Pathology (Ph.D.)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Pathology (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/medicine/): Investigators in a pathology department may be utilizing information and experimental techniques originally developed in almost any area of modern biology and, in return, may contribute new knowledge of benefit to many other disciplines. Research on disease may target any of the organ systems, in normal and abnormal conditions, and studies may be conducted from a structural, functional, or molecular perspective at any level—from the intact organism down to specific components of the individual cell. Research in pathology often provides a unique link to human data, with an opportunity to translate experimental research into improved methods of diagnosis and therapy. The Graduate Studies Program in the Department of Pathology has been designed to achieve three major goals: - To train students in the design, performance, interpretation, and documentation of laboratory research by guiding them as they carry out a thesis project in one of the many sub-disciplines of pathology. - To ensure that students have a comprehensive knowledge of biomedical science, with an advanced and up-to-date understanding of pathology. In addition to the scientific component, Ph.D. candidates should also become familiar with the general principles of diagnostic pathology. Foreign medical graduates should be aware that this level of conceptual knowledge regarding diagnostic procedures is not adequate preparation for clinical employment. Those wishing to practice pathology as a medical specialty should apply for residency training rather than graduate studies. - To provide initial training in effective techniques of scientific communication: organizing and delivering lectures and research seminars, preparing and evaluating manuscripts and grant applications. The Pathology Department offers research training in a wide variety of areas such as: - Cancer research, including the fundamental biology of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, brain tumors, soft tissue tumors, and the mechanisms of metastasis; - Immunology and transplantation; - Autoimmune disorders; - Ophthalmic pathology; - Stem cell biology; - Pulmonary disease; - Neurodegenerative disorders; - Smooth muscle pathophysiology; and - Genomic biology of cancer. Modern techniques and equipment include light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy (both transmission and scanning); laser capture microdissection; mass spectroscopy; DNA and RNA sequencing; single cell-RNA sequencing; spatial transcriptomics; liquid biopsy; machine learning; preclinical model development; organoids; microfluidics; CRISPR/CAS9; transgenic mouse models; [...] || Additional requirements set by the department: - Personal statement - Curriculum vitae - Research proposal (when appropriate) · 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 · 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