Sociology (Ph.D.)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Sociology (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/arts/sociology/): Applicants—whether for an M.A. or Ph.D. program—should ideally have a bachelor's degree with a Standing equivalent to a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.3/4.0. The degree may be in sociology or another relevant social science. In the latter case, applicants may be required to take additional sociology courses to fill gaps in their background. The strength of an applicant's academic record is of key importance in considering their application for admission. The Graduate Admissions Committee assesses applications to both the M.A. and Ph.D. programs on the basis of the following required materials: - transcripts for all coursework pursued at the post-secondary level (including those involving transfer credits); - two reference letters; - proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL) only in certain cases; - a personal statement (maximum of 1,000 words, double-spaced); - a writing sample (maximum 30 pages); and - a CV (please note that the GRE is no longer required for admission to the Sociology program). The Department's acceptance rate (approximately 10% of the applicant pool) means that admission to our program is quite competitive. All applicants are required to submit a personal statement (maximum 1,000 words, double-spaced). That statement should: (1) outline the applicant's areas of academic interest (e.g., proposed research topic); (2) identify faculty members of interest (e.g., possible supervisors) and with whom the applicant's research interests align; and (3) discuss future academic and/or career plans. All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact faculty members with whom they may wish to work—in advance of applying—to ascertain their availability (e.g., ensure they will not be on leave, are available to take on more students). Applicants whose mother tongue is not English and who have not completed a degree at a recognized institution where English is the primary language of instruction are required to provide proof of English language proficiency. For further information, see McGill's requirements on English language proficiency. International students may also contact McGill's International Student Services at 514-398-4349 for more information. Applicants who are missing most of the prerequisite courses can be admitted to a Qualifying semester or year, during which they can take the prerequisite courses. During the Qualifying period, students must take a minimum of 12 credits (four courses) per semester. No more than one Qualifying year is permitted. [...] · 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: a CV (please note that the GRE is no longer required for admission to the Sociology program) · 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