you-apply-mcgill/proficiency · GRE/GMAT: Although the GRE is not required, GRE results with a strong score (160+) in the Quantitative score may strengthen your application · Application fee: CAD 143.82, non-refundable - McGill GPS states this as the graduate application fee for Summer 2027; one fee covers up to two applications in the same term; payable by credit card only; GPS offers no application fee waivers; some programs may have additional fees. Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-support
Is there a scholarship?
Students accepted to McGill's thesis-based graduate degree programs (Thesis Master's and PhD) receive a funding letter with their offer of admission. Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies allocates internal Differential Fee Waivers (covering the difference between International and Quebec-resident tuition) to faculties for international doctoral students, and exceptionally to international thesis Master's students; 2026/2027 value: Master's CAD 18,231.00, PhD CAD 16,045.20; awarded only on unit nomination, no application form. Citizens of countries with a Quebec tuition agreement (all French citizens and a limited number of others) may be eligible for external exemptions from the international supplement View scholarship page
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