Biochemistry (Thesis) (M.Sc.)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Biochemistry (Thesis) (M.Sc.) 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/biomedical-sciences/): The Department of Biochemistry offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs, which emphasize laboratory research. Our research interests include: - molecular and cell biology; - the regulation of gene and protein expression; - signal transduction; - protein structure and function; - membrane biology; - cell death and differentiation; - embryonic development; - neurobiology; - bioinformatics; - cancer. Specialized graduate training programs in Chemical Biology, Human Systems Biology (Bioinformatics), Cancer Research/Oncology, and Structural Biology are available. Departmental Seminars: Visiting scientists and senior doctoral students present their research findings to the Department at a regular seminar series throughout the academic year. All graduate students are required to attend the regular seminars and additional special lectures, and are encouraged to attend scientific conferences and symposia. Biochemistry Admission Requirements and Application Procedures: Admission is based on the candidate’s academic record, letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae, and personal statement. A minimum grade point average of 3.2/4.0 (B+) is required. Once a student has submitted all the required documents, the applicant’s file will be reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee. Files that do not meet the minimum requirement will not be considered. Applicants must also be accepted by a research supervisor who is a faculty member or associate member of the Department of Biochemistry. Recommendation for admission will be made once the applicant has secured a supervisor and adequate financial support. Financial support should be in the form of a stipend from the supervisor's research grant or a fellowship held by the student. International Applicants: Applicants to graduate studies 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) must submit the following: - TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): N.B. an institutional version of the TOEFL is not acceptable. Minimum acceptable scores are: IBT (Internet-Based Test): 4.5 overall, no less than 4 in each of the four component scores. or IELTS: (International English Language Testing System): a band score of 6.5 or greater (Academic module) - International students who have received their degree outside North America should submit GRE scores: The GRE is not required but is recommended for international students. [...] || Additional requirements set by the department: - Curriculum Vitae - Personal Statement - Agreement of a faculty member to act as Thesis Supervisor and to provide adequate financial support - Acceptance by a Bioinformatics or Chemical Biology research director · 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: International students who have received their degree outside North America should submit GRE scores: The GRE is not required but is recommended for international students · 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. || Department: Master's students receive a minimum stipend of approximately $23,000 annually; doctoral students receive approximately $24,000. The Department is committed to helping graduate students secure adequate funding for their research. All students are financially supported either by their supervisor or through fellowships or scholarships. Prospective students are urged to make every effort to secure their own funding. Applications may be made for a variety of fellowships administered by the University or by various federal, provincial, or private agencies. For more information on fellowships and awards, see the Graduate Funding website View scholarship page